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General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon
This page is a soft redirect.F16]].
The General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,500 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976.[3] Although no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force, improved versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation,[4] which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.[5]
The Fighting Falcon has key features including a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while maneuvering, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system helps to make it a nimble aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and 11 locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment. The F-16's official name is "Fighting Falcon", but "Viper" is commonly used by its pilots, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper starfighter.[6][7]
In addition to active duty U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units, the aircraft is also used by the USAF aerial demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy. The F-16 has also been procured to serve in the air forces of 25 other nations.[8]
- 1 Development
- 2 Design
- 3 Operational history
- 4 Variants
- 5 Operators
- 6 Notable accidents and incidents
- 7 Aircraft on display
- 8 Specifications (F-16C Block 50)
- 9 Notable appearances in media
- 10 See also
- 11 References
- 12 Further reading
- 13 External links
Lightweight Fighter program
Experience in the Vietnam War revealed the need for air superiority fighters and better air-to-air training for fighter pilots.[9] Based on his experiences in the Korean War and as a fighter tactics instructor in the early 1960s Colonel John Boyd with mathematician Thomas Christie developed the Energy–maneuverability theory to model a fighter aircraft's performance in combat. Boyd's work called for a small, lightweight aircraft that could maneuver with the minimum possible energy loss, and which also incorporated an increased thrust-to-weight ratio.[10][11] In the late 1960s, Boyd gathered a group of like-minded innovators that became known as the Fighter Mafia and in 1969 they secured Department of Defense funding for General Dynamics and Northrop to study design concepts based on the theory.[12][13]
Air Force F-X proponents remained hostile to the concept because they perceived it as a threat to the F-15 program. However, the Air Force's leadership understood that its budget would not allow it to purchase enough F-15 aircraft to satisfy all of its missions.[14] The Advanced Day Fighter concept, renamed F-XX, gained civilian political support under the reform-minded Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard, who favored the idea of competitive prototyping. As a result in May 1971, the Air Force Prototype Study Group was established, with Boyd a key member, and two of its six proposals would be funded, one being the Lightweight Fighter (LWF). The Request for Proposals issued on 6 January 1972 called for a Script error: No such module "convert". class air-to-air day fighter with a good turn rate, acceleration and range, and optimized for combat at speeds of Mach 0.6–1.6 and altitudes of Script error: No such module "convert".. This was the region where USAF studies predicted most future air combat would occur. The anticipated average flyaway cost of a production version was $3 million. This production plan, though, was only notional as the USAF had no firm plans to procure the winner.[15][16]
Finalists selected and flyoff
Five companies responded and in 1972, the Air Staff selected General Dynamics' Model 401 and Northrop's P-600 for the follow-on prototype development and testing phase. GD and Northrop were awarded contracts worth $37.9 million and $39.8 million to produce the YF-16 and YF-17, respectively, with first flights of both prototypes planned for early 1974. To overcome resistance in the Air Force hierarchy, the Fighter Mafia and other LWF proponents successfully advocated the idea of complementary fighters in a high-cost/low-cost force mix. The "high/low mix" would allow the USAF to be able to afford sufficient fighters for its overall fighter force structure requirements. The mix gained broad acceptance by the time of the prototypes' flyoff, defining the relationship of the LWF and the F-15.[17][18]
The YF-16 was developed by a team of General Dynamics engineers led by Robert H. Widmer.[19] The first YF-16 was rolled out on 13 December 1973, and its 90-minute maiden flight was made at the Air Force Flight Test Center (AFFTC) at Edwards AFB, California, on 2 February 1974. Its actual first flight occurred accidentally during a high-speed taxi test on 20 January 1974. While gathering speed, a roll-control oscillation caused a fin of the port-side wingtip-mounted missile and then the starboard stabilator to scrape the ground, and the aircraft then began to veer off the runway. The test pilot, Phil Oestricher, decided to lift off to avoid a potential crash, safely landing six minutes later. The slight damage was quickly repaired and the official first flight occurred on time. The YF-16's first supersonic flight was accomplished on 5 February 1974, and the second YF-16 prototype first flew on 9 May 1974. This was followed by the first flights of Northrop's YF-17 prototypes on 9 June and 21 August 1974, respectively. During the flyoff, the YF-16s completed 330 sorties for a total of 417 flight hours;[20] the YF-17s flew 288 sorties, covering 345 hours.[21]
Air Combat Fighter competition
Increased interest would turn the LWF into a serious acquisition program. North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies Belgium, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway were seeking to replace their F-104G fighter-bombers.[22] In early 1974, they reached an agreement with the U.S. that if the USAF ordered the LWF winner, they would consider ordering it as well. The USAF also needed to replace its F-105 and F-4 fighter-bombers. The U.S. Congress sought greater commonality in fighter procurements by the Air Force and Navy, and in August 1974 redirected Navy funds to a new Navy Air Combat Fighter (NACF) program that would be a navalized fighter-bomber variant of the LWF. The four NATO allies had formed the "Multinational Fighter Program Group" (MFPG) and pressed for a U.S. decision by December 1974; thus the USAF accelerated testing.[23][24][25]
