General Dynamics (Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon
Version overview
YF-16
Prototype equipped with F100-PW-100 engine and so-called small air inlet to the engine - NSI. Two single-seat prototypes (72-1567 and 72-1568) were built in the mid-1970s.
YF-16/CCV
A prototype created by rebuilding the 72-1567. The rebuild consisted of adding large triangular platforms under the air inlet to the engine for tests designed to increase maneuverability.
XF-16/FSD
Prototype equipped with F100-PW-100 engine and NSI air inlet. After winning the contract, six single-seaters (75-0745 - 75-0750) and two two-seaters (75-0751, 75-0752) were built as a verification series.
XF-16/FSD
Prototype rebuilt and equipped with a new General Electric F101 DFE engine, but with the original small "intake" - NSI. One XF-16A/FSD (75-0745) was later rebuilt and fitted with a new General Electric engine - it served as the F-16C/D prototype.
F-16XL
Prototype originally equipped with the F100-PW-100 engine. Gradually rebuilt to use F110-GE-100 and F100-PW-200 powerplants. All F-16XLs were equipped with a small air intake - NSI. Two single-seat F-16 FSDs (75-0749, 75-0747) were converted (gaining a large delta wing) to the unique F-16XL-1 and F-16XL-2. The F-16XL-2 was eventually modified to a two-seater. Various test modifications were made to both machines, including engine tests.
AFTI/F-16
Prototype equipped with F100-PW-100 engine and NSI air intake. In 1979, one of the FSDs (75-0750) was modified in the same way as the YF-16/CCV - adding large control surfaces below the air inlet. This machine served as a test platform until 2001. It is currently located at the U.S. Air Force Aviation Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.
F-16/79
Prototype with J79-GE-119 engine and NSI air intake. The two-seat FSD (75-0752) was rebuilt to incorporate a more powerful engine from General Electric, received the original engine back after trials and returned to the manufacturer.
F-16A / F-16B [Block 01 / Block 05 / Block 10]
The first production F-16 (A - single-seat version, B - two-seat version) equipped with the F100-PW-200 engine and NSI air intake with a lower altitude and Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar. The Block 01 and 05 series machines had black radar covers, during service they were all upgraded to the Block 10 standard with grey radome.
F-16A / F-16B [Block 15]
Equipped with F100-PW-200 engine and NSI. The first major modification to the Block 15 was an increase in elevator by about 15%, apart from minor electronics changes.
F-16ADF [Block 10 / Block 15]
F100-PW-200 engine and NSI. Another major modification was made to 216 F-16A Block 15 machines and one of the Block 10 series (80-0525). 24 F-16B Block 15 machines also underwent this modification. The upgrade consisted mainly of the installation of more modern electronics, allowing the use of AIM-7 missiles, and many machines (not all) added antennas for identification of own-fire (IFF) in front of the cockpit. These machines are mostly in service with the US Air National Guard, Italian and Jordanian air forces.
F-16AM / F-16BM [Block 10 / Block 15]
F100-PW-200 engine and NSI. F-16s in service with European NATO countries (not USAF) and the Jordanian Air Force are being rebuilt under the MLU program, this is mainly electronics replacement and other partial modifications. The amount of modifications varies from country to country. The latest modification so far is the ability for Norwegian F-16AM/BMs to use the new AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR targeting container.
F-16A / F-16B [Block 20]
F100-PW-220 engine and NSI. This is the last production Block of the A/B version, which already includes many of the improvements used on the F-16C/D, such as the new el. equipment including the MMC computer, new multi-function displays (MFD) in the cockpit, a new heads-up display (HUD), and the AN/APG-66(V2A) radar. Machines from this Block can carry electronic landing gear (LANTIRN/ LITENING) under the air inlet, the same as used by the F-16C/D. On two-seaters, a HUD repeater is installed in the rear cockpit.
F-16C / F-16D [Block 25]
F100-PW-200 powerplant, later modified to F100-PW-220 and NSI air intake. This is the first production run of the single-seat F-16C and two-seat F-16D. The cockpit is already equipped with 4x4 inch multifunction displays, a more modern HUD and the new AN/AGP-68 radar. During the course of service, some of the aircraft were equipped with the newer F-100-PW-220E engine with digital engine control (DEEC) and AN/ALR-69 radar warning system.
