General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon variants
F-16 Fighting Falcon | |
---|---|
A USAF F-16C over Iraq in 2008 | |
Role | Multirole fighter aircraft |
National origin | United States |
Manufacturer | General Dynamics Lockheed Martin |
First flight | 20 January 1974 |
Introduction | 17 August 1978 |
Status | In service, in production |
Primary users | operators page )
|
Number built | 4,500+ |
Variants | General Dynamics F-16 VISTA
|
Developed into | Vought Model 1600 General Dynamics F-16XL Mitsubishi F-2 |
A large number of variants of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon have been produced by General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and various licensed manufacturers. The details of the F-16 variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F-16, are described below.
Pre-production variants
YF-16
Two single-seat YF-16 prototypes were built for the
- 72-1567 - on display at the Virginia Air and Space Science Center in Hampton, Virginia.[2]
- 72-1568 - under restoration for display at the Fort Worth Aviation Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.[3]
F-16 FSD
In January 1975, the Air Force ordered eight full-scale development (FSD) F-16s – six single-seat F-16A and a pair of two-seat F-16B – for test and evaluation. The first FSD F-16A flew on 8 December 1976 and the first FSD F-16B on 8 August 1977. Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs.[4]
- F-16A (FSD)
- 75-745 - modified as F-16/101 with GE F101 engine. Used as a travelling exhibit for USAF recruiting service.
- 75-746 - Gate guard at McEntire ANGB, South Carolina.
- 75-747 - modified as F-16XL/B with cranked-arrow. On display at the Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base near Rosamond, California.[5]
- 75-748 - on display at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- 75-749 - modified as F-16XL/A with cranked-arrow wing. In storage at the Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base near Rosamond, California.[5]
- 75-750 - modified as AFTI test bed. In storage at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.[6]
- F-16B (FSD)
- 75-751 - in storage at the Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base near Rosamond, California.[5]
- 75-752 - modified as Wild Weasel test bed, later modified as Dallas, Texas.[7]
Main production variants
Blocks | Models | Engine |
---|---|---|
1–15 | F-16A / B | PW F100-PW-200 |
15OCU, 20 | F-16A / B | PW F100-PW-220 |
25,32,42 | F-16C / D | PW F100-PW-220E |
30,40 | F-16C / D | GE F110-GE-100 |
50,70 | F-16C / D / V | GE F110-GE-129 |
52,72 | F-16C / D / V | PW F100-PW-229 |
60 | F-16E / F | GE F110-GE-132 |
F-16A/B
The F-16A (single seat) and F-16B (two seat) were initially equipped with the
F-16A/B Block 1/5/10
Early blocks (Block 1/5/10) featured relatively minor differences between each. Most were later upgraded to the Block 10 configuration in the early 1980s. There were 94 Block 1, 197 Block 5, and 312 Block 10 aircraft produced. Block 1 is the early production model with the radome painted black.
It was discovered that the Block 1 aircraft's black radome became an obvious visual identification cue at long range, so the color of the radome was changed to the low-visibility grey for Block 5 aircraft. During the operation of F-16 Block 1, it was discovered that rainwater could accumulate in certain spots within the fuselage, so drainage holes were drilled in the forward fuselage and tail fin area for Block 5 aircraft.
The Soviet Union significantly reduced the export of titanium during the late 1970s, so the manufacturers of the F-16 used aluminum instead wherever practical. New methods were also used: the corrugated aluminum is bolted to the epoxy surface for Block 10 aircraft, replacing the old method of
F-16A/B Block 15
The first major change in the F-16, the Block 15 aircraft featured larger horizontal stabilators, the addition of two
F-16A/B Block 20
Block 20 added some F-16C/D block 50/52 capabilities: improved
F-16C/D
F-16C (single seat) and F-16D (two seat).
F-16C/D Block 25
The Block 25 F-16C first flew in June 1984 and entered USAF service in September. The aircraft version is fitted with the Westinghouse
F-16C/D Block 30/32
This was the first block of F-16s affected by the Alternative Fighter Engine project under which aircraft were fitted with the traditional Pratt & Whitney engines or, for the first time, the General Electric F110-GE-100. From this point on, blocks ending in "0" (e.g., Block 30) are powered by GE, and blocks ending in "2" (e.g., Block 32) are fitted with Pratt & Whitney engines.
