The plane has UHF and VHF radios plus an instrument landing system. Hand pressure on the side stick controller sends electrical signals to actuators of flight control surfaces such as ailerons and rudder.Īvionics systems include a highly accurate enhanced global positioning and inertial navigation systems, or EGI, in which computers provide steering information to the pilot. For easy and accurate control of the aircraft during high G-force combat maneuvers, a side stick controller is used instead of the conventional center-mounted stick. Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls. The pilot has excellent flight control of the F-16 through its 'fly-by-wire' system. The seat-back angle was expanded from the usual 13 degrees to 30 degrees, increasing pilot comfort and gravity force tolerance. The cockpit and its bubble canopy give the pilot unobstructed forward and upward vision, and greatly improved vision over the side and to the rear. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G's - nine times the force of gravity - which exceeds the capability of other current fighter aircraft. The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength. These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. In designing the F-16, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F-15 and F-111 were selected. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 fighting falcon can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. With over 1,000 F-16s in service, the platform has been adapted to complete a number of missions, including air-to-air fighting, ground attack and electronic warfare. Air Force inventory, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the mainstay of the Air Force aerial combat fleet. One of the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. Categories Air Force Aircraft Air Force Attack Aircraft Air Force Equipment Air Force Fighters Attack Aircraft Fighter Aircraft Military AircraftĪrmament: M-61A1 20mm cannon external stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions and electronic countermeasure pods

Aircraft f 16