F-16C / F-16D / F-16N / TF-16N [Block 30]
More powerful engine F110-GE-100, large air intake MCID (but small air intake NSI was used in the first 174 machines). First machines serially equipped with General Electric engine. Further modification allows the use of anti-aircraft missiles AIM-120 AMRAAM. The AN/ALR-69 radar warning system antennas were added to the leading edge of the wings. Due to the more powerful engine, some of the machines were equipped with a new larger air intake (MCID). The aircraft, designated F-16N and TF-16N, were intended for "aggressor" squadrons in the US Navy. These machines are specially lightened (among other things, they have the cannon removed).
F-16C / F-16D Barak [Block 30]
More powerful engine F110-GE-100, small NSI air intake. These are F-16s designed for the Israeli Air Force, they are equipped with Israeli electronics. The two-seat F-16D uses an enlarged dorsal (ADS). Otherwise, identical to other F-16 Block 30s.
F-16C / F-16D [Block 32]
F100-PW-220 engine and NSI. Equipment and modifications identical to the Block 30 series, but not equipped with a more powerful engine, so the original small air intake - NSI - remains.
NF-16D VISTA
A test platform equipped with the F110-GE-100 engine, later also the F100-PW-229, and a large MCID air intake. One machine, referred to as the NF-16D VISTA (86-0048), was built to serve as a test bed for various tests of variable thrust vectoring engines and, currently, automatic landing devices. In addition to the distinctive livery, this two-seat machine is equipped with an enlarged back - ADS, similar to those used by the Israeli, Greek, Polish, Chilean and Singaporean air forces.
F-16CG / F-16DG [Block 40]
Engine F110-GE-100 and MCID. These machines are equipped with the new wide-angle WAR HUD, the new AN/APG-68(V) radar, GPS, and can carry electronic containers of the LANTIRN system (navigation AN/AAQ-13 and targeting AN/AAQ-14) or Litening II on two hangers below the air intake. And possibly the latest Sniper XR. The main landing gear wheels were enlarged to increase load capacity, so the landing gear covers were bulged slightly.
F-16C / F-16D Barak [Block 40]
Engine F110-GE-100 and MCID. Aircraft manufactured for the Israeli Air Force. Transparent display modified to standard WAC HUD (unlike the US Air Force's Block 40). Enlarged back - ADS is used on the two-seaters. Otherwise it corresponds to the US Air Force Block 40 series.
F-16CG / F-16DG [Block 42]
F100-PW-220 engine and NSI air intake. Otherwise identical to Block 40.
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 50]
Engine F110-GE-129 and MCID. These machines are almost identical to the Block 40. Only in the cockpit is the standard WAC HUD (same as the older F-16C/D). On the right side, below the air inlet, is an electronic container AN/ASQ-213 HTS (HARM Targeting System), which is used to guide anti-radar missiles AGM-88 HARM.
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 52]
F100-PW-229 engine with digital controls and NSI. Otherwise identical to Block 50.
F-16C / F-16D CCIP [Block 25 / Block 30 / Block 32 / Block 40 / Block 42 / Block 50 / Block 52]
This is a program to continuously modify all F-16C/D Blocks to the latest standard, including the use of the new AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR targeting container and improved electronics for the new AIM-9X helmet-mounted missile. One of the notable distinguishing features of the F-16s undergoing CCIP modifications is the addition of self-targeting identification (IFF) antennas forward of the cockpit overlay (this does not apply to the Block 40/42, which lacks these antennas).
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 50 Plus]
Engine F110-GE-129 and MCID. These are the last produced versions of the Block 50 series. Apart from the partial electronics improvements, these machines can carry the new CFT (Conformal Fuel Tanks) add-on tanks that seat directly from the top of the fuselage, hence the enlarged nose gear and undercarriage shaft.
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 52 Plus]
F100-PW-229 engine and NSI. Otherwise identical to the Block 50 Plus.