To reflect this serious intent to procure a new fighter-bomber, the LWF program was rolled into a new Air Combat Fighter (ACF) competition in an announcement by U.S. Secretary of Defense James R. Schlesinger in April 1974. Schlesinger also made it clear that any ACF order would be in addition to the F-15, which extinguished opposition to the LWF.[24][25] ACF also raised the stakes for GD and Northrop because it brought in competitors intent on securing what was touted at the time as "the arms deal of the century".[26] These were Dassault-Breguet's proposed Mirage F1M-53, the SEPECAT Jaguar, and the proposed Saab 37E "Eurofighter". Northrop offered the P-530 Cobra, which was similar to the YF-17. The Jaguar and Cobra were dropped by the MFPG early on, leaving two European and the two U.S. candidates. On 11 September 1974, the U.S. Air Force confirmed plans to order the winning ACF design to equip five tactical fighter wings. Though computer modeling predicted a close contest, the YF-16 proved significantly quicker going from one maneuver to the next, and was the unanimous choice of those pilots that flew both aircraft.[27]
On 13 January 1975, Secretary of the Air Force John L. McLucas announced the YF-16 as the winner of the ACF competition.[28] The chief reasons given by the Secretary were the YF-16's lower operating costs, greater range, and maneuver performance that was "significantly better" than that of the YF-17, especially at supersonic speeds. Another advantage of the YF-16 – unlike the YF-17 – was its use of the Pratt & Whitney F100 turbofan engine, the same powerplant used by the F-15; such commonality would lower the cost of engines for both programs.[29] Secretary McLucas announced that the USAF planned to order at least 650, possibly up to 1,400 production F-16s. In the Navy Air Combat Fighter (NACF) competition, on 2 May 1975 the Navy selected the YF-17 as the basis for what would become the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet.[30][31]
Into production
The U.S. Air Force initially ordered 15 "Full-Scale Development" (FSD) aircraft (11 single-seat and four two-seat models) for its flight test program, but this was reduced to eight (six F-16A single-seaters and two F-16B two-seaters).[32] The YF-16 design was altered for the production F-16. The fuselage was lengthened by Script error: No such module "convert"., a larger nose radome was fitted for the AN/APG-66 radar, wing area was increased from Script error: No such module "convert". to Script error: No such module "convert"., the tailfin height was decreased, the ventral fins were enlarged, two more stores stations were added, and a single door replaced the original nosewheel double doors. The F-16's weight was increased by 25% over the YF-16 by these modifications.[33][34]
The FSD F-16s were manufactured by General Dynamics in Texas at United States Air Force Plant 4 in late 1975; the first F-16A rolled out on 20 October 1976 and first flew on 8 December. The initial two-seat model achieved its first flight on 8 August 1977. The initial production-standard F-16A flew for the first time on 7 August 1978 and its delivery was accepted by the USAF on 6 January 1979. The F-16 was given its formal nickname of "Fighting Falcon" on 21 July 1980, entering USAF operational service with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB in Utah on 1 October 1980.[35]
On 7 June 1975, the four European partners, now known as the European Participation Group, signed up for 348 aircraft at the Paris Air Show. This was split among the European Participation Air Forces (EPAF) as 116 for Belgium, 58 for Denmark, 102 for the Netherlands, and 72 for Norway. Two European production lines, one in the Netherlands at Fokker's Schiphol-Oost facility and the other at SABCA's Gosselies plant in Belgium, would produce 184 and 164 units respectively. Norway's Kongsberg Vaapenfabrikk and Denmark's Terma A/S also manufactured parts and subassemblies for EPAF aircraft. European co-production was officially launched on 1 July 1977 at the Fokker factory. Beginning in November 1977, Fokker-produced components were sent to Fort Worth for fuselage assembly, then shipped back to Europe for final assembly of EPAF aircraft at the Belgian plant on 15 February 1978; deliveries to the Belgian Air Force began in January 1979. The first Royal Netherlands Air Force aircraft was delivered in June 1979. In 1980, the first aircraft were delivered to the Royal Norwegian Air Force by SABCA and to the Royal Danish Air Force by Fokker.[36][37]
During the late 1980s and 1990s, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) produced 232 Block 30/40/50 F-16s on a production line in Ankara under license for the Turkish Air Force. TAI also produced 46 Block 40s for Egypt in the mid-1990s and 30 Block 50 from 2010. Korean Aerospace Industries opened a production line for the KF-16 program, producing 140 Block 52s from the mid-1990s to mid-2000s (decade). If India had selected the F-16IN for its Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft procurement, a sixth F-16 production line would be built in India.[38] In May 2013, Lockheed Martin stated there were currently enough orders to keep producing the F-16 until 2017.[39]
Improvements and upgrades
One change made during production was augmented pitch control to avoid deep stall conditions at high angles of attack. The stall issue had been raised during development, but had originally been discounted. Model tests of the YF-16 conducted by the Langley Research Center revealed a potential problem, but no other laboratory was able to duplicate it. YF-16 flight tests were not sufficient to expose the issue; later flight testing on the FSD aircraft demonstrated there was a real concern. In response, the areas of the horizontal stabilizer were increased 25% on the Block 15 aircraft in 1981 and later retrofitted to earlier aircraft. In addition, a manual override switch to disable the horizontal stabilizer flight limiter was prominently placed on the control console, allowing the pilot to regain control of the horizontal stabilizers (which the flight limiters otherwise lock in place) and recover. Besides reducing the risk of deep stalls, the larger horizontal tail also improved stability and permitted faster takeoff rotation.[40][41]
In the 1980s, the Multinational Staged Improvement Program (MSIP) was conducted to evolve the F-16's capabilities, mitigate risks during technology development, and ensure the aircraft's worth. The program upgraded the F-16 in three stages. The MSIP process permitted the quick introduction of new capabilities, at lower costs and with reduced risks compared to traditional independent upgrade programs.[42] In 2012, the USAF had allocated $2.8 billion to upgrade 350 F-16s while waiting for the F-35 to enter service.[43] One key upgrade has been an auto-GCAS (Ground collision avoidance system) to reduce instances of controlled flight into terrain.[44] Onboard power and cooling capacities limits the scope of upgrades, which often involves the addition of more power-hungry avionics.[45]
