| The first Lockheed Martin F-16A Fighting Falcons (specifications) deliveries where made to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing (tail code HL) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah, in January 1979. The 388th TFW is responsible for training both US service personnel and for those of overseas air forces. The F-16 is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F-100-PW-200 turbofan engine, capable of producing 25,000 lbs. of thrust in full afterburner. The F-16, weighing only 13,600 lbs. empty, is a highly maneuverable, fly-by-wire aircraft, capable of 9G turns. |
The F-16 is both an air-to-air and air-to-ground attack fighter, capable of carrying 12,000 lbs. external loads. This includes the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AMRAAM, AGM-45 Shrike, AGM-88 Harm and the AGM-65 Maverick missiles. Equipped with the ability to carry LANTIRN pods, the F-16 can attack a target at night with both dumb and smart bombs. The F-16 has proven itself in air-to-air combat, with the Israeli Air Force downing 50 Syrian MiGs over Lebanon in 1982. The Fighting Falcon participated in Operation Desert Storm, being used more frequently than any other combat aircraft in the conflict. The F-16 also saw action in the Balkans and Operation Enduring Freedom. |
