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General Dynamics YF-16
Photo: U.S. Department of the Air Force · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
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GeneralDynamicsYF-16

Interceptors · United States · 1974
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GeneralDynamicsYF-16

General Dynamics YF-16
General Dynamics YF-16 Photo: U.S. Department of the Air Force · 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
55
Readiness
85
Reliability
75
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
90
Origin United States
ManufacturerGeneral Dynamics
CategoryInterceptors
EraCold War
In service1974–1993
Operators1 countries
Quantity2
Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
71
Interceptors MASS Rating
5/10
Cold War
27/87
All-Time
Interceptors · 10 axes scored
Speed
75
Rate of Climb
80
Service Ceiling
70
Radar & Sensors
65
Long-Range Missiles
50
Range
55
Readiness
85
Reliability
75
Technology
85
Cost-Effectiveness
90
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the interceptors category.
01 / Overview
General Dynamics YF-16
Category
Prime contractor
Production
1974–1993
Quantity
2
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
INTERCEPTORS · COLD WAR
5
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
71
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 RoleInterceptors
  • 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 Speed130 km/h
  • Service Ceiling15,240 m
  • Ferry Range3,220 km
  • Combat Radius550 km
  • Rate of Climb254 m/s
  • G-Limit9
  • Takeoff Run500 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 Weight16,875 kg
◆Armament8MOD.8
⬢Production3MOD.3
  • Total Built2
  • Operators1
  • Variants1
▲Service History3MOD.3
  • Production Start1974
  • Production End1974
  • Operational StatusPrototype
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
  1. 1974Production started
  2. 1993Production ended
52
years in service
19
years in production
2
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
04 / Operators
Operator Inventory1country · 2units
2active
📖 TERMS ON THIS PAGE8terms
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.
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 →