Lockheed won many contracts to upgrade foreign operator's F-16s. BAE Systems also offers various F-16 upgrades, receiving orders from South Korea, Oman, Turkey, and the US Air National Guard;[46][47][48] BAE lost the South Korean contract due to a price breach in November 2014.[49] In 2012, the USAF assigned the total upgrade contract to Lockheed Martin.[50] Upgrades include Raytheon's Center Display Unit, which replaces several analog flight instruments with a single digital display.[51]
In 2013, sequestration budget cuts cast doubt on the USAF's ability to complete the Combat Avionics Programmed Extension Suite (CAPES), a part of secondary programs such as Taiwan's F-16 upgrade.[52] ACC's General Mike Hostage stated that if he only had money for SLEP (service life extension program) or CAPES, he would fund SLEP to keep the aircraft flying.[53] Lockheed Martin responded to talk of CAPES cancellation with a fixed-price upgrade package for foreign users.[54] CAPES was not included in the Pentagon's 2015 budget request.[55] The USAF said that the upgrade package will still be offered to Taiwan, and Lockheed said that some common elements with the F-35 will keep the radar's unit costs down.[56] In 2014 the USAF issued a RFI to SLEP 300 F-16 C/Ds.[57]
The F-16 is a single-engine, very maneuverable, supersonic, multi-role tactical fighter aircraft; it was designed to be a cost-effective combat "workhorse" that can perform various missions and maintain around-the-clock readiness. It is much smaller and lighter than predecessors, but uses advanced aerodynamics and avionics, including the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire (RSS/FBW) flight control system, to achieve enhanced maneuver performance. Highly nimble, the F-16 was the first fighter aircraft purpose-built to pull 9-g maneuvers and can reach a maximum speed of over Mach 2. Innovations include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick, and reclined seat to reduce g-force effects on the pilot. It is armed with an internal M61 Vulcan cannon in the left wing root and has multiple locations for mounting various missiles, bombs and pods. It has a thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one, providing power to climb and accelerate vertically.[2]
The F-16 was designed to be relatively inexpensive to build and simpler to maintain than earlier-generation fighters. The airframe is built with about 80% aviation-grade aluminum alloys, 8% steel, 3% composites, and 1.5% titanium. The leading-edge flaps, stabilators, and ventral fins make use of bonded aluminium honeycomb structures and graphite epoxy lamination coatings. The number of lubrication points, fuel line connections, and replaceable modules is significantly lower than predecessors; 80% of access panels can be accessed without stands.[38] The air intake was placed so it was rearward of the nose but forward enough to minimize air flow losses and reduce aerodynamic drag.[58]
Although the LWF program called for a structural life of 4,000 flight hours, capable of achieving 7.33 g with 80% internal fuel; GD's engineers decided to design the F-16's airframe life for 8,000 hours and for 9-g maneuvers on full internal fuel. This proved advantageous when the aircraft's mission changed from solely air-to-air combat to multi-role operations. Changes in operational use and additional systems have increased weight, necessitating multiple structural strengthening programs.[59]
General configuration
The F-16 has a cropped-delta planform incorporating wing-fuselage blending and forebody vortex-control strakes; a fixed-geometry, underslung air intake (with splitter plate[60]) to the single turbofan jet engine; a conventional tri-plane empennage arrangement with all-moving horizontal "stabilator" tailplanes; a pair of ventral fins beneath the fuselage aft of the wing's trailing edge; and a tricycle landing gear configuration with the aft-retracting, steerable nose gear deploying a short distance behind the inlet lip. There is a boom-style aerial refueling receptacle located behind the single-piece "bubble" canopy of the cockpit. Split-flap speedbrakes are located at the aft end of the wing-body fairing, and an tailhook is mounted underneath the fuselage. A fairing beneath the rudder often houses ECM equipment or a drag chute. Later F-16 models feature a long dorsal fairing along the fuselage's "spine", housing additional equipment or fuel.[38][61]
Aerodynamic studies in the 1960s demonstrated that the "vortex lift" phenomenon could be harnessed by highly swept wing configurations to reach higher angles of attack, using leading edge vortex flow off a slender lifting surface. As the F-16 was being optimized for high combat agility, GD's designers chose a slender cropped-delta wing with a leading edge sweep of 40° and a straight trailing edge. To improve maneuverability, a variable-camber wing with a NACA 64A-204 airfoil was selected; the camber is adjusted by leading-edge and trailing edge flaperons linked to a digital flight control system (FCS) regulating the flight envelope.[38][59] The F-16 has a moderate wing loading, reduced by fuselage lift.[62] The vortex lift effect is increased by leading edge extensions, known as strakes. Strakes act as additional short-span, triangular wings running from the wing root (the juncture with the fuselage) to a point further forward on the fuselage. Blended into the fuselage and along the wing root, the strake generates a high-speed vortex that remains attached to the top of the wing as the angle of attack increases, generating additional lift and allowing greater angles of attack without stalling. Strakes allow a smaller, lower-aspect-ratio wing, which increases roll rates and directional stability while decreasing weight. Deeper wingroots also increase structural strength and internal fuel volume.[59]
Early F-16s could be armed with up to six AIM-9 Sidewinder heat-seeking short-range air-to-air missiles (AAM), including rail launchers on each wingtip. Some F-16s can employ the AIM-7 Sparrow medium-range AAM; more recent versions can equip the AIM-120 AMRAAM. It can also carry other AAMs; a wide variety of air-to-ground missiles, rockets or bombs; electronic countermeasures (ECM), navigation, targeting or weapons pods; and fuel tanks on 9 hardpoints – six under the wings, two on wingtips, and one under the fuselage; two other locations under the fuselage are available for sensor or radar pods.[63] The F-16 carries a 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan cannon for close range aerial combat and strafing.
