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FIGHTING FALCON
The most numerous USAF combat aircraft of the 1990s, the F-16 first flew as the YF-16 prototype on 8 December 1976. Designed as a lightwieght ultramanoeuvrable fighter, the aircraft was selected by the USAF after a fly-off competition with the Northrop YF-17 Cobra, wich was later developed by McDonnell Douglas into the F/A-18 Hornet, Eight development aircraft were ordered by the USAF including a twin-seat F-16B which retains the same capabilities as the single seater at the expense of slightly reduced fuel capacity. During June 1975 the F-16 was chosen by Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Norway as a replacement for their fleets of ageing F-104 Starfighters, effectively making the Fighting Falcon the 'Eurofighter' of the 180s and 1990s.
Delivery of operational F-16s began in January 1979 when the first aircraft were assigned to the 388th TFW at Hill AFB, Utah. The early F-16A model, powered by a Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan, was later joined by the more advanced F-16C (and the twin-seat F-16D counterpart) powered by a General Electric F110 engine. The USAF now operates a mixed fleet of F-16 A/Cs, divided into a variety of Block Number batches, each with differing powerplant and equipment changes. One of the most ovbious airframe improvement is the extende horizontal stabilator which offers greater manoeuvrability. Likewise, the F-16C features an enlarged tail-fin lower leading edge, designed to house an airborne self-protection jammer system (which was later abandoned).
Initial production versions of the F-16A now mostly serve with ANG and AFRES units, designated as F-16A(ADF) Fighting Falcon. The 'ADF' refers to 'Air Defense Fighter', these aircraft being distinguishable by an avionics bulge at the base of the tail-fin. The later F-16C/D has also been given a night attack capability and the aircraft is assigned to a variety of air defence an ground attack missions. The F-16 also equips the USAF world famous 'Thunderbirds' Air Demonstration Squadron based at Nellis AFB, Nevada. Also located at Nellis AFB is the 57th FFW wich operates a small fleet of F-16s assigned to aggressor flying duties in support of Red Flag exercises. Export sales of the F-16 have been hugely successful, and the aircraft continues in production. US Navy interest in the F-16 began when the aircraft first competed with the YF-17 design (which was later chosen by the Navy, as explained previously). The USN did eventually puchase twenty-six examples of the F-16 (designated F-16N), four of which are twin-seat TF-16N trainers. The first aircraft was deliverered during April 1987 and are similar to the USAF F-16C, minus the internal cannon and underwing weapons stations. The aircraft are assigned to aggressor flying duties with the NFWS, VF-126 and VF-45.
