F-16 Fighting Falcon
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter built by General Dynamics in the USA. It first flew in 1974 and entered service in 1979. A small, light, affordable fighter that could be bought in large numbers and still turn very tightly.
- Top speed2,120 km/h (1,317 mph)
- Range4,220 km (2,622 miles)
- First flight1974
- Wingspan10 m (33 ft)
F-16 Fighting Falcon specs
| Top speed | 2,120 km/h (1,317 mph) · Mach 2.00About Mach 2 at altitude. Varies by version and load. |
|---|
| Range | 4,220 km (2,622 miles) |
|---|
| Service ceiling | More than 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
|---|
| Length | 15.1 m (49 ft) |
|---|
| Wingspan | 10 m (33 ft) |
|---|
| Height | 4.9 m (16 ft) |
|---|
| Max takeoff weight | 19 t (42,328 lb) |
|---|
| Empty weight | 8.57 t (18,893 lb)Varies by block; this is a typical figure. |
|---|
| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot |
|---|
| Engines | 1 × afterburning turbofan |
|---|
| First flight | 1974 |
|---|
| Entered service | 1979 |
|---|
| Built by | General Dynamics (USA) |
|---|
F-16 Fighting Falcon facts
- The first production fighter built to be deliberately unstable, flown by computer fly-by-wire.
- More than 4,600 have been built. Pilots call it the Viper.
Quick quiz
When did the F-16 Fighting Falcon first fly?
In 1974.
Who built the F-16 Fighting Falcon?
General Dynamics, in the USA.
How fast can the F-16 Fighting Falcon fly?
Its top speed is 2,120 km/h (1,317 mph) · Mach 2.00.
How far can the F-16 Fighting Falcon fly?
About 4,220 km (2,622 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
F-16 Fighting Falcon vs similar aircraft
More military aircraft
All military aircraft · All aircraft