Negative stability and fly-by-wire
The F-16 was the first production fighter aircraft intentionally designed to be slightly aerodynamically unstable, also known as "relaxed static stability" (RSS), to improve maneuverability.[64] Most aircraft are designed with positive static stability, which induces aircraft to return to straight and level flight attitude if the pilot releases the controls; this reduces maneuverability as the inherent stability has to be overcome. Aircraft with negative stability are designed to deviate from controlled flight and thus be more maneuverable. At supersonic speeds the F-16 gains stability (eventually positive) due to aerodynamic changes.[65][66]
To counter the tendency to depart from controlled flight—and avoid the need for constant trim inputs by the pilot, the F-16 has a quadruplex (four-channel) fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control system (FLCS). The flight control computer (FLCC) accepts pilot input from the stick and rudder controls, and manipulates the control surfaces in such a way as to produce the desired result without inducing control loss. The FLCC conducts thousands of measurements per second on the aircraft's flight attitude to automatically counter deviations from the pilot-set flight path; leading to a common aphorism among pilots: "You don't fly an F-16; it flies you."[67]
The FLCC further incorporates limiters governing movement in the three main axes based on attitude, airspeed and angle of attack (AOA); these prevent control surfaces from inducing instability such as slips or skids, or a high AOA inducing a stall. The limiters also prevent maneuvers that would exert more than a 9 g load.[68] Flight testing has revealed that "assaulting" multiple limiters at high AOA and low speed can result in an AOA far exceeding the 25° limit, colloquially referred to as "departing"; this causes a deep stall; a near-freefall at 50° to 60° AOA, either upright or inverted. While at a very high AOA, the aircraft's attitude is stable but control surfaces are ineffective; the pitch limiter locks the stabilators at an extreme pitch-up or pitch-down attempting to recover, this can be overridden so the pilot can "rock" the nose via pitch control to recover.[69]
Unlike the YF-17, which had hydromechanical controls serving as a backup to the FBW, General Dynamics took the innovative step of eliminating mechanical linkages between the control stick and rudder pedals, and the flight control surfaces. The F-16 is entirely reliant on its electrical systems to relay flight commands, instead of traditional mechanically-linked controls, leading to the early moniker of "the electric jet". The quadruplex design permits "graceful degradation" in flight control response in that the loss of one channel renders the FLCS a "triplex" system.[70] The FLCC began as an analog system on the A/B variants, but has been supplanted by a digital computer system beginning with the F-16C/D Block 40.[71][72] The F-16's controls suffered from a sensitivity to static electricity or electrostatic discharge (ESD). Up to 70–80% of the C/D models' electronics were vulnerable to ESD.[73]
Cockpit and ergonomics
A key feature of the F-16's cockpit is the exceptional field of view. The single-piece, bird-proof polycarbonate bubble canopy provides 360° all-round visibility, with a 40° look-down angle over the side of the aircraft, and 15° down over the nose (compared to the common 12–13° of preceding aircraft); the pilot's seat is elevated for this purpose. Furthermore, the F-16's canopy lacks the forward bow frame found on many fighters, which is an obstruction to a pilot's forward vision.[38][74] The F-16's ACES II zero/zero ejection seat is reclined at an unusual tilt-back angle of 30°; most fighters have a tilted seat at 13–15°. The tilted seat can accommodate taller pilots and increases G-force tolerance; however it has been associated with reports of neck ache, possibly caused by incorrect head-rest usage.[75] Subsequent U.S. fighters have adopted more modest tilt-back angles of 20°.[38][76] Due to the seat angle and the canopy's thickness, the ejection seat lacks canopy-breakers for emergency egress; instead the entire canopy is jettisoned prior to the seat's rocket firing.[77]
The pilot flies primarily by means of an armrest-mounted side-stick controller (instead of a traditional center-mounted stick) and an engine throttle; conventional rudder pedals are also employed. To enhance the pilot's degree of control of the aircraft during high-g combat maneuvers, various switches and function controls were moved to centralised "hands on throttle-and-stick (HOTAS)" controls upon both the controllers and the throttle. Hand pressure on the side-stick controller is transmitted by electrical signals via the FBW system to adjust various flight control surfaces to maneuver the F-16. Originally the side-stick controller was non-moving, but this proved uncomfortable and difficult for pilots to adjust to, sometimes resulting in a tendency to "over-rotate" during takeoffs, so the control stick was given a small amount of "play". Since introduction on the F-16, HOTAS controls have become a standard feature on modern fighters.[78]
The F-16 has a head-up display (HUD), which projects visual flight and combat information in front of the pilot without obstructing the view; being able to keep his head "out of the cockpit" improves a pilot's situation awareness.[79] Further flight and systems information are displayed on multi-function displays (MFD). The left-hand MFD is the primary flight display (PFD), typically showing radar and moving-maps; the right-hand MFD is the system display (SD), presenting information about the engine, landing gear, slat and flap settings, and fuel and weapons status. Initially, the F-16A/B had monochrome cathode ray tube (CRT) displays; replaced by color liquid-crystal displays on the Block 50/52.[38][80] The MLU introduced compatibility with night-vision goggles (NVG). The Boeing Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) is available from Block 40 onwards, for targeting based on where the pilot's head faces, unrestricted by the HUD, using high-off-boresight missiles like the AIM-9X.[81]
