General Dynamics F-16B-79 (S/N 75-0752, the second preproduction aircraft), powered by the General Electric J79. Note the extension fairing to accommodate the longer engine. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The F-16B is a combat-capable, two-seat trainer version of the F-16A. The B model is essentially an A model with the second cockpit added in place of internal fuel cells. The exterior dimensions of the two aircraft are the same with the exception of the second cockpit and longer canopy of the F-16B.
The first flight was on Aug. 8, 1977, with production aircraft deliveries starting in 1978. The B model was proposed as a "Wild Weasel" surface-to-air missile site attack aircraft but never proceeded past the demonstrator phase. The aircraft was also tested with the General Electric J79 jet engine in place of the more powerful and expensive Pratt & Whitney F100 engine used on the standard production aircraft. The F-16/79, intended for export, never entered quantity production in part because the users wanted the "real" aircraft (F100-powered) and not a lower performance substitute.
Type
Number built/
converted
Remarks
F-16A
1,432
670 to USAF
F-16B
312
122 to USAF
F-16C
1,823
1,222 to USAF
F-16D
404
206 to USAF
F-16N
22
U.S. Navy F-16C
TF-16N
4
U.S. Navy F-16D
F-16XL
2 (cv)
Cranked Arrow wing
TECHNICAL NOTES: Armament: One 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon and various combinations of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs Engine: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 turbofan of 23,830 lbs. static sea level thrust each with afterburner Maximum speed: 1,345 mph Cruising speed: 577 Range: 1,407 miles Service ceiling: 55,000 ft. Span: 32 ft. 10 in. with missiles mounted (30 ft. without missiles or rails) Length: 47 ft. 8 in. (49 ft. 6 in. with pitot boom) Height: 16 ft. 5 in. Weight: 33,000 lbs. maximum takeoff Crew: One
