Difference between revisions of "F-16A"

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== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].
+
The first production version of the Fighting Falcon was the F-16A/B variants, with the F-16A being the single-seat version and the F-16B featuring two seats. The F-16 Block 10 retained the F100-PW-200 engine featured in the Block 1 and 5 versions of the F-16. However, the Block 10 was largely unchanged compared to the earlier versions but did involve the colour of the radome changing. Earlier versions had a black radome and in mock dogfights, pilots noticed how easy it was to spot an F-16 due to the colour. The Block 10 radome was changed to gray and the Block 1 and 5 were upgraded to Block 10 standards. Over 150 Block 10s were produced and some were later modified for ground attack.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an incredibly dangerous dogfighter but lacking in some departments. Firstly, the Block 10 lacks radar missiles which greatly hinders its ability to engage long-range targets. Furthermore, it can only carry six AIM-9Ls which can be relatively easy to flare off. However, they do have range which is a big plus over a big furball. The F-16A Block 10 can also carry a wide variety of suspended armament like GBU-8s or Mavericks. Players will be satisfied with its performance and overall capability even if it has no radar missiles.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The F-16A is famous for its ability to accelerate while going vertically. Its turn rate and thrust are amongst the best in the game.
+
The F-16A has excellent performance. It excels in low-speed dogfighting and can hold its own at higher speeds. It's also one of the fastest fighters in-game with an astounding 2,156 km/h (1,347.5 mph) top speed. In addition, it also weighs 300 kg (661 lbs), less than the F-16A ADF which is a noticeable difference in dogfights. The F-16 is very weight sensitive so players should be wary of engaging in dogfights with a lot of fuel. Overall, the F-16 is an incredibly dangerous aircraft in dogfights and is no slouch even at higher speeds.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
|2,198 || 2,146 || 19.3 || 19.8 || 340.8 || 295.0
+
|2,209 || 2,156 || 19.3 || 19.8 || 350.9 || 305.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| 1,555 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 470 || 463 || ~__ || ~__
+
| 1,555 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~10 || ~3
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ___ || < ___ || < ___ || N/A
+
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
 
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
−
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | ___ kg/m<sup>2</sup>
+
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m<sup>2</sup>
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
 
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
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{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
−
''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''
+
The F-16A is not very survivable because it has no armour plates. It becomes very difficult to fly when missing a wing or tail like most other aircraft. It only has one engine so if it is knocked out it will be very difficult to return to the airfield.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
+
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
 
|-
 
|-
−
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
+
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! EEGS
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
+
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* A choice between two presets:
+
* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
−
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
+
* 60 x countermeasures
−
** 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon + 60 x countermeasures
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|AGM-65B|BLU-27/B incendiary}}
 
−
{{main|AIM-9J Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinder|FFAR Mighty Mouse}}
 
  
−
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance presets:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
  
−
* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
 
−
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 6 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 
−
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
 
−
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 
−
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
 
−
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 
−
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 
−
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
 
−
 
−
==== Custom loadout options ====
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
 
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
−
| rowspan="11" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
+
| rowspan="14" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
 +
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs
+
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
 
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
 
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs
+
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
 +
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 +
|-
 +
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs
+
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
+
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
 
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
 
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AGM-65B missiles
+
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
 
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
 
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
+
! [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] missiles
 
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
+
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
 
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
 
|-
 
|-
 
! 300 gal drop tanks
 
! 300 gal drop tanks
 
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
 +
|-
 +
! 370 gal drop tanks
 +
| || || || 1 || || 1 || || ||
 
|-
 
|-
 
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,420 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
 