Fire-control radar
The F-16A/B was originally equipped with the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 fire-control radar. Its slotted planar array antenna was designed to be compact to fit into the F-16's relatively small nose. In uplook mode, the APG-66 uses a low pulse-repetition frequency (PRF) for medium- and high-altitude target detection in a low-clutter environment, and in look-down/shoot-down employs a medium PRF for heavy clutter environments. It has four operating frequencies within the X band, and provides four air-to-air and seven air-to-ground operating modes for combat, even at night or in bad weather. The Block 15's APG-66(V)2 model added a more powerful signal processing, higher output power, improved reliability and increased range in cluttered or jamming environments. The Mid-Life Update (MLU) program introduced a new model, APG-66(V)2A, which features higher speed and more memory.[82]
The AN/APG-68, an evolution of the APG-66, was introduced with the F-16C/D Block 25. The APG-68 has greater range and resolution, as well as 25 operating modes, including ground-mapping, Doppler beam-sharpening, ground moving target indication, sea target, and track while scan (TWS) for up to 10 targets. The Block 40/42's APG-68(V)1 model added full compatibility with Lockheed Martin Low-Altitude Navigation and Targeting Infra-Red for Night (LANTIRN) pods, and a high-PRF pulse-Doppler track mode to provide continuous-wave radar (CW) target illumination for semi-active radar-homing (SARH) missiles like the AIM-7 Sparrow. Block 50/52 F-16s initially used the more reliable APG-68(V)5 which has a programmable signal processor employing Very-High-Speed Integrated Circuit (VHSIC) technology. The Advanced Block 50/52 (or 50+/52+) are equipped with the APG-68(V)9 radar, with a 30% greater air-to-air detection range and a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) mode for high-resolution mapping and target detection-recognition. In August 2004, Northrop Grumman were contracted to upgrade the APG-68 radars of Block 40/42/50/52 aircraft to the (V)10 standard, providing all-weather autonomous detection and targeting for Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided precision weapons, SAR mapping and terrain-following radar (TF) modes, as well as interleaving of all modes.[38]
The F-16E/F is outfitted with Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-80 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.[83] Northrop Grumman developed the latest AESA radar upgrade for the F-16 (selected for USAF and Taiwan Air Force F-16 upgrades), named the Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR).[84] In July 2007, Raytheon announced that it was developing a Next Generation Radar (RANGR) based on its earlier AN/APG-79 AESA radar as a competitor to Northrop Grumman's AN/APG-68 and AN/APG-80 for the F-16.[38]
The initial powerplant selected for the single-engined F-16 was the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 afterburning turbofan, a modified version of the F-15's F100-PW-100, rated at 23,830 lbf (106.0 kN) thrust. During testing, the engine was found to be prone to compressor stalls and "rollbacks," wherein the engine's thrust would spontaneously reduce to idle. Until resolved, the Air Force ordered F-16s to be operated within "dead-stick landing" distance of its bases.[85] It was the standard F-16 engine through the Block 25, except for new-build Block 15s with the Operational Capability Upgrade (OCU). The OCU introduced the 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN) F100-PW-220, later installed on Block 32 and 42 aircraft: the main advance being a Digital Electronic Engine Control (DEEC) unit, which improved reliability and reduced stall occurrence. Beginning production in 1988, the "-220" also supplanted the F-15's "-100", for commonality. Many of the "-220" engines on Block 25 and later aircraft were upgraded from 1997 onwards to the "-220E" standard, which enhanced reliability and maintainability; unscheduled engine removals were reduced by 35%.[86][87]
The F100-PW-220/220E was the result of the USAF's Alternate Fighter Engine (AFE) program (colloquially known as "the Great Engine War"), which also saw the entry of General Electric as an F-16 engine provider. Its F110-GE-100 turbofan was limited by the original inlet to thrust of 25,735 lbf (114.5 kN), the Modular Common Inlet Duct allowed the F110 to achieve its maximum thrust of 28,984 lbf (128.9 kN). (To distinguish between aircraft equipped with these two engines and inlets, from the Block 30 series on, blocks ending in "0" (e.g., Block 30) are powered by GE, and blocks ending in "2" (e.g., Block 32) are fitted with Pratt & Whitney engines.)[86][88]
The Increased Performance Engine (IPE) program led to the 29,588 lbf (131.6 kN) F110-GE-129 on the Block 50 and 29,160 lbf (129.4 kN) F100-PW-229 on the Block 52. F-16s began flying with these IPE engines in the early 1990s. Altogether, of the 1,446 F-16C/Ds ordered by the USAF, 556 were fitted with F100-series engines and 890 with F110s.[38] The United Arab Emirates' Block 60 is powered by the General Electric F110-GE-132 turbofan, which is rated at a maximum thrust of 32,500 lbf (144.6 kN), the highest developed for the F-16.[89][90]
Operational history
Due to their ubiquity, F-16s have participated in numerous conflicts, most of them in the Middle East.
United States
The F-16 is being used by the active duty USAF, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard units, the USAF aerial demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and as an adversary-aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center.
