First flown in 1976, the F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft.
It's a proven jet both in air-to-air and air-to-ground engagements and has seen wide service in Iraq and Afghanistan in the Global War on Terrorism. In fact, it's seen service with a total of 25 countries, and still has enough orders to keep it in production for some time.
Since 9/11, the F-16 has flown thousands of sorties in support of Operation Noble Eagle (Homeland Defense), Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The Air Force tested multiple fighters before ultimately selecting the F-16 in 1978. Here, the YF-16 (foreground) flies alongside the YF-17 in 1972.
The fighter was originally developed by General Dynamics for the U.S. Air Force. Its original design was as an air-superiority day fighter, but it evolved into a successful all-weather multi-role aircraft.
The Falcon can have a variety of weapons: One M-61A1 20mm cannon with 500 rounds, and room underneath for up to 6 air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface munitions, and electronic countermeasure pods.
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