The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then
merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January
1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of
sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and
25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as
the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.

Romania joined NATO and looked for a replacement that would correspond to other NATO
equipment. Portugal was willing to sell F-16s that were 30 years old but that had the mid-life
upgrade (MLU) extending their service by 20 years. The 12 aircraft consisted of 9 F-16AM and 3
F-16BM. Portugal couldn’t release their own F-16BMs so they purchased 3 from the USAF to
fulfill their obligation. Romanian F-16BM 1601 originally had a U.S serial of 82-1022 and a
Portuguese serial 61-615. These aircraft would equip the Forţele Aeriene Române (FAR) 53rd
Squadron.

General specifications F-16 Fighting Falcon
Some F-16s received an MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) which comprised an improved cockpit and
electronics. Any aircraft that received the MLU were designated F-16AM- single seat
BM- two-seat

Primary Function – Multi-role fighter

Manufacturer – General Dynamics Corp. / Lockheed Martin Corp.

Initial Unit cost - F-16C/D, $20 million plus

First Deployed - January 1979 (F-16A)

Crew – 1 x F-16C / 1 or 2 x F-16D

Power Plant - F-16C/D
1 x Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229
or
1 x General Electric F110-GE-100/129
Thrust - F-16C/D / 27,000 lb   (12,150 kg)

Dimensions
Length - 49 ft, 5 in   (14.8 m)
Height - 16 ft   (4.8 m)
Wingspan - 32 ft, 8 in   (9.8 m)

Performance
Speed - 1,500 mph   (Mach 2 @ altitude)
Ceiling - Above 50,000 ft   (15 km)
Maximum Takeoff Weight - 37,500 lb   (16,875 kg)
Range - Greater than 2,425 mi   (2,100 nm / 3,900 km)
Combat Radius F-16C
851.6 mi   (1,370 km / 740 nm) w/ 2 x 2,000 lb bombs + 2 x AIM-9 + 1,040 U.S. gal external tanks
391.3 mi   (630 km / 340 nm) w/ 4 x 2,000 lb bombs + 2 x AIM-9 + 340 U.S. gal external tanks
230.2 mi   (370 km / 200 nm) + 2 hr. 10 min. patrol w/ 2 x AIM-7 + 2 x AIM-9 + 1,040 lb U.S. gal
external tanks

Armament
1 x M-61A1 20mm multi-barrel cannon with 500 rounds
External stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles
Conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions
Electronic countermeasure pods.

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