F-16I Sufa [Block 52]
F100-PW-229 engine and NSI. The two-seat F-16Is are converted from the F-16D Block 52 and are currently operated by the Israeli and Singapore Air Forces. They are equipped with an enlarged back - ADS, Israeli electronics and the ability to carry additional CFT tanks. Unlike the more modern equipped Block 60, the Sufa uses the standard AN/APG-68(V)9 radar. The armament also includes state-of-the-art Python 5 missiles. Currently, 102 units have been produced for the Israeli Air Force and 40 for the Singapore Air Force.
F-16E / F-16F [Block 60]
Engine F110-GE-132 and MCID air input. The first serially equipped machines with similar electronics and radar to the F-22A Raptor. These aircraft are currently being produced to order by the United Arab Emirates Air Force. The two-seat F-16s are equipped with an enlarged dorsal - ADS. Of course, it is possible to carry additional CFT tanks. A total of 55 single-seat F-16Es and 25 two-seat F-16Fs have been produced to date.
F-16N / TF-16N
A US Navy version designed for dissimilar air combat training (DACT), based on the US Air Force's F-16C/D Block 30 variants. The aircraft served at the Naval Fighter Weapons School, more commonly known as Top Gun. Due to fatigue cracks in the wings, all aircraft were eventually retired from service in the first half of the 1990s.
F-16VF-16V (Block 70/72) - A version introduced in 2012 with first takeoff in 2015 equipped with the new AESA AN/APG-83 radar. Modifications of older aircraft to the "Viper" standard began in 2017 for the Taiwanese Air Force, with serial new production in 2019 for Bahrain and Slovakia. As an F-21, it was offered to India.
Endnote:
There are two types of air intakes used in the F-16 depending on the type of engine used. For all variants of the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, the so-called "small intake" NSI (Normal Shock Inlet) is used.
For most aircraft equipped with the General Electric F110 engine, a "large intake" MCID (Modular Common Inlet Duct) is used. This rule does not apply to the first 174 F-16C, F-16N and TF-16N Block 30, which use the smaller NSI air inlet.
Version overview
YF-16
Prototype equipped with F100-PW-100 engine and so-called small air inlet to the engine - NSI. Two single-seat prototypes (72-1567 and 72-1568) were built in the mid-1970s.
YF-16/CCV
A prototype created by rebuilding the 72-1567. The rebuild consisted of adding large triangular platforms under the air inlet to the engine for tests designed to increase maneuverability.
XF-16/FSD
Prototype equipped with F100-PW-100 engine and NSI air inlet. After winning the contract, six single-seaters (75-0745 - 75-0750) and two two-seaters (75-0751, 75-0752) were built as a verification series.
XF-16/FSD
Prototype rebuilt and equipped with a new General Electric F101 DFE engine, but with the original small "intake" - NSI. One XF-16A/FSD (75-0745) was later rebuilt and fitted with a new General Electric engine - it served as the F-16C/D prototype.
F-16XL
Prototype originally equipped with the F100-PW-100 engine. Gradually rebuilt to use F110-GE-100 and F100-PW-200 powerplants. All F-16XLs were equipped with a small air intake - NSI. Two single-seat F-16 FSDs (75-0749, 75-0747) were converted (gaining a large delta wing) to the unique F-16XL-1 and F-16XL-2. The F-16XL-2 was eventually modified to a two-seater. Various test modifications were made to both machines, including engine tests.
AFTI/F-16
Prototype equipped with F100-PW-100 engine and NSI air intake. In 1979, one of the FSDs (75-0750) was modified in the same way as the YF-16/CCV - adding large control surfaces below the air inlet. This machine served as a test platform until 2001. It is currently located at the U.S. Air Force Aviation Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.
F-16/79
Prototype with J79-GE-119 engine and NSI air intake. The two-seat FSD (75-0752) was rebuilt to incorporate a more powerful engine from General Electric, received the original engine back after trials and returned to the manufacturer.
F-16A / F-16B [Block 01 / Block 05 / Block 10]
The first production F-16 (A - single-seat version, B - two-seat version) equipped with the F100-PW-200 engine and NSI air intake with a lower altitude and Westinghouse AN/APG-66 radar. The Block 01 and 05 series machines had black radar covers, during service they were all upgraded to the Block 10 standard with grey radome.
