The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft with over 4,600 built since 1976. [4]

Sep 22, 2023 · The F-16 was first developed as a lightweight air-to-air combat aircraft after the Vietnam War for the United States Air Force. The initial prototype, known as the YF-16, faced off against Northrop Grumman's YF-17 in early 1974.

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon (in later years manufactured and marketed as Lockheed Martin F-16) has served the United States and the air arms of 25 other nations. Over 4,400 F-16s have been sold. [1]

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a one-engine multirole combat aircraft. It was originally designed and built by General Dynamics, which is now part of Lockheed Martin. [5][6] The United States Air Force (USAF) ordered the F-16 in 1972.

Feb 19, 2014 · The original F-16 was designed as a lightweight air-to-air day fighter. Air-to-ground missions immediately transformed the first production F-16s into multirole fighters.

The F-16 was conceived in the early 1970s by a small group of engineers and defense analysts known as the Lightweight Fighter Mafia as an alternative to fighter aircraft that had grown increasingly heavy and unmaneuverable.

The F-16 was designed in the early 1970s as an alternative to fighter aircraft that had grown increasingly heavy and unmaneuverable. Original production models included the F-16A (single-seat combat version) and the F-16B (combat-capable two-seat trainer).

Feb 4, 2014 · The F-16 began as a concept for a low-cost, high-performance fighter and was a consequence of the marginal air-to-air combat effectiveness experienced by US fighters in Vietnam against small fighters such as the Russian-designed and built MiG-17 and MiG-2

Feb 12, 2025 · On April 13, 1972, the U.S. Air Force announced its selection of General Dynamics (YF-16) and Northrop (YF-17) for the Light-Weight Fighter (LWF) program. The Air Force tasked each company with building two prototypes of their unique designs.

Jan 21, 2024 · As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of the F-16’s first flight, we delve into the fascinating story of how a high-speed taxi test turned into an unplanned maiden flight, shaping the destiny of one of the world’s most successful and widely used fighter jets.