General Dynamics F-16C in-flight armament load detail. This F-16C is loaded with Sidewinder and Maverick missiles, ECM pod and external fuel tanks. (U.S. Air Force photo)
The F-16C is an improved version of the F-16A. In the early 1980s, the Multinational Staged Improvement Plan (MSIP) was introduced to gradually increase the capabilities of the aircraft. Planned developments included improvements in day and attack fighter performance along with night fighting and multi-role capabilities including limited SAM suppression. Stage I MSIP improvements included structural and wiring changes for improved avionics along with an environmental control system (ECS) to cool the new electronic equipment. Stage II MSIP was used primarily to install the improved avionics made possible by the Stage I modifications. The gross takeoff weight was increased by almost 2,000 pounds because of critical redesign of aircraft skin (thickness) and structure. Stage III MSIP improvement included provisions for mounting a Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting for Infra-Red (LANTIRN) pod, a Terrain-Following Radar and Forward Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) pod, an external 30mm gun pod, electronic counter-measures (ECM), etc.
The F-16C and the two-seat combat-capable F-16D trainer are currently is service with the USAF and many foreign nations including Israel, Egypt, South Korea and Turkey.
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, up to 12,000 lbs. of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and bombs Engine: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200/220 turbofan of 25,000 lbs. static sea level thrust each with afterburner (or General Electric F110-GE-100) Maximum speed: 1,500 mph Cruising speed: 577 Range: 2,415 miles Service ceiling: 50,000 ft. Span: 32 ft. 10 in. with missiles mounted (30 ft. without missiles or rails) Length: 47 ft. 8 in. (49 ft. 3 in. with pitot boom) Height: 16 ft. 8.5 in. Weight: 42,500 lbs. maximum takeoff