The U.S. Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, flew the F-16 in combat during Operation Desert Storm in 1991 and in the Balkans later in the 1990s. F-16s also patrolled the no-fly zones in Iraq during Operations Northern Watch and Southern Watch and served during the wars in Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) and Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) from 2001 and 2003 respectively. In 2011, Air Force F-16s took part in the intervention in Libya.[91]
The F-16 was scheduled to remain in service with the U.S. Air Force until 2025.[92] The planned replacement was to be the F-35A version of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which would gradually begin replacing a number of multi-role aircraft among the program's member nations. However due to delays in the JSF program, all USAF F-16s will get service life extension upgrades.[93]
The F-16's first air-to-air combat success was achieved by the Israeli Air Force (IAF) over the Bekaa Valley on 28 April 1981, against a Syrian Mi-8 helicopter, which was downed with cannon fire.[95] On 7 June 1981, eight Israeli F-16s, escorted by F-15s, executed Operation Opera, their first employment in a significant air-to-ground operation. This raid severely damaged Osirak, an Iraqi nuclear reactor under construction near Baghdad, to prevent the regime of Saddam Hussein from using the reactor for the creation of nuclear weapons.[96]
The following year, during the 1982 Lebanon War Israeli F-16s engaged Syrian aircraft in one of the largest air battles involving jet aircraft, which began on 9 June and continued for two more days. Israeli Air Force F-16s were credited with 44 air-to-air kills during the conflict.[95][97]
In January 2000, Israel completed a purchase of 102 new "F-16I" planes in a deal totaling $4.5 billion.[98] F-16s were also used in their ground-attack role for strikes against targets in Lebanon. IAF F-16s participated in the 2006 Lebanon War and during the attacks in the Gaza strip in December 2008.[99] During and after 2006 Lebanon war, IAF F-16s shot down Iranian-made UAV drones launched by Hezbollah, using Rafael Python 5 air-to-air missile.[100][101]
During the Soviet-Afghan war, between May 1986 and January 1989, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16s defended against intruders from Afghanistan, while losing one F-16 to Afghan fire.[102]
The Pakistan Air Force has used its F-16s in various foreign and internal military exercises, such as the "Indus Vipers" exercise in 2008 conducted jointly with Turkey.[103] Since May 2009, the PAF has also been using their F-16 fleet to attack militant positions and support the Pakistan Army's operations in North-West Pakistan against the Taliban insurgency.[104] As of November 2011, PAF F-16 have launched 5,500 sorties in operations. More than 80% of the dropped munitions were laser-guided bombs.[105]
PAF F-16s patrolled the Indian border during the Kargil Conflict and during the 2008 tension[106] with India.
The Turkish Air Force acquired its first F-16s in 1987. Turkish F-16s participated in the Bosnia Herzegovina and Kosovo since 1993 in support of United Nations resolutions.[107]
On 18 June 1992, a Greek Mirage F-1 crashed during dogfight with a Turkish F-16.[108][109][110] On 8 February 1995, a Turkish F-16 crashed into the Aegean after being intercepted by Greek Mirage F1 fighters.[111][112]
On 8 October 1996, 7 months after the escalation over Imia a Greek Mirage 2000 fired an R.550 Magic II missile and shot down a Turkish F-16D[113] over the Aegean Sea. The Turkish pilot died, while the co-pilot ejected and was rescued by Greek forces.[110][114][115] In August 2012, after the downing of a RF-4E on the Syrian Coast, Turkish Defence Minister İsmet Yılmaz confirmed that the Turkish F-16D was shot down by a Greek Mirage 2000 with an R.550 Magic II in 1996 after violating Greek airspace near Chios island.[116]
On 23 May 2006, two Greek F-16s intercepted a Turkish RF-4 reconnaissance aircraft and two F-16 escorts off the coast of the Greek island of Karpathos, within the Athens FIR. A mock dogfight ensued between the two sides, resulting in a midair collision[117] between a Turkish F-16 and a Greek F-16. The Turkish pilot ejected safely, but the Greek pilot died due to damage caused by the collision.[118][119]
Turkey used its F-16s extensively in its conflict with separatist Kurds in Kurdish parts of Turkey and Iraq. Turkey launched its first cross-border raid on 16 December 2007, a prelude to the 2008 Turkish incursion into northern Iraq, involving 50 fighters before Operation Sun. This was the first time Turkey had mounted a night-bombing operation on a massive scale, and also the largest operation conducted by Turkish Air Force.[120]
During the Syrian Civil War, Turkish F-16s were tasked with airspace protection on the Syrian border. After the RF-4 downing in June 2012 Turkey changed its rules of engagements against Syrian aircraft, resulting in scrambles and downings of Syrian combat aircraft.[121]
On 16 February 2015, Egyptian F-16s performed air strikes on jihadi weapons caches and training camps in Libya in revenge of the murder of 21 workers by masked militants affiliated with the Islamic State (ISIS). The air strikes killed 64 ISIS fighters, including three leaders in Derna and Sirte on the coast.[122]
The Royal Netherlands Air Force, Belgian Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Pakistan Air Force, and Venezuela have flown the F-16 on combat missions.[123][124] A Serbian MiG-29 was shot down by a Dutch F-16AM during the Kosovo War in 1999.[125] Belgian and Danish F-16s also participated in joint operations over Kosovo during the war.[125] Dutch, Belgian, Danish, and Norwegian F-16s were deployed during the 2011 intervention in Libya and in Afghanistan.[126] In Libya, Norwegian F-16s dropped almost 550 bombs and flew 596 missions,[127] some 17% of the total strike missions[128] including the bombing of Muammar Gaddafi's headquarters.[129]
F-16 models are denoted by increasing block numbers to denote upgrades. The blocks cover both single- and two-seat versions. A variety of software, hardware, systems, weapons compatibility, and structural enhancements have been instituted over the years to gradually upgrade production models and retrofit delivered aircraft.