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,420 kg<br>Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
 +
 +
{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
 +
* 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
 +
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 6 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
 +
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
 +
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
 +
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
 +
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
 +
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The F-16A can be a powerful fighter with multiple playstyles, rushing straight into battle or hanging high and utilizing the [[AIM-7M Sparrow|AIM-7M Sparrows]]. Players that plan to stay low and accelerate straight into action will be satisfied with the F-16's low-altitude performance and radar. Players that want to keep high and sling AIM-7Ms at targets will be more than pleased with the F-16's strong climb rate, range of the AIM-7M, and radar. A mixed countermeasure loadout (1 flare, 1 chaff) is recommended because it allows 30 countermeasure drops against radar or IR missiles. In order to be prepared for matches that may extend longer than usual, select the 20-minute fuel option in conjunction with the 300-gallon drop tank. The F-16 consumes a lot of fuel on afterburner, so it's essential to use it wisely unless the max fuel amount is selected.
+
The F-16A can be a powerful fighter with multiple playstyles, one option being to simply rush straight into battle. Players who plan to stay low and accelerate straight into action will be satisfied with the F-16's low-altitude performance and radar. A mixed countermeasure loadout (1 flare, 1 chaff) is recommended because it allows 30 countermeasure drops against radar or IR missiles. To be prepared for matches that may extend longer than usual, select the 30-minute fuel option in conjunction with the 300-gallon drop tank, or the full tank of 41 minutes. The F-16 consumes a lot of fuel on afterburner, so it's essential to use it wisely unless the max fuel amount is selected. If low fuel maneuverability is desirable, bringing 20 minutes on smaller maps and 30 minutes on larger maps is viable, but this requires management of fuel (i.e.  "halfterburner" or using the scroll wheel to partially engage afterburner).
 +
 
 +
Players can carry up to 6 AIM-9Ls. If a player finds themselves above the fight, it will be effortless to fire off missiles at distracted enemies and score kills quickly. AIM-9Ls are very strong from the rear aspect and require hard defending from the opponent to evade successfully;
 +
 
 +
The F-16 is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention. Before entering a dogfight, it's critical to be careful of how many Gs are pulled during turns. If entering a dogfight too quickly, then the pilot can pass out. While ameliorable, this doesn't completely solve the issue, as the F-16 pulls many Gs at most speeds—up to 13 in most cases.
 +
 
 +
'''Countering the [[MiG-29]]'''
 +
 
 +
The MiG-29 is a very versatile and capable fighter and will be one of the most common enemies you will face. However, like many planes, it's possible to counter it. It's one of the fastest jets on the deck (~1,550 km/h, 963 mph) and has access to a helmet-mounted sight, which allows the player to lock the missile in the direction of the pilot's view rather than just along the nose of the aircraft. This allows for off-bore missile launches which can be a threat. It's important to be on the lookout all the time for any missile launches, whether it be an [[R-60M]] or an [[R-27T]].
  
−
The AIM-7Ms must be used wisely since only 2 Sparrows can be carried simultaneously. For long-range, high-altitude fights, seek out targets closing in fast. Do not fire at targets already about to notch or beginning to notch. AIM-7Ms are excellent for these types of engagements due to their range and manoeuvrability. As for low-altitude engagements, look for targets closing in fast and at around 500 metres altitude or above. Do not fire at targets that are flying very close to the ground because the radar will track underneath the intended target, and the missile will miss. As for [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinders]], players can be more generous with them since the ADF can carry up to 6 AIM-9Ls. If a player finds themselves above the fight, it will be effortless to fire off missiles at distracted enemies and score kills quickly. AIM-9Ls are very strong from the rear aspect and require hard defending from the opponent to evade successfully.
+
At high speeds the Mig-29 (all variants except SMT) has a slight advantage in terms of maneuverability. However, at low speeds, the F-16 can easily gain position on the MiG-29 thanks to its superior low-speed handling. The MiG-29 does bleed speed very quickly however it won't be able to pull as hard at lower speeds and this is where the F-16 shines.
  