The first Block 30 F-16 entered service in 1987. Major differences include the carriage of the
The Air National Guard procured many upgrades for their fleet of aging block 30/32s including the addition of improved
F-16C/D Block 40/42
Entering service in 1988, the Block 40/42 is the improved all-day/all-weather strike variant equipped with
F-16C/D Block 50/52
The first Block 50 F-16 was delivered in late 1991; the aircraft is equipped with improved GPS/INS, and can carry an additional selection of advanced missiles: the AGM-88 HARM missile, JDAM, JSOW and WCMD.[14] Block 50 aircraft are powered by the F110-GE-129 while the Block 52 jets use the F100-PW-229.[citation needed] Iraq was supplied 36 Block 50/52 jets, 24 single-seat and 12 twin-seat, that are also known by the designation F-16IQ.[15]
F-16C/D Block 50/52 Plus
This variant's main differences are the addition of support for
The CFTs are mounted above the wing, on both sides of the fuselage and are easily removable. They provide 440 US gallons (1,665 L) or approximately 3,000 pounds (1,400 kg) of additional fuel, allowing increased range or time on station and free up hardpoints for weapons instead of underwing fuel tanks.[16] All two-seat "Plus" aircraft have the enlarged avionics dorsal spine compartment which is located behind the cockpit and extends to the tail. It adds 30 cu ft (850 L) to the airframe for more avionics with only small increases in weight and drag.[17]
Poland took delivery of its first F-16C Block 52+ aircraft on 15 September 2006. The "Poland Peace Sky program" includes 36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds. All 48 aircraft were delivered in 2008.[18] The Hellenic Air Force took delivery of its first F-16C Block 52+ aircraft on 2 May 2003. The Hellenic Air Force is the first Air Force in the world to operate this F-16 type.[19] The total Greek order was 60 F-16C/D.[20] The Israeli F-16I and its Singapore equivalent variant are based on the block 52+ aircraft. In March 2010, it was announced that the Egyptian Air Force would purchase 20 Block 52 aircraft (16 F-16Cs and 4 F-16Ds), the first of which arrived for testing in April 2012.[21]
Under the PEACE ONYX III CCIP program, 165 of Turkish Air Force's F-16s have been upgraded to Block 50+ standards by Turkish Aerospace Industries.[22]
The Pakistan Air Force bought 12 F-16C and 6 F-16D Block 52+.
F-16E/F
F-16E (single seat) and F-16F (two seat). Originally, the single-seat version of the
F-16E/F Block 60
The Block 60 was designed for the
The Block 60 allows the carriage of all Block 50/52-compatible weaponry as well as
In 2014 the UAE requested an upgrade to Block 61, along with the purchase of 30 more aircraft at that level. However, the UAE cancelled the order of buying and upgrading the F-16E/F Block 61.
F-16V
On 15 February 2012, Lockheed Martin unveiled a new version of their F-16 at the 2012 Singapore Airshow.[27] The F-16V will feature enhancements including an AN/APG-83 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, an upgraded mission computer and architecture, and improvements to the cockpit – all capabilities identified by the U.S. Air Force and several international customers for future improvements. The new variant is dubbed the "Viper", which is intended to better operate with fifth-generation fighters, and should not be confused with Lockheed's F-16IN Block 70/72 "Super Viper", which was offered to India for the Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft competition and showcased at the 2009 Aero India Air Show.[28] "The new F-16V will become the new F-16 baseline," said George Standridge, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics' vice president of business development. On 16 October 2015, the F-16V flew for the first time with an APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar AESA, a new Center Pedestal Display, a modernized mission computer, Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System, and many other upgrades. This can be fitted on new production F-16s or retrofitted on existing ones.[29] The first of these were for Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan) F-16A/B Block 20s. The upgrade of its 144 aircraft fleet started in January 2017 and is expected to complete by 2023.[30] In 2019, Taiwan and the United States signed an $8 billion deal that would deliver 66 new-build Block 70 aircraft.[31][32]
F-16 Block 70/72
In September 2017, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Bahrain for 19 new-build F-16V and upgrade its 20 existing F-16C/D Block 40 to F-16V standard.
In June 2018, Bahrain finalized its order for 16 new-build F-16V.[33]
In October 2017, the US approved the sale of 123 upgrade kits to Greece to bring their existing F-16C and D fighters up to the new F-16V standard.[34] On 28 April 2018, Greece decided to upgrade 84 aircraft.[35]
South Korea also plans to upgrade 134 of its F-16C/D fleet to F-16V standard by November 2025.[36]
In April 2018, the US State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to Slovakia for 14 new F-16Vs, pending approval from U.S. Congress.[37] The Defence Ministry of Slovakia announced on 11 July 2018 that it intends to purchase 14 F-16 Block 70 aircraft from Lockheed Martin to replace its aging fleet of Mikoyan MiG-29s.[38] The package, which includes armament and training, is worth €1.58 billion ($1.8 billion), and is Slovakia's largest military purchase in modern history. Defence Minister Peter Gajdoš signed the contract with Lockheed Martin representative Ana Wugofski in a press conference at the capital Bratislava on 12 December 2018.[39] after the government approved the purchase.[40][41][42][43] The first completed jet was unveiled by the manufacturer on 7 September 2023,[44] and first two aircraft were delivered to Slovakia on 10 January 2024.[45]
