NAVAIR

Mission

USN/USMC - - Training and adversary combat tactics.  The aircraft serves in an aggressor-training role with simulation capability of current threat aircraft in fighter combat mode.

Description

The F-16A is a single seat model, single-engine multi-role jet fighter aircraft with superior maneuverability and sophisticated tracking and weapon systems for the interception and attack of other aircraft. The F-16B is a two-seat version typically used for training by a student pilot with an instructor pilot in the rear cockpit. This aircraft is considered to be the most agile modern fighter and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. The F-16 provides excellent flight control through its “fly-by-wire” system, side-stick controller, highly accurate inertial navigation system, UHF/VHF radios, instrument landing system, AN/APG-66/68 radar warning system, and modular countermeasure pods. All F-16s delivered since November 1981 have built-in structural and wiring provisions and systems architecture that permit the multi-role flexibility to perform precision strike, night attack and beyond-visual-range interception missions. Presently, these aircraft are assigned to The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (Top Gun) located at NAS Fallon, Nevada.

Specifications

F-16A

Primary Function: Adversary fighter.
Date Deployed: 2002.
Propulsion: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan engine of 23,000 pounds static sea level thrust each with afterburner.
Length: 47 feet 8 inches (14.52 m).
Wingspan: 31 feet (9.45).
Height: 16 feet 5 inches (5.01 m).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 37,500 (16,875 kilograms).
Airspeed: 1,319 mph (2123 km/h) at 39, 870 ft (12,000 m).
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,420 m).
Range: Max, 1,260 miles (2027 km).
Crew: One.
Prime Contractors:  Lockheed Martin Corp. & Pratt & Whitney.

F-16B

Primary Function: Adversary fighter.
Date Deployed: 2002.
Propulsion: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 turbofan engine of 23,000 pounds static sea level thrust each with afterburner.
Length: 47 feet 8 inches (14.52 m).
Wingspan: 31 feet (9.45).
Height: 16 feet 5 inches (5.01 m).
Weight: Max. gross, take-off: 37,500 (16,875 kilograms).
Airspeed: 1,319 mph (2123 km/h) at 39, 870 ft (12,000 m).
Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,420 m).
Range: Max, 1,260 miles (2027 km).
Crew: Two.
Prime Contractors:  Lockheed Martin Corp. & Pratt & Whitney.

Program Status

Production Phase: Operational
Inventory: F-16A – 10; F-16B – 4.
Initial Operational Capability Date: F-16A – 2002; F-16B - 2002