−
The F-16 is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention. Before entering a dogfight, however, it's critical to be at the correct speed. The F-16 has a very wide turning circle at high speeds, so make sure to stay around 800-850 km/h (497-528 mph) when entering a dogfight.
+
The MiG-29 at high altitude can be dangerous if the opponent utilizes [[R-27ER|R-27ERs]]. The R-27ER has superb range, acceleration, and maneuverability. To counter this, stay on the lookout for MiG-29s and R-27ERs, using both the Mk 1 Eyeballs and RWR, and be prepared to go into a notch position and drop chaff. Another strategy to evade radar missiles is to hug the ground. Radar missiles are susceptible to multipathing which is when radar waves bounce off the ground and display ghost returns. Missiles like the R-27ER have seekers to mitigate this but can still be affected by this phenomenon if the target is low enough. The R-27ER burns for 8 seconds which allows it to be spotted for a long time before the motor burns out.
  
−
'''Countering the [[MiG-29]]'''
+
The [[MiG-29SMT]] is a modernized MiG-29, featuring new munition options such as the [[R-27ET]] and [[R-73]]. This aircraft can still be countered, however, using the reliable Mk 1 eyeballs once more.
  
−
The MiG-29 is a very versatile and capable fighter and will be one of the most common enemies you will face. However, like many planes, it's possible to counter it. It's one of the fastest jets on the deck (~1,550 km/h, 963 mph) and has access to a helmet-mounted sight, which allows the player to lock the missile in the direction of the pilot's view rather than just along the nose of the aircraft. This allows for off-bore missile launches which can be a threat. It's important to be on the lookout all the time for any missile launches, whether it be an [[R-60M]] or an [[R-27T]].
+
The R-27ET is similar to the R-27ER, but it requires an IR lock before firing. The tradeoff for this is that the R-27ET is near undetectable after the rocket motor has burnt out, only making its presence known moments before taking the F-16 out of a fight. Its flare resistance is also quite good, so simply dropping countermeasures from a rear aspect shot of the R-27ET is borderline undodgeable. The missile is relatively easy to flare from the front, and the missile shares rocket motors with the R-27ER, so dropping countermeasures if either R-27ER/ET is noticed is desirable.
  
−
In a dogfight, the F-16 will easily outperform a MiG-29 due to its superior low-speed handling. It should be noted that the F-16 can be a bit "floppy" at low speeds , and if not corrected, can lead to being shot down.
+
The R-73 boasts long motor burn, high maximum g load, and one of the best flare resistances in-game, only beaten by the R-27T/ET, and [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] (which is highly conditional). Its flare resistance is also highly supported by its small FOV after launch, 0.5 degrees, making it hard for the missile to see flares in the first place. For example, an F-14 nearly fills out the seeker's head within roughly 2km. This results in the missile being nigh impossible to spoof by countermeasures unless they are dropped in large bursts. To top it all off, the R-73 is cueable by the MiG-29's helmet-mounted sight, leading to high off-boresight (HOB) shots. This doesn't make the missile unbeatable, however, as the missile's thrust vectoring prevents the missile from going very fast, and once the rocket motor burns out, the missile bleeds its speed quickly, soon struggling to stay in the air as seen with its dolphining and occasional tumbling out of the sky. The R-73's flare resistance, while still better than its contemporaries such as the AIM-9L and [[Python 3]], is still relatively flareable if the missile is fired from frontal aspect or from further ranges.
  
−
The MiG-29 at high altitude can be dangerous if the opponent utilizes [[R-27ER|R-27ERs]]. The R-27ER has superb range, acceleration, and manoeuvrability. To counter this, stay on the lookout for MiG-29s and R-27ERs and be prepared to go into a notch position and drop chaff. The R-27ER burns for 9 seconds which allows it to be spotted for a long time before the motor burns out. The F-16 will not be able to fight BVR against a MiG-29 unless it gets the jump/fires the missile far in advance. The R-27ER is a much quicker missile than the AIM-7M, and the R-27ER will reach its intended target much faster than the AIM-7M, even if launched at the same time.
+
The MiG-29SMT itself manoeuvres much worse than the MiG-29 (9-12A) and (9-13), and should be easily beaten by the F-16A in a dogfight. However the R-73 missile can be very dangerous in a dogfight, constant awareness is needed for a chance to defeat the R-73 at close ranges by releasing countermeasures.
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* High power-to-weight ratio gives it an incredible acceleration
+
* High thrust-to-weight ratio gives it an incredible acceleration
−
* Highly manoeuvrable at lower speeds
+
* Highly manoeuvrable
 
* Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
 
* Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
−
* Access to 6 x AIM-9L sidewinder missiles
+
* Access to 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
−
* Has access to a wide range to air-to-ground loadouts
+
* Has access to a wide range of air-to-ground loadouts
 +
* Vulcan cannon has excellent rate of fire and damage
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
 
* Does not have access to SARH missiles, limiting its BVR performance
 
* Does not have access to SARH missiles, limiting its BVR performance
−
* Cannot pull tight turns at high speed
+
* Very sensitive to weight changes
−
* High fuel consumption with afterburner
+
* Can compress at very high speeds
 +
* No drogue chute
 +
* Cannon ammo is limited (5.12 seconds of firing time)
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
Two projects from Northrop and General Dynamics reached the final of the LWF (LightWeight Fighter) competition to create a new light fighter for the US Air Force. In January 1975, the winner of the competition was the YF-16, developed by General Dynamics. Intense testing continued after the launch of the F-16A fighter into series, and was completed only in 1978. The new generation fighter was designed for Mach 2 speeds and was able to perform maneuvers at 9G overloads, which was even higher than the requirements declared in the competition. The F-16A took her full-scale baptism of fire in service with the Israeli Air Force over Lebanon in the early 80s. The jet fighters were also used against ground targets during Operation Desert Storm. Consistently improving, the F-16A fighters are being produced and modernized to this day. In addition to the United States, a number of foreign countries have become operators of the F-16A Fighting Falcon fighters, including Belgium, Israel, Pakistan, Italy, Indonesia and others. Fighters are produced both domestically and under license.
 +
 
 +
- From ''[[wt:en/news/8003-development-f-16a-american-fighting-falcon-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 +
;Skins
 +
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16a_block_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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* [[wt:en/news/8003-development-f-16a-american-fighting-falcon-en|[Devblog] F-16A: American Fighting Falcon]]
 
* [[wt:en/news/8003-development-f-16a-american-fighting-falcon-en|[Devblog] F-16A: American Fighting Falcon]]
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* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/544244-f-16a-discussion-thread-specs-performance-weaponry-and-more/
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* https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/
  
 
{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
 
{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}
 
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 09:53, 31 August 2024

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
This page is about the American jet fighter F-16A. For other versions, see F-16 (Family).
F-16A
f_16a_block_10.png
GarageImage F-16A.jpg
ArtImage F-16A.png
F-16A
USA flag.png USA
VIII Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
12.3 12.7 12.7
Class:
Research:400 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:1 080 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The first production version of the Fighting Falcon was the F-16A/B variants, with the F-16A being the single-seat version and the F-16B featuring two seats. The F-16 Block 10 retained the F100-PW-200 engine featured in the Block 1 and 5 versions of the F-16. However, the Block 10 was largely unchanged compared to the earlier versions but did involve the colour of the radome changing. Earlier versions had a black radome and in mock dogfights, pilots noticed how easy it was to spot an F-16 due to the colour. The Block 10 radome was changed to gray and the Block 1 and 5 were upgraded to Block 10 standards. Over 150 Block 10s were produced and some were later modified for ground attack.

Introduced in Update "Apex Predators", the F-16A Block 10 Fighting Falcon is an incredibly dangerous dogfighter but lacking in some departments. Firstly, the Block 10 lacks radar missiles which greatly hinders its ability to engage long-range targets. Furthermore, it can only carry six AIM-9Ls which can be relatively easy to flare off. However, they do have range which is a big plus over a big furball. The F-16A Block 10 can also carry a wide variety of suspended armament like GBU-8s or Mavericks. Players will be satisfied with its performance and overall capability even if it has no radar missiles.