In December 2018, Bulgaria chose sixteen F-16Vs as replacements for MiG-29s.[citation needed] On 10 July 2019, Bulgaria approved the purchase of eight F-16 Block 70/72 for $1.25 billion (~$1.47 billion in 2023).[46] On 4 November 2022, the Bulgarian parliament approved the purchase of 8 more F-16V for $1.3 billion.[47]
Republic of China Air Force (Taiwan)
On 27 February 2019, Taiwan requested to buy 66 new F-16 Block 70/72 airframes for an approximate $13 billion (~$15.3 billion in 2023) as replacement for their aging Mirage 2000 and F-5 fighters.[48]
On 16 August 2019, the US State Department submitted the package to Congress,[49] total package worth $8 billion (~$9.4 billion in 2023) for 66 F-16 Block 70 and other spare parts.[50] On 13 December 2019, the US and Taiwan finalized the F-16V order.[51] On 14 August 2020, Taiwan formally signed an agreement to buy 66 F-16V jets built by Lockheed Martin.[52]
On 25 March 2019, the US Department of Defense announced approvals for two sets of foreign military sales of F-16V hardware to Morocco; one for upgrading its existing 23 F-16s to the F-16V configuration, valued at $985.2 million; and the second for a batch of 25 new Block 72 airframes, 29 new engines, a package of precision-guided munitions, and training valued at $3.787 billion.[53][54]
On 3 March 2020, It was announced that instead of upgrading,
On 30 September 2021, Turkey sent a formal request to the United States to purchase 40 new
Other
In May 2021, the U.S. Air Force had awarded a $14 billion (~$15.5 billion in 2023) contract to Lockheed Martin to build new 128 Block 70/72 F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jets on behalf of Bahrain, Slovakia, Bulgaria, Taiwan, Morocco and Jordan through 2026.[57][58]
Major modification variants
F-16A/B Block 15 ADF
The F-16 Air Defense Fighter (ADF) was a special variant of the Block 15 optimized for the United States
F-16A/B Block 15 OCU
Beginning in January 1988, all Block 15 F-16A/B were delivered with an Operational Capability Upgrade (OCU). The Block 15 OCU aircraft incorporate the wide-angle HUD that was first introduced on the F-16C/D Block 25, more reliable F100-PW-220 turbofans, updated defensive systems, the ability to fire the
F-16AM/BM Block 15 MLU
In 1989 a two-year study began regarding possible mid-life upgrades for the USAF's and
Development began in May 1991 and continued until 1997; however, the USAF withdrew from the MLU program in 1992, although it did procure the modular mission computer for its Block 50/52 aircraft.[63][64]
The first of five prototype conversions flew on 28 April 1995, and the first production kits were delivered in November 1996.[65] The original plans called for the production of 553 kits (110 for Belgium, 63 for Denmark, 172 for the Netherlands, 57 for Norway, and 130 for the USAF). Final orders amounted to 325 kits (72 for Belgium, 61 for Denmark, 136 for the Netherlands, and 56 for Norway). The EPAFs re-designated the F-16A/B aircraft receiving the MLU as F-16AM/BM, respectively. Portugal later joined the program and the first of 20 aircraft was redelivered on 26 June 2003, with another 20 scheduled to go through the update in-country. In recent years, Chile, Jordan, and Pakistan have purchased surplus Dutch and Belgian F-16AM/BM for their air forces.[64]
The development of new software and hardware modifications continues under the MLU program. The M3 software tape was installed in parallel with the Falcon STAR structural upgrade to bring the F-16AM/BM up to the standards of the USAF's Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP). A total of 296 M3 kits (72 for Belgium, 59 for Denmark, 57 for Norway, and 108 for the Netherlands) were ordered for delivery from 2002 to 2007; installation is anticipated to be completed in 2010. A M4 tape has also been developed that adds the ability to use additional weapons and the
Pakistan finished upgrading 41 F-16 Block 15s to Block 15 MLU in 2014 with help of Turkish Aerospace Industries, after signing a contract in 2009.[66][67]
Within the Peace Carpathian program, the F-16 aircraft purchased by the
Plans to further upgrade Romanian F-16s to the M.6.5.2 configuration were approved by the US in 2020.[69][71]
F-16C/D Block 30 F-16N/TF-16N
The U.S. Navy acquired 22 modified Block 30 F-16Cs for use as adversary assets for
In 2002, the Navy began to receive 14 F-16A and B models from the
F-16CJ/DJ Block 50D/52D
An unknown number of Block 50/52 aircraft have been delivered to the USAF modified to perform the
F-16C/D Block 52M
In 2005, the Greek government ordered 30 more
air base.F-16I Sufa
The F-16I is a two-seat variant of the Block 52 developed for the Israeli Defense Force – Air Force (IDF/AF).[73] Israel issued a requirement in September 1997 and selected the F-16 in preference to the F-15I in July 1999. An initial "Peace Marble V" contract was signed on 14 January 2000 with a follow-on contract signed on 19 December 2001, for a total procurement of 102 aircraft. The F-16I, which is called Sufa (Storm) by the IDF/AF, first flew on 23 December 2003, and deliveries to the IDF/AF began on 19 February 2004.[74] The F-16I has an estimated unit cost of approximately US$70 million (2006).[75]
