F 16 variants

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This chapter provides a description of F variants. The first three blocks featured only minor changes. Block 1 featured a black nose radome and nose RWR antenna cover, which made the aircraft too easy to spot and recognize, so Block 5 went to a gray radome and RWR antenna cover. Block 10 featured minor internal changes, such as modified wiring. Block 1 and Block 5 aircraft were brought up to Block 10 spec from through

F 16 variants

The F is one of the most common single engine fighters since the s, so you are likely to encounter one. While officially called Fighting Falcon, it is also known by the nickname Viper. The number of different detailed versions of the F is numerous and often they are not easy to distinguish. It doesn't help that even within major variants Block versions there are a lot of options with regard to sensors, weapon systems, etc. Below the main Block versions of the F are described and they can be recognised by looking at:. The YF already looks a lot like the production version. The YF is slightly shorter though. However, it is easier recognised by the smaller diameter nose. The first production version had a bigger radar and to accommodate that the diameter of the nose cone was increased. The Block 1 version can be distinguished from later versions by the black nose, smaller horizontal stabilisers and single rectangular antenna below the air intake, in front of the nose gear. Block 5 is externally the same except for a grey or actually non-black nose. Common to all FA versions is the base of the vertical fin, including the dorsal fin, that gradually becomes wider from front to rear. Just the shape of the blade antenna in front of the nose gear is different in the Block 10 variant.

The inlet was modular and relatively easily swapped out.

The details of the F variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F, are described below. The first YF was rolled out at Fort Worth on 13 December and accidentally accomplished its first flight on 21 January , followed by its scheduled "first flight" on 2 February The second prototype first flew on 9 March Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs. Most were later upgraded to the Block 10 configuration in the early s.

Having stood the test of time with half a century of continuous evolution since its maiden flight in , the F has become a symbol of innovation and adaptability. Designed as a versatile multi-role fighter, the F has served in the air forces of numerous nations more on this later. As we delve into its lengthy evolution, we witness the remarkable journey of an aircraft that has not only withstood the challenges of changing warfare landscapes but has also stood the test of time. The F's journey began in the early s. In April that same year, General Dynamics won the contract for its single-engine YF, while Northrop was awarded the contract to develop its twin-engine YF prototype.

F 16 variants

The details of the F variants, along with major modification programs and derivative designs significantly influenced by the F, are described below. The first YF was rolled out at Fort Worth on 13 December and accidentally accomplished its first flight on 21 January , followed by its scheduled "first flight" on 2 February The second prototype first flew on 9 March Over the years, these aircraft have been used as test demonstrators for a variety of research, development and modification study programs.

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A total of aircraft were produced and delivered to six countries. Archived from the original on 15 July Darling, Kev In tape M7 was implemented. This chapter provides a description of F variants. Taiwan News. The first Block 30 F entered service in Defence Aviation. All these modification would be sufficient for a new subtype FG , but politically this was not desirable. Al Jazeera. Production conformal fuel tanks were to give the FES an unrefueled combat radius with warload of 1, kilometers 1, miles. Since the Block 32 retained the Pratt and Whitney F engine, the smaller normal shock inlet was retained for those aircraft.

Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Val Gempis. Aggressor pilots are highly skilled in U.

The 64th AGRS was disbanded in ; again, that was reconsidered, with the squadron re-established in This would prevent the grounding of the entire F fleet as previous problems with F had caused. First flight occurred on 29 October The Times of India. Republic of Korea Air Force. This provided better air-to-air, air-to-ground, and general navigation capabilities. Most Navy FN aircraft were painted in a three-tone blue-gray "ghost" scheme. Apparently, the FNs were nearing the end of their service lives as well. Plans to further upgrade Romanian Fs to the M. During the operation of F 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. There were 94 Block 1, Block 5, and Block 10 aircraft produced. Beginning in , these aircraft began to be replaced by newer FC variants. Many changes are on the inside, but on the outside the four long blade antennas in front of the canopy are the main recognition point. The War Zone. The F is one of the most common single engine fighters since the s, so you are likely to encounter one.

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