General info

Flight performance

Arrestor gear
Accelerates braking by grabbing the brake cable on the deck of the aircraft carrier
Air brakes
Allows you to dramatically reduce the flight speed by releasing special flaps
Max speed
at 10 973 m2 156 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude15 240 m
EnginePratt & Whitney F100-PW-220
Type
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight14 t

The F-16A has excellent performance. It excels in low-speed dogfighting and can hold its own at higher speeds. It's also one of the fastest fighters in-game with an astounding 2,156 km/h (1,347.5 mph) top speed. In addition, it also weighs 300 kg (661 lbs), less than the F-16A ADF which is a noticeable difference in dogfights. The F-16 is very weight sensitive so players should be wary of engaging in dogfights with a lot of fuel. Overall, the F-16 is an incredibly dangerous aircraft in dogfights and is no slouch even at higher speeds.

Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 10,973 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 2,103 2,073 15240 20.0 20.2 261.1 248.3 850
Upgraded 2,209 2,156 19.3 19.8 350.9 305.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
1,555 482 - 470 463 ~10 ~3
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 680 < 750 < 700 -

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Basic mass Wing loading (full fuel)
Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 1 7,690 kg 392 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) Max Gross
Weight
Weight (each) Type 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel
1,470 kg Afterburning low-bypass turbofan 8,662 kg 9,913 kg 10,930 kg 16,849 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB) Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
Condition 100% WEP 8m fuel 20m fuel 29m fuel MGW
Stationary 6,490 kgf 8,985 kgf 1.04 0.90 0.82 0.53
Optimal 7,434 kgf
(1,555 km/h) 		15,225 kgf
(1,400 km/h) 		1.76 1.53 1.39 0.90

Survivability and armour

Flares/Chaff
Aircraft countermeasures to distract IR and radar-guided missiles and also AA radar
Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear482 km/h

The F-16A is not very survivable because it has no armour plates. It becomes very difficult to fly when missing a wing or tail like most other aircraft. It only has one engine so if it is knocked out it will be very difficult to return to the airfield.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 148 → 4 388 Sl icon.png
RB9 094 → 12 677 Sl icon.png
SB10 725 → 14 950 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications304 000 Rp icon.png
468 000 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost3 100 Ge icon.png
Crew training310 000 Sl icon.png
Experts1 080 000 Sl icon.png
Aces3 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces1 280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 320 / 490 % Sl icon.png
250 / 250 / 250 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods jet compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods booster.png
New boosters
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
1 000 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods heli false thermal targets.png
Flares/Chaff
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
M60_belt_pack
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods napalm fire bomb.png
BLU-27/B
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9J
Research:
10 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
15 000 Sl icon.png
320 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods g suit.png
G-suit
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk82
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon block rocket.png
LAU-3/A
Research:
14 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
22 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
M60_new_gun
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
Mk84
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods air to air missile.png
AIM-9L
Research:
15 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
23 000 Sl icon.png
480 Ge icon.png
Mods optical guided bomb.png
GBU-8
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
1 000 Ge icon.png
40px
AGM-65B
Research:
33 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
51 000 Sl icon.png
1 000 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Ballistic Computer
CCIP (Guns) CCIP (Rockets) CCIP (Bombs) CCRP (Bombs) EEGS
Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png Icon GreenCheckmark.png

Offensive armament

Main article: M61A1 (20 mm)

The F-16A is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
  • 60 x countermeasures

Suspended armament

The F-16A can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Hardpoints F-16A.png
500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs 3 3, 6 1 3, 6 3
500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs 3 3, 6 1 3, 6 3
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs 1 1 1 1
2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs 1 1 1 1
2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs 1 1 1 1
BLU-27/B incendiary bombs 1 1 1 1
FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets 57 57
AGM-65B missiles 1, 3 1, 3
AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles 1 1 1 1 1 1
300 gal drop tanks 1
370 gal drop tanks 1 1
Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,420 kg
Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
Default weapon presets
  • 2 x 370 gal drop tanks + 1 x 300 gal drop tank
  • 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles + 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
  • 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
  • 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
  • 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
  • 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 6 x AGM-65B missiles

