How old is the F-16?

The F-16A, a single-seat model, first flew in December 1976. The first operational F-16A was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The F-16B, a two-seat model, has tandem cockpits that are about the same size as the one in the A model.

How many F-16s does the US have?

One of the most versatile aircraft in the U.S. Air Force inventory, the F-16 Fighting Falcon has been the mainstay of the Air Force aerial combat fleet. 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.

Why does Ukraine want F-16?

Ukraine wants them, both to provide air support for troops as they seek to reclaim cities and towns in the east and the south where Russian troops have dug in, and to protect their cities and towns from Moscow's attack planes.

Is the F-16 better than the F-35?

Standard logic indicates the F-35 is better thanks to its new features (advanced stealth, avionics, etc.). However, the F-16 fighter remains faster and more agile, which might give the appearance to some that it is 'superior'.

Is the F-22 better than the F-35?

The F-22 Raptor is the most powerful air superiority fighter in the world, while the F-35 is probably the most advanced multi-role fighter right now. That means that the Raptor is more effective in air-to-air combats (faster and could operate at higher altitude).

Evolution of F-16 Fighting Falcon (F-16A Block 1 to F-16V Block 72)

How much does an F-16 cost per hour?

The Air Force's fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcon multi-role fighters cost $26,927 an hour, largely for the same reasons as the A-10. The Navy's newer force of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters are also relatively affordable, at $30,404 an hour.

Why is F-16 so famous?

It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations.

How old is the F-35?

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II development started in 1995 with the origins of the Joint Strike Fighter program and culminated in the completion of operational testing and start of full-rate production in 2021.

How old is the F 19?

In 1986, the Testor Corporation released a model aircraft kit, calling it the "F-19 Stealth Fighter". The kit is claimed to be the best-selling plastic model kit of all time.

Can you buy an old F-16?

While extremely cost prohibitive, buying your one warplane is legal as the planes are demilitarized. However, the purchase price doesn't include the price of maintenance and operation, which can costs thousands per flight hour.

How many F-16 have crashed?

Since 1975, the F-16 has had a total of 383 Class A mishaps -- the classification the military uses for its most deadly and most expensive crashes. In nearly 50 years, 88 pilots have died in the fighter jet, according to data from the Air Force Safety Center.

What replaced the F-16?

The F-16 will be replaced by the F-35 Lightning II aircraft in the spring. An F-16 Fighting Falcon assigned to the Wisconsin Air National Guard's 115th Fighter Wing overflies Truax Field, Madison, Wisconsin, during a ceremony commemorating the unit's last F-16 to depart Oct. 5, 2022.

How fast does the F-16 go mph?

Maximum Takeoff Weight: 37,500 (16,875 kilograms). Airspeed: 1,319 mph (2123 km/h) at 39, 870 ft (12,000 m).

How much is a fully loaded F-16?

Lockheed Martin F-16 Block 70/72: $64 million. The F-16 was created as a light and maneuverable fighter jet that would offer an affordable alternative to the F-15.

How many gallons of fuel does an F-16 take?

The tanks' lower surfaces conform to the aircraft shape. Together, a shipset holds 450 gallons, or about 3,060 pounds of JP-5/8 fuel. "The CFTs significantly increase the F-16 mission range and patrol time on station," said John L. Bean, vice president of F-16 programs.

Is MiG 29 better than F-16?

He added that while the MiG-29 has "superior nose-pointing capabilities" when flying at less than 200 knots, F-16s "excel" in such capabilities at speeds above 200 knots. "The turn rate on F-16 is significantly better," he said.

Why is the F-22 being retired?

The F-22's design and avionics are increasingly dated. The cost of modernizing it for the decades to come would be untenable (and still wouldn't solve all of its problems). The F-22 will be replaced by a new fighter being developed in the Next Generation Air Dominance Program.

Has the F-22 ever been in a dogfight?

After $67 billion and more than 20 years, the F-22 finally won a dogfight against an unarmed, nearly immobile opponent. When it officially entered military service in 2005, the U.S. Air Force hailed the F-22 Raptor as an "exponential leap in warfighting capabilities."

Has an F-16 lost a dogfight?

F-16s have been used by the United States in Afghanistan since 2001. One USAF F-16 fighter was lost during the operations in Afghanistan: on 3 April 2013 a USAF F-16 crashed near Bagram Airfield in eastern Afghanistan's Parwan province killing its pilot.

What fighter jet has the most kills?

F6F Hellcat

Hellcats were credited with 5,223 kills, more than any other Allied naval aircraft.

What is the newest F plane?

The F-15EX, developed by Boeing, is the latest variant of the jet.