F-16A / F-16B [Block 15]
Equipped with F100-PW-200 engine and NSI. The first major modification to the Block 15 was an increase in elevator by about 15%, apart from minor electronics changes.
F-16ADF [Block 10 / Block 15]
F100-PW-200 engine and NSI. Another major modification was made to 216 F-16A Block 15 machines and one of the Block 10 series (80-0525). 24 F-16B Block 15 machines also underwent this modification. The upgrade consisted mainly of the installation of more modern electronics, allowing the use of AIM-7 missiles, and many machines (not all) added antennas for identification of own-fire (IFF) in front of the cockpit. These machines are mostly in service with the US Air National Guard, Italian and Jordanian air forces.
F-16AM / F-16BM [Block 10 / Block 15]
F100-PW-200 engine and NSI. F-16s in service with European NATO countries (not USAF) and the Jordanian Air Force are being rebuilt under the MLU program, this is mainly electronics replacement and other partial modifications. The amount of modifications varies from country to country. The latest modification so far is the ability for Norwegian F-16AM/BMs to use the new AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR targeting container.
F-16A / F-16B [Block 20]
F100-PW-220 engine and NSI. This is the last production Block of the A/B version, which already includes many of the improvements used on the F-16C/D, such as the new el. equipment including the MMC computer, new multi-function displays (MFD) in the cockpit, a new heads-up display (HUD), and the AN/APG-66(V2A) radar. Machines from this Block can carry electronic landing gear (LANTIRN/ LITENING) under the air inlet, the same as used by the F-16C/D. On two-seaters, a HUD repeater is installed in the rear cockpit.
F-16C / F-16D [Block 25]
F100-PW-200 powerplant, later modified to F100-PW-220 and NSI air intake. This is the first production run of the single-seat F-16C and two-seat F-16D. The cockpit is already equipped with 4x4 inch multifunction displays, a more modern HUD and the new AN/AGP-68 radar. During the course of service, some of the aircraft were equipped with the newer F-100-PW-220E engine with digital engine control (DEEC) and AN/ALR-69 radar warning system.
F-16C / F-16D / F-16N / TF-16N [Block 30]
More powerful engine F110-GE-100, large air intake MCID (but small air intake NSI was used in the first 174 machines). First machines serially equipped with General Electric engine. Further modification allows the use of anti-aircraft missiles AIM-120 AMRAAM. The AN/ALR-69 radar warning system antennas were added to the leading edge of the wings. Due to the more powerful engine, some of the machines were equipped with a new larger air intake (MCID). The aircraft, designated F-16N and TF-16N, were intended for "aggressor" squadrons in the US Navy. These machines are specially lightened (among other things, they have the cannon removed).
F-16C / F-16D Barak [Block 30]
More powerful engine F110-GE-100, small NSI air intake. These are F-16s designed for the Israeli Air Force, they are equipped with Israeli electronics. The two-seat F-16D uses an enlarged dorsal (ADS). Otherwise, identical to other F-16 Block 30s.
F-16C / F-16D [Block 32]
F100-PW-220 engine and NSI. Equipment and modifications identical to the Block 30 series, but not equipped with a more powerful engine, so the original small air intake - NSI - remains.
NF-16D VISTA
A test platform equipped with the F110-GE-100 engine, later also the F100-PW-229, and a large MCID air intake. One machine, referred to as the NF-16D VISTA (86-0048), was built to serve as a test bed for various tests of variable thrust vectoring engines and, currently, automatic landing devices. In addition to the distinctive livery, this two-seat machine is equipped with an enlarged back - ADS, similar to those used by the Israeli, Greek, Polish, Chilean and Singaporean air forces.
F-16CG / F-16DG [Block 40]
Engine F110-GE-100 and MCID. These machines are equipped with the new wide-angle WAR HUD, the new AN/APG-68(V) radar, GPS, and can carry electronic containers of the LANTIRN system (navigation AN/AAQ-13 and targeting AN/AAQ-14) or Litening II on two hangers below the air intake. And possibly the latest Sniper XR. The main landing gear wheels were enlarged to increase load capacity, so the landing gear covers were bulged slightly.