One major deviation of the F-16I from the Block 52 is that approximately 50% of the
Special mission variants
A-16
The A-16 began as a late-1980s GD project to develop a
F/A-16
A second outcome of that directive was a decision by the Air Force that, instead of upgrading the A-10, it would seek to retrofit 400 Block 30/32 F-16s as with new equipment to perform both CAS and battlefield air interdiction (BAI) missions. The new systems for this "F/A-16" Block 30 included a digital terrain-mapping system[77] and Global Positioning System (GPS) integration for improved navigational and weapons delivery accuracy, as well as an Automatic Target Handoff System (ATHS) to allow direct digital target/mission data exchange between the pilot and ground units. This approach, however, was dropped in January 1992 in favor of equipping Block 40/42 F-16C/Ds with LANTIRN pods.[23]
Other CAS initiatives
In 1991, 24 F-16A/B Block 10 aircraft belonging to the
F-16A(R)
About two dozen F-16As of the
Beginning in 1995, the
F-16 Recce
The first reconnaissance variant was a USAF F-16D experimentally configured in 1986 with a centerline multi-sensor bathtub-style pod. The USAF decided in 1988 to replace the aging
RF-16A/C
The designation RF-16A is used, though, by the Royal Danish Air Force. In early 1994, 10 Danish F-16A were redesignated as RF-16A tactical recce aircraft, replacing the RF-35 Drakens withdrawn at the end of 1993. As a temporary measure they were originally fitted with the Drakens' optical cameras and electro-optical (E-O) sensors repackaged in a Per Udsen 'Red Baron' recce pod, which were replaced a few years later by Per Udsen's Modular Reconnaissance Pod (MRP).[78][81]
Major upgrade programs
F-16 MSIP
In 1980, General Dynamics, the USAF's F-16 System Program Office (SPO), and the
The first stage, MSIP I, began in February 1980 and it introduced the new technologies that defined the Block 15 aircraft. Fundamentally, MSIP I improvements were focused on reducing the cost of retrofitting future systems. These included structural and wiring provisions for a wide-field-of-view raster HUD; multi-function displays (MFD); advanced fire control computer and central weapons interface unit; integrated Communications/Navigation/Identification (CNI) system; beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles, electro-optical and target acquisition pods, and internal electronic countermeasures (ECM) systems; and increased-capacity environmental control and electrical power systems. Delivery of the first USAF MSIP I Block 15 aircraft occurred in November 1981, and work on the first EPG MSIP I aircraft began in May 1982.[72][84]
MSIP II began in May 1981, leading to the F-16C/D Block 25/30/32. Block 25 added systems which the MSIP I provisions had enabled. The first MSIP II F-16C Block 25 was delivered in July 1984. Block 30/32 takes advantage of the Alternative Fighter Engine program that offered a choice between two engines for the F-16: the General Electric F110-GE-100 (Block 30) as well as the newly upgraded Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 (Block 32). To take full advantage of the higher-thrust GE engine, a larger, modular air inlet duct was fitted on Block 30s. MSIP II capabilities introduced on the Block 30/32 also included the ability to target multiple aircraft with the AMRAAM; range, resolution, and signal processor improvements to the AN/APG-68 radar; a ring laser gyroscope; ALQ-213 electronic warfare system; added cooling air capacity for the more powerful avionics suite; and employment of the AGM-45 Shrike anti-radiation missiles. The first Block 30 was delivered in July 1986.[72][85]
MSIP III produced the Block 40/42/50/52. Initiated in June 1985, the first MSIP III Block 40 was delivered in December 1988, and the first Block 50 followed in October 1991. Introduced in the MSIP III Block 40/42 were LANTIRN navigation and targeting pods, along with the related
Although only three stages had been originally planned, GD proposed an MSIP IV segment (marketed as 'Agile Falcon'), but this was rejected by the Air Force in 1989. However, most of its elements – such as extensive avionics upgrades, color displays, an electronic warfare management system (EWMS), reconnaissance pods, AIM-9X Sidewinder infrared air-to-air missile integration, and helmet-mounted sights – have been introduced since that time.[72][87][88]
Pacer Loft I and II
F-16A/B Blocks 1 and 5 were upgraded to the Block 10 standard under a two-phase program: Pacer Loft I (1982–1983) and Pacer Loft II (1983–1984).[59]
Falcon UP
Although the F-16 was originally designed with an expected service life of 8,000 flying hours, actual operational usage has proven to be more severe than expected and this has been exacerbated by its growing weight as more systems and structure have been added to the aircraft. As a result, the anticipated average service life of the F-16A/B had fallen to only 5,500 flying hours. Beginning in the early 1990s, the Falcon UP program restored the 8,000-hour capability for the USAF's Block 40/42 aircraft. Pleased with the results, the USAF extended the Falcon UP effort to provide a Service Life Improvement Program (SLIP) for its Block 25 and 30/32 aircraft to ensure 6000 flying hours, and a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) for its F-16A/B aircraft to assure their achieving 8,000 hours.[89][90]
Falcon STAR
