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 main difference of the F-16 52+ versus previous blocks – optional Conformal
Fuel Tanks, dorsal spine compartment, new radar, on-board oxygen generation system,
JHMCS helmet (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System). Polish “C” airframes have serial
numbers 4040 to 4075, the “D” airframes have numbering from 4076 to 4087.

On November 9, 2006 the first of forty eight Polish F-16s was flown to the 31st Tactical Air
Base located at Krzesiny just outside Poznan. The 31st TAB has thirty two F-16s that equip
the 3rd and 6th Fighter Squadrons. The other sixteen F-16s are located at the 32nd TAB in
Lask equipping the 10th Fighter Squadron. The Polish Air Force called the F-16 “Jastrzab”
Northern Goshawk. Because of the new F-16s capabilities versus their older Soviet aircraft
pilots had to learn new tactics that were similar to Western tactics.

General specifications F-16 Fighting Falcon

Primary Function – Multi-role fighter

Manufacturer – General Dynamics Corp. / Lockheed Martin Corp.

First Deployed - January 1979 (F-16A)
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)

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

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

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.

Crew – 1 x F-16C / 1 or 2 x F-16D

This new site is being updated regularly and it will be much improved before too long. Please be patient, give it time, and check back regularly. Opportunities for community collaboration are in the works for a little further down the road.