General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
Country	USA
Role	Multirole fighter, air superiority fighter
First flight	20 January 1974
Built	4573

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,500 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Although no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force, improved versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.

A large number of variants of the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon have been produced by General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin, and various licensed manufacturers.

Source: F-16 Fighting Falcon on Wikipedia

F-16BM MLU “Orange Jumper” test aircraft Walk Around
Photographer	Meindert de Vreeze
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	117

F-16BM MLU 01

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F-16BM MLU 03

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F-16BM MLU 09

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F-16BM MLU Walk Around
Photographer	Cees Hendriks
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	58

F-16C Block 50 Plus Viper FACh Walk Around
Photographer	Michael Benolkin
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	27

General Dynamics F-16C Fighting Falcon Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	Capital City Air Show 2008
Photos	111

Lockheed F-16C Viper Aggressor Walk Around
Photographer	Vladimir Yakubov
Localisation	MCAS Miramar Air Show
Photos	88

F-16 Fighting Falcon Walk Around
Photographer	Burhand Donke
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	47

General Dynamics F-16N Fighting Falcon Walk Around
Photographer	Burhand Donke
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	14

F-16C Block 40E
Photographer	Unknow
Localisation	Unknow
Photos	44

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

The F-16BM MLU (Mid-Life Update) is the two-seat trainer/combat version of the original F-16A/B Block 15. In the 1990s, five European nations (The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and later Portugal) undertook a massive upgrade program. The goal was to bring their aging airframes up to the electronic standard of the F-16C Block 50/52. The result was a lightweight airframe with a heavyweight punch, capable of firing the latest beyond-visual-range missiles and precision-guided bombs.

Attribute	Technical Specification (F-16BM MLU)
Role	Multi-role Fighter / Advanced Trainer
Crew	2 (Student/Pilot and Instructor/Weapon Systems Officer)
Modernization Period	Late 1990s – Early 2000s (M1 through M7 tapes)
Powerplant	1 × Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E turbofan
Afterburning Thrust	23,770 lbf (105.7 kN)
Maximum Speed	Mach 2.0+ at altitude
Radar	Northrop Grumman AN/APG-66(V)2A
Primary Armament	AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, 20mm M61A1 Vulcan

The “Brains” of the Viper

The Modular Mission Computer (MMC): The heart of the MLU is the MMC, which replaced multiple older computers. It allows the F-16BM to use modern “M-tapes” (software updates) that add compatibility for new weapons like the JDAM and Iris-T.
“Bird Slicers” (AIFF): A key visual identifier for the MLU are the four blade-like antennas in front of the canopy. These are part of the Advanced Identification Friend or Foe system, crucial for long-range missile engagements.
The Glass Cockpit: The old analog dials were replaced with two 4×4 inch Color Multi-Function Displays (MFDs). It also features a Wide-Angle Head-Up Display (WAC HUD) and is compatible with Night Vision Goggles (NVG).
Link 16: This digital datalink allows the F-16BM to “talk” to AWACS (like the E-3 Sentry), ships, and other fighters, sharing a real-time map of the battlefield without saying a word over the radio.

The “B” Variant: Trainer and Combatant

Two Seats, No Compromise: Unlike many trainers, the “BM” is fully combat-capable. While it carries slightly less internal fuel than the single-seat “AM,” it is often used for complex missions where a second set of eyes is an advantage, such as Forward Air Controlling (FAC).
Operational Excellence: European MLU Vipers have seen extensive combat in Kosovo, Afghanistan, Libya, and more recently, are being prepared for transfer to Ukraine to modernize their air defense.
Structural Reinforcement (PACER SLIP): As part of the MLU, the airframes underwent structural work to extend their fatigue life, allowing these 1980s-built jets to fly well into the 2020s.
The Tail Parachute: Most European F-16s feature a large fairing at the base of the vertical stabilizer containing a drag parachute for landing on short, icy runways—a feature not usually found on American Vipers.