Falcon STAR (STructural Augmentation Roadmap) is a program to repair and replace critical airframe components on all F-16A/B/C/D aircraft; like Falcon UP, it is intended to ensure an 8000-hour service life, but it is based on more recent operational usage statistics. The first redelivery occurred in February 2004, and in 2007 the USAF announced that it would upgrade 651 Block 40/42/50/52 F-16s; this is expected to extend the Falcon STAR program, which began in 1999, through 2014.[89][90]
F-16 ACE
Israel Aircraft Industries developed an open-architecture avionics suite upgrade for its F-16s known as the Avionics Capabilities Enhancement (ACE). It introduced the first "full-glass cockpit" on an operational F-16, and featured an advanced fire-control radar, an Up Front Control Panel (UFCP), and an option for a wide-angle HUD or a helmet-mounted display. The first flight of an F-16B equipped with ACE was accomplished in May 2001. The ACE upgrade was not taken up by the Israeli Air Force, which ordered a second batch of the F-16I instead; IAI offered ACE to Venezuela, but the U.S. government blocked it and stated that it would only permit elements of ACE, not the whole suite, to be exported.[91][92]
F-16 Falcon ONE
F-16 CCIP
The Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP) was a $2 billion modernization effort that sought to standardize all USAF Block 40/42/50/52 F-16s to a common Block 50/52-based avionics software and hardware configuration for simplified training and maintenance. Lockheed Martin received a contract to develop the first phase CCIP configuration upgrade packages in June 1998; kit production work started in 2000, and deliveries began in July 2001.[95][96] In 2007, Korean Air was awarded a USAF contract for F-16 upgrades, which included both CCIP, Falcon-STAR, and Drop in Maintenance works. 100 USAF F-16s were to be upgraded and maintained by Korean Air under the contract. The upgrade program would extend the F-16's flying hours from 6,000 to 8,000 hours. The work would continue for six years until 2013.[97]
Phase 1 of the CCIP added new Modular Mission Computers, color cockpit display kits and advanced IFF systems to domestically based Block 50/52 aircraft, and introduced the new
The ongoing Phase 3 effort is focused on Block 40/42 F-16s. Development began in July 2003 and by June 2007 Lockheed Martin had completed roughly a quarter of the USAF's Block 40/42 fleet. Phase 3 incorporates the M3+ Operational Flight Program (OFP) which extends the capabilities of the first two phases to the Block 40/42 fleet and adds Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS), the new NATO-standard datalink network. Development of an M4+ OFP began in late 2002; this update will allow use of the Raytheon AIM-9X on Block 40/42/50/52 aircraft. Northrop Grumman was awarded a contract in early 2004 to develop an M5+ upgrade kit to update the AN/APG-68(V)5 radars on the Block 40/42/50/52 Falcons to the AN/APG-68(V)9 standard; upgrading of Block 40/42 aircraft began in 2007 and is to become operational on the Block 50/52 aircraft by 2010. An M6+ OFP is under consideration, and could include integration of the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) on CCIP aircraft, which is planned to begin in fiscal year 2012.[95]
Turkey became the first international customer for the CCIP update with the signing of a $1.1 billion contract on 26 April 2005 to upgrade an initial 80 Block 40/50 and 37 Block 30 F-16C/Ds to an equivalent of the Phase 3/M5+ OFP standard under the "Peace Onyx III"
CUPID
The Combat Upgrade Plan Integration Details (CUPID) effort is an ongoing initiative to bring older U.S. Air National Guard and
F-16C/D Barak 2020
In 2011[99] Israeli Air force announced an upgrade program of its aging F-16C/D (blocks 30 and 40) fleet, to make it valuable in 2020 and even later. The upgrade included installation of newer avionics, new wiring more, which made these block 30/40 airframes closer to IAFs I (Sufa) model (in itself upgraded block 52+ F-16D). The upgrade program was completed in 2014.[100]
F-16C/D Özgür/Özgür II
In 2012, the Turkish Air Force announced the modernization of 35 of its F-16 Block 30 aircraft. Replacements within the scope of the modernization include: a Turkish mission computer, secure voice radio module, and IFF system; and upgrades to various other instrumentation and avionics systems. In 2023, it was announced that the upgrade will be applied to other F-16 aircraft starting with the Block 40 variants in the Turkish Air Force.[101]
Another important project carried out with ÖZGÜR is the domestic Active Electronic Phased Array (AESA) radar developed by Aselsan. The radar will first be installed on Baykar's AKINCI UCAV before being tested and integrated on the F-16.[101][102][103] Within the scope of ÖZGÜR II program, modernization will be applied to F-16 Block 40/50 with an additional upgrade to Block 30s which will include obtaining External Load Certification for various ammunition types, miniature bombs, and the ASELPOD targeting pod. The project also aims to incorporate communications and radio equipment and facilitate the integration of Bozdoğan and HGK-82 munitions into the Block 30s.[101]
F-16 C/D Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT)
In 2022, the United States Air Force announced the modernization of 608 of its F-16 Block 40 and F-16 Block 50 to F-16 Block 70 (F-16V) standard.[104]
Technology demonstrators, and test variants
Flight control variants
YF-16 CCV
The initial YF-16 prototype was reconfigured in December 1975 to serve as the USAF Flight Dynamics Laboratory's Control-Configured Vehicle (CCV) testbed. The CCV concept entails "decoupling" the aircraft's
