Data Quality83%
MASS(Military Archive Scoring System)
ⓘ Regardless of era, the same scoring system applies to all units in the interceptors category.
01 / Overview
General Dynamics YF-16
Category
Country
Prime contractor
Production
1974–1993
Quantity
2
Operators
💰 PERFORMANCE / PRICE ASSESSMENT Methodology ↗
INTERCEPTORS · COLD WAR
5
PERFORMANCE/PRICE
92
UNIT COST (2025 USD)
—
ⓘ 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
- Hardpoints9
- Weapons Payload5,440 kg
- Internal GunM61 Vulcan 20mm
- Internal Weapons BayNo
- Air-to-Air MissilesYes
- Air-to-Ground MissilesYes
- Anti-Ship MissilesYes
- Nuclear CapableNo
▤Avionics & Stealth8MOD.8
- RadarAN/APG-66
- AESA RadarNo
- Stealth / Low ObservableNo
- IRSTNo
- Electronic Warfare SuiteYes
- Helmet-Mounted SightYes
- Tactical DatalinkYes
- Targeting PodYes
⬢Production3MOD.3
- Total Built2
- Operators1
- Variants1
▲Service History3MOD.3
- Production Start1974
- Production End1974
- Operational StatusPrototype
03 / History
SERVICE LIFESPANStill in Service
- 1974Production started
- 1993Production ended
52
years in service
19
years in production
2
units produced
1
countries operating
ⓘ The producing country still actively operates it.
05 / MASS Score
INTERCEPTORS RANKING Interceptors · Cold War
MASS RANKINGSMASS ↗
27INTERCEPTORS5COLD WAR · INTERCEPTORS740UNITED STATES · ALL WEAPONS9PERFORMANCE/PRICE · INTERCEPTORS
ⓘ Rankings are within theInterceptorscategory.
📖 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