Last updated: February 18, 2026
✈️ Aircraft Specifications
| Designation | F-16C/D |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) |
| Country of Origin | United States |
| First Flight | 1974 |
| Length | 15.06 m (49.4 ft) |
| Max Speed (Mach) | 2.0 |
| Max Speed (km/h) | 2,120 km/h |
| Service Ceiling | 15,240 m (50,002 ft) |
| Range | 4,220 km (2,621 mi) |
| Engine | 1× GE F110-GE-129 or P&W F100-PW-229 |
| Crew | 1 |
| Status | Active |
Overview
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is the most produced Western fighter jet since the F-86 Sabre, with over 4,600 built. Known as the ‘Viper’ by its pilots, it revolutionized fighter design with its frameless bubble canopy, relaxed static stability, and fly-by-wire flight controls.
Design & Development
The F-16 was a product of the Lightweight Fighter program. Revolutionary features included the first production fly-by-wire system, a reclined 30° ejection seat for G-force tolerance, and a side-stick controller. Its blended wing-body design provides exceptional agility while maintaining Mach 2.0 capability.
Operational History
Serving with 25+ nations worldwide, the F-16 has seen extensive combat. It has been used in every major US military operation since the 1991 Gulf War. Israeli F-16s conducted the famous Operation Opera strike on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981.
Armament & Weapons
The Viper’s 9 hardpoints can carry over 7,700 kg of ordnance:
- 1× M61A1 Vulcan — 20mm cannon (511 rounds)
- AIM-120 AMRAAM — BVR air-to-air
- AIM-9 Sidewinder — short-range air-to-air
- AGM-65 Maverick — air-to-ground precision
- AGM-88 HARM — anti-radiation missile (Wild Weasel role)
- GBU-10/12/24 — laser-guided bombs
- JDAM — GPS-guided bombs
- CBU-87/97/103 — cluster munitions
- B61 — nuclear bomb (NATO nuclear sharing)
Video
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is the F-16?
The F-16 has a top speed of Mach 2.0 (1,320 mph / 2,124 km/h).
How many F-16s were built?
Over 4,600 F-16s have been built, making it the most produced supersonic fighter in history. Production continues.
How many countries use the F-16?
More than 25 countries operate the F-16, including the USA, Israel, Turkey, South Korea, Taiwan, Poland, and many others.
Is the F-16 still in production?
Yes. The F-16 is still in production and being delivered to new customers worldwide.
References & Sources
- Wikipedia — F-16 Fighting Falcon
- US Air Force — F-16 Fighting Falcon
- Lockheed Martin — F-16 Fighting Falcon
Convair F-106 Delta Dart
General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark
Sukhoi Su-34 Fullback
Republic F-105 Thunderchief
Chengdu J-7
Sukhoi Su-47 Berkut