F-16 SFW
General Dynamics was one of several U.S. aircraft makers awarded a contract by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) in 1976 to develop proposals for an experimental forward-swept wing test aircraft. GD's entry, the Swept Forward Wing (SFW) F-16, had a slightly lengthened fuselage to accommodate the larger, advanced composites wing. In January 1981, DARPA selected Grumman's entry, which became known as the X-29A. Although the SFW F-16 was not chosen, the X-29 incorporated some of the F-16's features, particularly its FBW flight control system and its undercarriage.[108]
F-16XL
The F-16XL featured a novel 'cranked-arrow' type of
In late 1988, the two prototypes were taken out of storage and turned over to the
F-16X Falcon 2000
In 1993 Lockheed proposed development of a new version of the venerable F-16. This F-16X "Falcon 2000" featured a
NF-16D/VISTA/MATV
In the late 1980s, General Dynamics and General Electric began exploring the application of
Meanwhile, General Dynamics had received a contract in 1988 to develop the Variable-stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA). The
In 1993, the variable-stability computers and center stick were temporarily removed from the VISTA for flight tests for the MATV program, under which the first use of thrust-vectoring in flight was accomplished on 30 July. Thrust-vectoring was enabled through the use of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN). Following the conclusion of MATV testing in March 1994, the VISTA variable-stability computers were reinstalled. In 1996 a program was begun to fit the NF-16D with a multi-directional thrust-vectoring nozzle, but the program was canceled due to lack of funding later that year. Although the F-16 VISTA program was considered successful, thrust vectoring was not taken up for the F-16 by the U.S. Air Force.[114][115]
F-16U
The F-16U was one of several configurations proposed for the United Arab Emirates in the early 1990s. The F-16U was a two-seat aircraft that combined many features of the F-16XL and the delta wing of the F-16X.[116]
F-16 Advanced Fighter Technology Integration
In March 1980, General Dynamics began converting the sixth FSD F-16A to serve as the technology demonstrator aircraft for the joint Flight Dynamics Laboratory-NASA Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) program. The AFTI F-16 built upon GD's experience with its YF-16 CCV program, and the AFTI F-16 even received the twin pivoting vertical ventral fins from the CCV aircraft, which were likewise installed under the air intake. The aircraft was also fitted with a narrow dorsal fairing along its spine to house additional electronics. Technologies introduced and tested on the AFTI F-16 include a full-authority triplex Digital Flight Control System (DFCS), a six-degree-of-freedom Automated Maneuvering Attack System (AMAS), a 256-word-capacity
The AFTI F-16 participated in numerous research and development programs:[118]
- AFTI Phase I testing (1981–1983): a program to review the DFCS system, which undertook analysis of the VCID, to assess the impact of noise and g-force on speech recognition rates.[119]
- AFTI Phase II testing (1983–1987): evaluation of the wing-root-mounted FLIR and the AMAS system.
- Auto GCAS development and testing (1986–1992): In 1986, members of the AFTI flight test team, in collaboration with General Dynamics, adapted the automated maneuvering capabilities with new ground collision avoidance equations and modified visual and aural cues to develop an automated ground collision avoidance (auto-GCAS) system. The system enabled pilots to set a mean sea level or above ground level floor for maneuvering, and included aural and visual warnings as the floor was approached. With no pilot action, the Auto-GCAS would take over and perform a 5-G pull up. This Auto-GCAS, which began flight testing in 1987, was intended to help reduce the incidence of "controlled flight into terrain" (CFIT) accidents. Later versions of the AFTI system included integration with the digital terrain database to provide 3-dimensional maneuvering capabilities. The flight test team that developed the system was awarded Patent No. US 4924401 A in 1990 for this system. This AFTI Auto-GCAS became the basis for the AGCAS system tested in 1994-96 and later incorporated into the F-16, F-22 and F-35.
- CAS/BAI (1988–1992): a five-phase evaluation program testing a variety of low-level close air support/battlefield air interdiction (CAS/BAI) techniques, including an Automatic Target Handoff System (ATHS) (which transferred target data from ground stations or other aircraft to the AFTI F-16) and off-axis weapons launch.
- Talon Sword Bravo (1993–1994): demonstration of cooperative engagement techniques where the aircraft fires at a target based on targeting information datalinked from a distant sensor; the weapon principally investigated was the AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile(HARM).
- EGI (1994 & 1997): testing of embedded GPS/INS (EGI) navigation systems, including evaluation of the reliability of GPS in jamming environments.
- AGCAS (1994–96): testing of an Automatic Ground Collision Avoidance System (AGCAS or Auto-GCAS) to help reduce the incidence of "controlled flight into terrain" (CFIT); lessons learned from this program were further evolved on the F-16 GCAS.
- J/IST (1997–2000): testing of the world's first all-electric flight control system under the Joint Strike Fighter Integrated Subsystem Technologies (J/IST) program.