While many F-16s were produced according to these block designs, there have been many other variants with significant changes, usually due to modification programs. Other changes have resulted in role-specialization, such as the close air support and reconnaissance variants. Several models were also developed to test new technology. The F-16 design also inspired the design of other aircraft, which are considered derivatives. Older F-16s are being converted into QF-16 drone targets.[130]
- The F-16A (single seat) and F-16B (two seat) were initial production variants. These variants include the Block 1, 5, 10 and 20 versions. Block 15 was the first major change to the F-16 with larger horizontal stabilizers. It is the most numerous F-16 variant with 475 produced.[131]
- The F-16C (single seat) and F-16D (two seat) variants entered production in 1984. The first C/D version was the Block 25 with improved cockpit avionics and radar which added all-weather capability with beyond-visual-range (BVR) AIM-7 and AIM-120 air-air missiles. Block 30/32, 40/42, and 50/52 were later C/D versions.[132] The F-16C/D had a unit cost of US$18.8 million (1998).[2] Operational cost per flight hour has been estimated at $7,000[133] to $22,470[134] or $24,000, depending on calculation method.[135]
- The F-16E (single seat) and F-16F (two seat) are newer F-16 variants. The Block 60 version is based on the F-16C/D Block 50/52 and has been developed especially for the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It features improved AN/APG-80 active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, avionics, conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), and the more powerful GE F110-132 engine.[136][137]
- For the Indian MRCA competition for the Indian Air Force, Lockheed Martin offered the F-16IN Super Viper.[138] The F-16IN is based on the F-16E/F Block 60 and features conformal fuel tanks; AN/APG-80 AESA radar, GE F110-132A engine with FADEC controls; electronic warfare suite and infra-red searching (IRST); updated glass cockpit; and a helmet-mounted cueing system.[139] As of 2011, the F-16IN is no longer in the competition.[140]
- In September 2010, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency informed the United States Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale of 18 F-16IQ aircraft along with the associated equipment and services to the newly reformed Iraqi Air Force. Total value of sale is estimated at US$4.2 billion.[141]
- The F-16N is an adversary aircraft operated by the U.S. Navy. It is based on the standard F-16C/D Block 30 and is powered by the General Electric F110-GE-100 engine. However, the F-16N has a strengthened wing and is capable of carrying an Air Combat Maneuvering Instrumentation (ACMI) pod on the starboard wingtip. Although the single-seat F-16Ns and twin-seat (T)F-16Ns are based on the early-production small-inlet Block 30 F-16C/D airframe, they retain the APG-66 radar of the F-16A/B. In addition, the aircraft's 20 mm cannon has been removed, as has the ASPJ, and they carry no missiles. Their EW fit consists of an ALR-69 radar warning receiver (RWR) and an ALE-40 chaff/flare dispenser. The F-16Ns and (T)F-16Ns have the standard Air Force tailhook and undercarriage and are not aircraft carrier capable. Production totaled 26 airframes, of which 22 are single-seat F-16Ns and 4 are twin-seat TF-16Ns. The initial batch of aircraft were in service between 1988 and 1998. At that time, hairline cracks were discovered in several bulkheads and the Navy did not have the resources to replace them, so the aircraft were eventually retired, with one aircraft sent to the collection of the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola, Florida, and the remainder placed in storage at Davis-Monthan AFB. These aircraft were later replaced by embargoed ex-Pakistani F-16C/Ds in 2003. The original inventory of F-16Ns were previously operated by adversary squadrons at NAS Oceana, Virginia; NAS Key West, Florida and the former NAS Miramar, California. The current aircraft are operated by the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at NAS Fallon, Nevada.[142][143][144]
- At the 2012 Singapore Air Show Lockheed Martin unveiled plans for the new F-16V variant with the V suffix referencing its Viper nickname. It is to feature an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, a new mission computer and electronic warfare suite, and various cockpit improvements; this package can be retrofitted to previous F-16s, including the Block 60.[145][146]
- In September 2013, an unmanned F-16 tested by Boeing and US Air Force, with two US Air Force pilots controlling the airplane from the ground as it flew from Tyndall AFB over the Gulf of Mexico.[147][148]
4,500 F-16s had been delivered by July 2010.[149]
Former operators
- 23x15px Italy – Italian Air Force leased 30 F-16As and 4 F-16Bs from the USAF from 2001 until 2012.[150]
- 23x15px United States – AeroGroup, a private American commercial company, performed F-16 training services and support for the Dutch, Italian and Belgian Air Forces.[151][152][153]
Notable accidents and incidents
- On 8 May 1975, while practicing a 9-g aerial display maneuver with the second YF-16 (tail number 72-1568) at Fort Worth, prior to being sent to the Paris Air Show, one of the main landing gear jammed. The test pilot, Neil Anderson, had to perform an emergency gear-up landing and chose to do so in the grass, hoping to minimize damage and to avoid injuring any observers. The aircraft was only slightly damaged, but due to the mishap the first prototype was sent to the Paris Air Show in its place.[154]