Usage in battles

The F-16A can be a powerful fighter with multiple playstyles, one option being to simply rush straight into battle. Players who plan to stay low and accelerate straight into action will be satisfied with the F-16's low-altitude performance and radar. A mixed countermeasure loadout (1 flare, 1 chaff) is recommended because it allows 30 countermeasure drops against radar or IR missiles. To be prepared for matches that may extend longer than usual, select the 30-minute fuel option in conjunction with the 300-gallon drop tank, or the full tank of 41 minutes. The F-16 consumes a lot of fuel on afterburner, so it's essential to use it wisely unless the max fuel amount is selected. If low fuel maneuverability is desirable, bringing 20 minutes on smaller maps and 30 minutes on larger maps is viable, but this requires management of fuel (i.e. "halfterburner" or using the scroll wheel to partially engage afterburner).

Players can carry up to 6 AIM-9Ls. If a player finds themselves above the fight, it will be effortless to fire off missiles at distracted enemies and score kills quickly. AIM-9Ls are very strong from the rear aspect and require hard defending from the opponent to evade successfully;

The F-16 is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention. Before entering a dogfight, it's critical to be careful of how many Gs are pulled during turns. If entering a dogfight too quickly, then the pilot can pass out. While ameliorable, this doesn't completely solve the issue, as the F-16 pulls many Gs at most speeds—up to 13 in most cases.

Countering the MiG-29

The MiG-29 is a very versatile and capable fighter and will be one of the most common enemies you will face. However, like many planes, it's possible to counter it. It's one of the fastest jets on the deck (~1,550 km/h, 963 mph) and has access to a helmet-mounted sight, which allows the player to lock the missile in the direction of the pilot's view rather than just along the nose of the aircraft. This allows for off-bore missile launches which can be a threat. It's important to be on the lookout all the time for any missile launches, whether it be an R-60M or an R-27T.

At high speeds the Mig-29 (all variants except SMT) has a slight advantage in terms of maneuverability. However, at low speeds, the F-16 can easily gain position on the MiG-29 thanks to its superior low-speed handling. The MiG-29 does bleed speed very quickly however it won't be able to pull as hard at lower speeds and this is where the F-16 shines.

The MiG-29 at high altitude can be dangerous if the opponent utilizes R-27ERs. The R-27ER has superb range, acceleration, and maneuverability. To counter this, stay on the lookout for MiG-29s and R-27ERs, using both the Mk 1 Eyeballs and RWR, and be prepared to go into a notch position and drop chaff. Another strategy to evade radar missiles is to hug the ground. Radar missiles are susceptible to multipathing which is when radar waves bounce off the ground and display ghost returns. Missiles like the R-27ER have seekers to mitigate this but can still be affected by this phenomenon if the target is low enough. The R-27ER burns for 8 seconds which allows it to be spotted for a long time before the motor burns out.

The MiG-29SMT is a modernized MiG-29, featuring new munition options such as the R-27ET and R-73. This aircraft can still be countered, however, using the reliable Mk 1 eyeballs once more.

The R-27ET is similar to the R-27ER, but it requires an IR lock before firing. The tradeoff for this is that the R-27ET is near undetectable after the rocket motor has burnt out, only making its presence known moments before taking the F-16 out of a fight. Its flare resistance is also quite good, so simply dropping countermeasures from a rear aspect shot of the R-27ET is borderline undodgeable. The missile is relatively easy to flare from the front, and the missile shares rocket motors with the R-27ER, so dropping countermeasures if either R-27ER/ET is noticed is desirable.