F-16C / F-16D Barak [Block 40]
Engine F110-GE-100 and MCID. Aircraft manufactured for the Israeli Air Force. Transparent display modified to standard WAC HUD (unlike the US Air Force's Block 40). Enlarged back - ADS is used on the two-seaters. Otherwise it corresponds to the US Air Force Block 40 series.
F-16CG / F-16DG [Block 42]
F100-PW-220 engine and NSI air intake. Otherwise identical to Block 40.
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 50]
Engine F110-GE-129 and MCID. These machines are almost identical to the Block 40. Only in the cockpit is the standard WAC HUD (same as the older F-16C/D). On the right side, below the air inlet, is an electronic container AN/ASQ-213 HTS (HARM Targeting System), which is used to guide anti-radar missiles AGM-88 HARM.
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 52]
F100-PW-229 engine with digital controls and NSI. Otherwise identical to Block 50.
F-16C / F-16D CCIP [Block 25 / Block 30 / Block 32 / Block 40 / Block 42 / Block 50 / Block 52]
This is a program to continuously modify all F-16C/D Blocks to the latest standard, including the use of the new AN/AAQ-33 Sniper XR targeting container and improved electronics for the new AIM-9X helmet-mounted missile. One of the notable distinguishing features of the F-16s undergoing CCIP modifications is the addition of self-targeting identification (IFF) antennas forward of the cockpit overlay (this does not apply to the Block 40/42, which lacks these antennas).
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 50 Plus]
Engine F110-GE-129 and MCID. These are the last produced versions of the Block 50 series. Apart from the partial electronics improvements, these machines can carry the new CFT (Conformal Fuel Tanks) add-on tanks that seat directly from the top of the fuselage, hence the enlarged nose gear and undercarriage shaft.
F-16CJ / F-16DJ [Block 52 Plus]
F100-PW-229 engine and NSI. Otherwise identical to the Block 50 Plus.
F-16I Sufa [Block 52]
F100-PW-229 engine and NSI. The two-seat F-16Is are converted from the F-16D Block 52 and are currently operated by the Israeli and Singapore Air Forces. They are equipped with an enlarged back - ADS, Israeli electronics and the ability to carry additional CFT tanks. Unlike the more modern equipped Block 60, the Sufa uses the standard AN/APG-68(V)9 radar. The armament also includes state-of-the-art Python 5 missiles. Currently, 102 units have been produced for the Israeli Air Force and 40 for the Singapore Air Force.
F-16E / F-16F [Block 60]
Engine F110-GE-132 and MCID air input. The first serially equipped machines with similar electronics and radar to the F-22A Raptor. These aircraft are currently being produced to order by the United Arab Emirates Air Force. The two-seat F-16s are equipped with an enlarged dorsal - ADS. Of course, it is possible to carry additional CFT tanks. A total of 55 single-seat F-16Es and 25 two-seat F-16Fs have been produced to date.
F-16N / TF-16N
A US Navy version designed for dissimilar air combat training (DACT), based on the US Air Force's F-16C/D Block 30 variants. The aircraft served at the Naval Fighter Weapons School, more commonly known as Top Gun. Due to fatigue cracks in the wings, all aircraft were eventually retired from service in the first half of the 1990s.
F-16VF-16V (Block 70/72) - A version introduced in 2012 with first takeoff in 2015 equipped with the new AESA AN/APG-83 radar. Modifications of older aircraft to the "Viper" standard began in 2017 for the Taiwanese Air Force, with serial new production in 2019 for Bahrain and Slovakia. As an F-21, it was offered to India.
Endnote:
There are two types of air intakes used in the F-16 depending on the type of engine used. For all variants of the Pratt & Whitney F100 engine, the so-called "small intake" NSI (Normal Shock Inlet) is used.
For most aircraft equipped with the General Electric F110 engine, a "large intake" MCID (Modular Common Inlet Duct) is used. This rule does not apply to the first 174 F-16C, F-16N and TF-16N Block 30, which use the smaller NSI air inlet.