F-16 GCAS
Due to the unavailability of the AFTI F-16 following the AGCAS effort, a Block 25 F-16D was modified for continued investigation of ground collision-avoidance system (GCAS) technologies to reduce CFIT incidents; this joint effort by the USAF, Lockheed Martin, NASA and the Swedish Air Force was conducted during 1997–98.[120] It has recently been reported that the US Air Force had decided to upgrade the F-16, F-22 and F-35 (all Lockheed Martin-designed, fly-by-wire fighters) with the AGCAS system.[121]
F-16 Agile Falcon
The F-16 Agile Falcon was a variant proposed by General Dynamics in 1984 that featured a 25% larger wing, upgraded engine, and some already planned MSIP IV improvements for the basic F-16. Unsuccessfully offered as a low-cost alternative for the Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) competition, some of its capabilities were incorporated into the F-16C/D Block 40, and the Agile Falcon would serve as the basis for developing Japan's F-2 fighter.[122]
F-16 ES
The F-16 Enhanced Strategic (ES) was an extended-range variant of the F-16C/D fitted with conformal fuel tanks that granted it a 40% greater range over the standard Block 50. The F-16ES also featured an internal FLIR system, which offered the capabilities of the LANTIRN navigation and targeting system without the drag associated with external pods. Unsuccessfully offered to Israel as an alternative to the F-15I Strike Eagle in late 1993, it was one of several configuration options offered to the United Arab Emirates that would ultimately lead to the development of the F-16E/F Block 60 for that nation. An F-16C Block 30 was modified to the ES configuration to test the conformal tanks and simulated FLIR sensor turrets fitted above and below the nose of the aircraft. The F-16ES first flew on 5 November 1994 and flight testing was completed in January 1995.[123][124]
F-16 LOAN
The F-16 Low-Observable Axisymmetric Nozzle (LOAN) demonstrator was an F-16C fitted in late 1996 with a prototype nozzle with significantly reduced radar and infrared signatures and lowered maintenance requirements. It was tested in November 1996 to evaluate the technology for the
F-16D 'CK-1'
F-16 DSI
The DSI concept (
Engine variants
F-16/79
In response to President
F-16/101
In February 1979, General Electric was awarded a $79.9 million (~$271 million in 2023) (1979) contract under the joint USAF/Navy Derivative Fighter Engine (DFE) program to develop a variant of its
Proposed and other variants
Vought Model 1600/1601/1602
The Vought/General Dynamics Model 1600 was a
F-16BR Block 62+ Super Viper
For the F-X2 fighter programme for the Brazilian Air Force, Lockheed Martin offered the F-16BR Super Viper. The F-16BR is based on the F-16E/F Block 60 and features conformal fuel tanks; AN/APG-80 AESA radar, GE F110-132A engine with FADEC controls; electronic warfare suite and infra-red searching (IRST); updated glass cockpit; and a helmet-mounted cueing system. F-16BR lost in the competition with JAS-39 Gripen E.[132]
F-16IN Block 70/72 Super Viper
Lockheed Martin has proposed an advanced variant, the F-16IN, as its candidate for India's 126-aircraft
If selected as the winner of the competition, Lockheed Martin will supply the first 18 aircraft, and will set up an assembly line in India in collaboration with Indian partners for production of the remainder. The program is reportedly worth up to Rs. 550 billion (US$14 billion).[136][137] The F-16IN Super Viper was showcased in the Aero India, 2009.[138]
India initially sent the RFI for an F-16C/D Block 52+ configuration aircraft for the ongoing Indian MRCA competition to supply the Indian Air Force with 126 Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, to replace the Indian air force's fleet of MiG-21s. On 17 January 2008, Lockheed Martin offered a customized version of the F-16, the F-16IN Super Viper for the Indian MMRCA contract.[139] The F-16IN, which is similar to the F-16 Block 60, will be a 4.5 generation aircraft.
Lockheed Martin has described the F-16IN as "the most advanced and capable F-16 ever." Based closely on the F-16E/F Block 60 as supplied to the UAE, the features on the F-16IN include
In September 2009, F-16IN Super Viper completed a part of the field trials. Lockheed Martin officials stated that phase I of field trials was over and the week-long training phase was in preparation for Phase II of field trials, which began 7 September and lasted two weeks.
Eventually, the F-16IN Super Viper lost out to the French Dassault Rafale fighter. It was reported 21 September 2012 that the Indian air force would finalize a contract to purchase 126 French Rafale jet fighters that year, in one of 2012's largest armament purchases.[143] The contract for the 126 Rafale twin-engine, canard delta-wing, multirole combat aircraft is worth $20 billion, Indo-Asian News Service reported.
In 2015, after the Rafale order was cut back to just 36 aircraft, Lockheed was offering India the exclusive opportunity to produce, operate and export F-16 Block 70 aircraft.[144]
In 2017, the F-16IN lost in the competition with JAS-39 Gripen E, when Lockheed retired from production in India and decided to move its production line from Fort Worth, Texas to Greenville, South Carolina.[145]
As of 2017, Lockheed Martin has agreed to sign a letter of intent with the Indian defence firm Tata Advanced Systems Limited to manufacture the jets in India if the Indian government accepts their tender for India's request for a purchase of single-engine aircraft to replace its aging MIG fighters. The new production line can be utilized to supply jets to India as well as for exporting them overseas.[146]
KF-16
In late 2011, Korea kicked off the contest for KF-16's mid-life upgrade, which will incorporate, among others, a new AESA radar.[152] The radar candidates are Northrop Grumman's Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR) and Raytheon's RANGR, which won the contract.[153] The variant to which the planes will be improved is reported to be Lockheed Martin's newly developed F-16V. The KF-16 will also be integrated with stealth cruise missiles.[154] The proposed budget for the avionics upgrades and weapons integration of 135 KF-16 planes is $1 billion.[155] ROKAF had requested a separate upgrade of its 35 F-16 Block 32 in 2009, which would allow the upgraded planes to employ JDAM, AMRAAM, improved data modem, secure voice capabilities, test and support equipment, and other related training and logistics support. The estimated cost of the upgrade was $250 million.[156] BAE won the contract for $1.1 billion.[157]
GF-16
Small numbers of each type of F-16A/B/C are used for non-flying ground instruction of maintenance personnel.