The R-73 boasts long motor burn, high maximum g load, and one of the best flare resistances in-game, only beaten by the R-27T/ET, and AIM-9M (which is highly conditional). Its flare resistance is also highly supported by its small FOV after launch, 0.5 degrees, making it hard for the missile to see flares in the first place. For example, an F-14 nearly fills out the seeker's head within roughly 2km. This results in the missile being nigh impossible to spoof by countermeasures unless they are dropped in large bursts. To top it all off, the R-73 is cueable by the MiG-29's helmet-mounted sight, leading to high off-boresight (HOB) shots. This doesn't make the missile unbeatable, however, as the missile's thrust vectoring prevents the missile from going very fast, and once the rocket motor burns out, the missile bleeds its speed quickly, soon struggling to stay in the air as seen with its dolphining and occasional tumbling out of the sky. The R-73's flare resistance, while still better than its contemporaries such as the AIM-9L and Python 3, is still relatively flareable if the missile is fired from frontal aspect or from further ranges.

The MiG-29SMT itself manoeuvres much worse than the MiG-29 (9-12A) and (9-13), and should be easily beaten by the F-16A in a dogfight. However the R-73 missile can be very dangerous in a dogfight, constant awareness is needed for a chance to defeat the R-73 at close ranges by releasing countermeasures.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • High thrust-to-weight ratio gives it an incredible acceleration
  • Highly manoeuvrable
  • Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
  • Access to 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
  • Has access to a wide range of air-to-ground loadouts
  • Vulcan cannon has excellent rate of fire and damage

Cons:

  • Does not have access to SARH missiles, limiting its BVR performance
  • Very sensitive to weight changes
  • Can compress at very high speeds
  • No drogue chute
  • Cannon ammo is limited (5.12 seconds of firing time)

History

Two projects from Northrop and General Dynamics reached the final of the LWF (LightWeight Fighter) competition to create a new light fighter for the US Air Force. In January 1975, the winner of the competition was the YF-16, developed by General Dynamics. Intense testing continued after the launch of the F-16A fighter into series, and was completed only in 1978. The new generation fighter was designed for Mach 2 speeds and was able to perform maneuvers at 9G overloads, which was even higher than the requirements declared in the competition. The F-16A took her full-scale baptism of fire in service with the Israeli Air Force over Lebanon in the early 80s. The jet fighters were also used against ground targets during Operation Desert Storm. Consistently improving, the F-16A fighters are being produced and modernized to this day. In addition to the United States, a number of foreign countries have become operators of the F-16A Fighting Falcon fighters, including Belgium, Israel, Pakistan, Italy, Indonesia and others. Fighters are produced both domestically and under license.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #334 - Metal Beasts section at 00:47 discusses the F-16A.

See also

Related development

External links


General Dynamics Corporation
Jet Fighters  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
Strike Aircraft  F-111A · F-111F
Export  ▄F-16A ADF · ▄F-16A · ▄F-16AM · ␗F-16A MLU · F-16AJ · Netz · F-16D Barak II · F-16C Barak II
  F-111C
See also  SABCA

USA jet aircraft
  Fighters
F9F  F9F-2 · F9F-5 · F9F-8
F-80  F-80A-5 · F-80C-10
F-84  F-84B-26 · F-84F · F-84G-21-RE
F-86  F-86A-5 · F-86F-25 · F-86F-2 · F-86F-35
F-89  F-89B · F-89D
F-100  F-100D
F-104  F-104A · F-104C
F-4  F-4C Phantom II · F-4E Phantom II · F-4J Phantom II · F-4S Phantom II
F-5  F-5A · F-5C · F-5E · F-20A
F-8  F8U-2 · F-8E
F-14  F-14A Early · ▄F-14A IRIAF · F-14B
F-15  F-15A · F-15C MSIP II · F-15E
F-16  F-16A · F-16A ADF · F-16C
Other  P-59A · F2H-2 · F3D-1 · F3H-2 · F4D-1 · F11F-1
  Strike Aircraft
FJ-4  FJ-4B · FJ-4B VMF-232
A-4  A-4B · A-4E Early
A-7  A-7D · A-7E · A-7K
AV-8  AV-8A · AV-8C · AV-8B Plus · AV-8B (NA)
A-10  A-10A · A-10A Late · A-10C
F-111  F-111A · F-111F
Other  A-6E TRAM · F-105D · F-117
  Bombers
B-57  B-57A · B-57B

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