[sci.military] Strengths and Weaknesses of Combat Aircraft--The F-16 Fighting Falcon

jfb@ihlpm.att.com (Joseph F Baugher) (09/02/90)

From: jfb@ihlpm.att.com (Joseph F Baugher)
Here's number six--the F-16 Fighting Falcon


General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon

	Powerplant: 
		One Pratt and Whitney F100, 23,400 lb. st (with AB) 

	Performance:
		Maximum speed: Mach 2.02 (1320 mph) at 40,000 ft.
		Maximum speed: Mach 1.0 at sea level
		Initial climb rate: 50,000 ft/min (AAMs only)
		Service ceiling: 50,000+ feet  
		Takeoff run: 1200 ft(empty)
		Wing Area: 300 sq. ft.
		Tactical radius: 360 miles
        	Ferry range: 2400 miles.

	Weights:
        	Empty weight:15,800 lbs.
		Loaded weight: 25,000 lb (air-to-air mode)
        	Maximum take-off weight: 35,400 lb.

	Armament: 	
		One 20 mm M-61 rotary cannon plus 2-6 AIM-9 Sidewinder AAMs.
		Nine external stores stations.
		Can carry up to 15,200 lbs of ordinance.  Mix of free-fall
		   bombs, air to surface missiles such as Maverick, and
			laser-guided bombs.  

	Electronics: 
		Westinghouse APG-68 I/J band pulse Doppler radar with ground
			mapping mode, track-while-scan and look down/shoot 
				down capability
		Singer-Kearfott SKN-2400 navigation system.
        	Wide-angle heads-up display.
	        Rear warning radar.
		ASJP jamming system.
		Tracor ALE-40 dispenser carrying chaff or flare cartridges.
	        IFF
		Fire control computer
		Can be equipped with LANTIRN (low-altitude navigation targeting
			infrared for night) targeting pod containing forward-
			   looking infrared sensor and laser designator and
				rangefinder.
		Various electronics countermeasures pods can be carried on 
			stores stations

	Remarks:
        	Can withstand prolonged 9g maneuvers.

        	Has look down-shoot down capability. 

		Excellent visibility from cockpit.

		Excellent maneuverability.

		Small size presents smaller target.



Sources:
	Various issues of Aviation Week
	Various issues of Defense Electronics
	The Observer's Book of Aircraft, William Green.
	The World's Great Attack Aircraft, Gallery Books
	The World's Great Interceptor Aircraft, Gallery Books
 	Modern Air Combat, Bill Gunston, Mike Spick
	The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft Armament, Bill Gunston


Joe Baugher				**************************************
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