QF-16
The USAF plans to convert Block 15 F-16As, and Block 25, 30 F-16Cs into full-scale
On 22 April 2010, the first F-16 to be converted to an aerial target arrived at Boeing's facility at
On 19 September 2013, an empty F-16 jet tested by Boeing and US Air Force, two US Air Force pilots controlled the plane from the ground as it flew from Tyndall Air Force Base, Panama City, Florida.[165] Boeing suggested that the innovation could ultimately be used to help train pilots, providing an adversary they could practice firing on. The jet – which had previously sat mothballed at an Arizona site for 15 years – flew at an altitude of 40,000 ft (12.2 km) and a speed of Mach 1.47 (1,119 mph/1,800 km/h). It carried out a series of maneuvers including a barrel roll and a "split S" – a move in which the aircraft turns upside down before making a half loop so that it flies the right-way-up in the opposite direction. This can be used in combat to evade missile lock-ons. The firm added that the flight attained 7 g of acceleration but was capable of carrying out maneuvers at 9 g – something that might cause physical problems for a pilot.[166] Boeing was awarded the contract on 10 October 2013 for low-rate initial production (LRIP) Lot 1 of 13 QF-16s. A second award on 20 May 2014 covered production Lot 2, comprising a further 23 QF-16s. On 27 March 2015, Boeing received a US$24.46 million (~$30.7 million in 2023) contract for 25 Lot 3 QF-16s and 25 four-year warranties of the QF-16 drone-peculiar equipment. The first production Lot 1 FSAT, QF-16C, 86-0233, 'QF-007', was delivered on 11 March 2015 to Tyndall Air Force Base. It was previously operated by the Michigan Air National Guard's 107th Fighter Squadron, 127th Wing and then stored at the 309th AMARG before being moved to Cecil Field in April 2013 for QF-16 configuring.[167]
On 19 July 2017, the first QF-16 was shot down during a Combat Archer Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) exercise.[168]
In 2017, a QF-16 was used as a UCAV, autonomously attacking a ground target as a part of the "
F-21
Lockheed Martin unveiled the F-21 concept at the Aero India air show on 20 February 2019. The F-21 combines the F-16 Block 70/72 configuration with a single-panel cockpit, avionics resembling the F-35's integrated cockpit display, AN/APG-83 AESA radar, a triple-rail AIM-120 launcher, and integrated probe-and-drogue conformal fuel tanks from the former F-16IN.[170][171]
The F-21 is Lockheed Martin's latest proposal for India's US$15 billion tender for a domestically produced fighter; Lockheed Martin had previously proposed the F-16IN. The F-21 would be built in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems.[172][173][174]
Derivative fighters
The performance and flexibility of the F-16 has been an important and visible influence on aircraft development programs of three nations seeking to advance the design and manufacturing skills of their indigenous aerospace industries. These programs have partnered with Lockheed Martin to develop airframes, that while not officially designated F-16s, share design elements and a development path with the F-16.
AIDC F-CK-1A/B Ching Kuo Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF)
Due to an American refusal to supply Taiwan with either the F-16/79 or F-20, the Republic of China government tasked its
Mitsubishi F-2A/B (FS-X/TFS-X)
In 1982, Japan's Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) initiated studies of options for an indigenous fighter design to replace the
KAI FA-50 Golden Eagle (KTX-2)
Building on its licensed manufacture of KF-16s, in 1992
Specifications
YF-16 | F-16A/B | F-16C/D Block 30 | F-16E/F Block 60 | F-16 Block 70 | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Crew | One (A/C/E model) / Two (B/D/F model) | One | |||
Length | 48 ft 5 in (14.8 m) | 49 ft 6 in (15.1 m) | 49 ft 5 in (15.1 m) | 49 ft 4 in (15.0 m) | 49.3 ft (15.027 m) |
Wingspan | 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) | 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) | 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) | 31 ft 0 in (9.45 m) | 31.0 ft (9.449 m) |
Height | 16 ft 3 in (4.95 m) | 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m) | 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m) | 16 ft 8 in (5.08 m) | 16.7 ft (5.090 m) |
Empty weight | 13,600 lb (6,170 kg) | 16,300 lb (7,390 kg) | 18,900 lb (8,570 kg) | 22,000 lb (9,980 kg) | 20,300 lb (9,210 kg) |
Maximum take-off weight | 37,500 lb (17,000 kg) | 42,300 lb (19,200 kg) | 46,000 lb (20,900 kg) | 48,000 lb (21,800 kg) | |
Maximum speed | Mach 2.0 | Mach 2+ | |||
Combat radius | 295 nmi (546 km) | ||||
Engine | PW F100-PW-200 | PW F100-PW-200 | GE F110-GE-100 | GE F110-GE-132 | GE F110-GE-129 |
Thrust | 23,800 lbf (106 kN) | 23,800 lbf (106 kN) | 28,600 lbf (127 kN) | 32,500 lbf (145 kN) | 29,400 lbf (131 kN) |
Radar | AN/APG-66 | AN/APG-68 | AN/APG-80 | AN/APG-83 |
Sources: USAF sheet,[188] International Directory of Military Aircraft,[189] Great Book,[190] F-16 versions on F-16.net,[191] Lockheed Martin[192]
Notes
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