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F-16A/BFightingFalcon

Interceptors · United States · 1973
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F-16A/BFightingFalcon

F-16A/B Fighting Falcon
F-16A/B Fighting Falcon Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
* Absolute score — assessed within category · no era adjustment
Speed
75
Rate of Climb
80
Service Ceiling
70
Radar & Sensors
65
Long-Range Missiles
50
Range
60
Readiness
90
Reliability
85
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
95
Origin United States
ManufacturerLockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Fokker, SABCA
CategoryInterceptors
EraCold War
In service1973–2017
Operators43 countries
Quantity4,604
Data Quality87%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
72
Interceptors MASS Rating
3/10
Cold War
24/87
All-Time
Interceptors · 10 axes scored
Speed
75
Rate of Climb
80
Service Ceiling
70
Radar & Sensors
65
Long-Range Missiles
50
Range
60
Readiness
90
Reliability
85
Technology
80
Cost-Effectiveness
95
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the interceptors category.
01 / Overview
F-16A/B Fighting Falcon
Category
Production
1973–2017
Quantity
4,604
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
INTERCEPTORS · COLD WAR
3
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
98
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
72
interceptors category
ⓘ Performance/Price and MASS score are computed across all units in the interceptors category, regardless of era.
02 / Specs & Design
◎General6MOD.6
  • First Flight1974
  • Service Entry Year1978
  • Crew1
  • Primary RoleMultirole fighter; air superiority fighter
  • Generationfourth-generation
  • In ServiceYes
◈Powerplant10MOD.10
  • Engine Typeturbofan
  • Engine ModelPratt & Whitney F100-PW-200
  • Number of Engines1
  • Thrust (dry, each)64.9
  • Thrust (afterburner, each)106
  • Thrust-to-Weight1
  • AfterburnerYes
  • SupercruiseNo
  • Thrust VectoringNo
  • Internal Fuel3,100 kg
▣Performance10MOD.10
  • Top Speed2,120 km/h
  • Top Speed (Mach)2 Mach
  • Cruise Speed850 km/h
  • Stall Speed185 km/h
  • Service Ceiling15,240 m
  • Ferry Range4,220 km
  • Combat Radius550 km
  • Rate of Climb254 m/s
  • G-Limit9
  • Takeoff Run530 m
◇Dimensions & Weights7MOD.7
  • Length15.06 m
  • Wingspan9.96 m
  • Height4.88 m
  • Wing Area27.87
  • Empty Weight8,273 kg
  • Loaded Weight12,000 kg
  • Max Takeoff Weight19,200 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built4,604
  • Operators26
  • Variants10
▲Service History1MOD.1
  • Operational StatusIn service
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1973Production started
  2. 1978Entered service
  3. 2017Production ended
53
years in service
44
years in production
4,604
units produced
34
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it. 9 countries retired it.
04 / Operators
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE9terms
An afterburner is a device that injects fuel into a jet engine's hot exhaust gases, generating additional thrust through combustion.
Air-to-air missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to engage other aircraft. They are used for self-defense and to gain air superiority.
Air-to-Ground Missiles are guided missiles fired from aircraft to attack ground targets. They enable aircraft to engage and destroy enemy ground positions, vehicles, and installations.
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles designed to engage and destroy naval vessels. They are typically used by aircraft, ships, or submarines to attack enemy ships.
A collection of integrated electronic systems on a military aircraft designed to detect, identify, disrupt, or deceive enemy radar, communications, and guided weapons.
A helmet-mounted display system that allows pilots to aim weapons by looking at targets, tracking head movements to direct sensors or weapons.
Relating to or using nuclear energy, typically fission, for propulsion or power generation in military vessels.
Enables real-time sharing of position, targeting, and sensor data among aircraft and platforms for coordinated combat operations.
A targeting pod is an external sensor module mounted on aircraft that provides laser designation, infrared imaging, and range‑finding to support precision strike and reconnaissance.
These terms are listed automatically because they appear on this page.full encyclopedia →
📚 Sources
📖 ENCYCLOPEDIA Browse the Interceptors entry →