- On 15 November 1982, while on a training flight outside Kunsan Air Base in South Korea, USAF Captain Ted Harduvel died when he crashed inverted into a mountain ridge. In 1985, Harduvel's widow filed a lawsuit against General Dynamics claiming an electrical malfunction, not pilot error, as the cause; a jury awarded the plaintiff $3.4 million in damages. However in 1989, the United States Court of Appeals ruled the contractor had immunity to lawsuits, overturning the previous judgment. The court did remand the plaintiff's claim of electrical malfunction as the cause, noting that General Dynamics and the USAF knew about chafing of instrumentation wiring, which they had not initially disclosed.[155] The accident and subsequent trial was the subject of the 1992 film Afterburn.[156][157]
- On 23 March 1994, during a joint Army-Air Force exercise at Pope AFB, North Carolina, F-16D (AF Serial No. 88-0171) of the 23d Fighter Wing / 74th Fighter Squadron was simulating an engine-out approach when it collided with a USAF C-130E. Both F-16 crew members ejected, but their aircraft, on full afterburner, continued on an arc towards Green Ramp and struck a USAF C-141 that was being boarded by US Army paratroopers. This accident resulted in 24 fatalities and at least 80 others injured. It has since been known as the "Green Ramp disaster".[158]
- On 15 September 2003, a USAF Thunderbird F-16C crashed during a Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, air show. Captain Christopher Stricklin attempted a "Split S" maneuver based on an incorrect mean-sea-level altitude of the airfield. Climbing to only Script error: No such module "convert". above ground level instead of Script error: No such module "convert"., Stricklin had insufficient altitude to complete the maneuver, but was able to guide the aircraft away from spectators and ejected less than one second before impact. Stricklin survived with only minor injuries; the aircraft was destroyed. USAF procedure for demonstration "Split-S" maneuvers was changed, requiring both pilots and controllers to use above mean-sea-level altitudes.[159][160]
- On 26 January 2015, a Greek F-16D crashed while performing a NATO training exercise in Albacete, Spain. Both crew members and 9 French soldiers on the ground died when it crashed in the flight-line, destroying or damaging two Italian AMX, two French Alpha Jets and one French Mirage 2000.[161][162]
Aircraft on display
- 75-0752 – Frontiers of Flight Museum, Dallas, Texas[164]
- 75-0746 – Pylon-mounted gate guard, McEntire Air National Guard Base, South Carolina[165]
- 75-0748 – Cadet Area Quadrangle, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado[166]
- 75-0750 – On display at the Experimental Aircraft Display Hangar, National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio[167]
- 78-0001 – Langley AFB Memorial Park, Langley AFB, Virginia. First production model F-16A delivered to USAF.[168]
- 78-0005 – 162d Fighter Wing Park, Tucson Air National Guard Base, Arizona[169]
- 78-0025 – Gate guard, Burlington Air National Guard Base, Vermont[170]
- 78-0042 – Gate guard, Montgomery Air National Guard Base/Dannelly Field, Alabama[171]
- 78-0052 – Eielson AFB Heritage Park, Eielson AFB, Alaska[172]
- 78-0053 – Pylon display at Misawa AB, Japan[173]
- 78-0057 – Pylon display at Spangdahlem AB, Germany[174]
- 78-0059 – Selfridge Military Air Museum and Air Park, Selfridge ANGB, Michigan[175]
- 78-0065 – 388th Fighter Wing and 419th Fighter Wing combined Headquarters, Hill AFB, Utah[176]
- 78-0066 – On display in Kansas Air National Guard Memorial Park area, McConnell AFB, Kansas[177]
- 79-0290 – On display at Great Falls Air National Guard Base, Montana.[178]
- 79-0296 – Gate guard, Jacksonville Air National Guard Base, Florida[179]
- 79-0307 – On display at Cannon AFB Air Park, Cannon AFB, New Mexico[180]
- 79-0309 – Base park area adjacent to USAFCENT Headquarters, Shaw AFB, South Carolina. Painted as 20th Fighter Wing F-16C 93-0534. Memorial to Maj Brinson Phillips, 20 FW, killed 19 Mar 2000 while flying F-16C 93-0534[181]
- 79-0312 – On pylon display, 8th Street Park, Douglas, Arizona[182]
- 79-0326 – Gate guard, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida[183]
- 79-0327 – Pedestal mounted memorial, Luke AFB, Arizona. Painted in 302d Fighter Squadron markings, to include World War II Tuskegee Airmen "Red Tails" empennage[184]
- 79-0334 – USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park, Mobile, Alabama[185]
- 79-0337 – Ground-mobile static display aircraft, normally located at Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, New York. Utilized by New York Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing (former 174th Fighter Wing) at fairs and expositions for Air National Guard recruiting.[186]
- 79-0352 – On static display with 23d Wing at Moody AFB, Georgia[187]
- 79-0366 – Memorial park static display, Mountain Home AFB, Idaho[188]
- 79-0373 – On display at Buckley AFB, Colorado. Aircraft painted in markings of Colorado Air National Guard's 140th Fighter Wing based at Buckley AFB.[189]
- 79-0388 – Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill AFB, Utah[190]
- 79-0402 – Hill Aerospace Museum, Hill AFB, Utah[191]
- 79-0403 – Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, New York City, New York[192]
- 80-0481 – Display on Parade Ground, Sheppard AFB, Texas.[193]
- 80-0527 – Former Arizona Air National Guard 162d Fighter Wing aircraft destined for transfer to/display at the Pima Air and Space Museum, Tucson, Arizona.[194]
- 80-0528 – City park in Pinellas Park, Florida. Painted in markings of 56th Tactical Training Wing-cum-56th Fighter Wing, previously assigned to nearby MacDill AFB in the 1980s and early 1990s.[195]
- 80-0573 – Air Force Armament Museum, Eglin AFB, Florida.[196]
- 80-0612 – Memorial park static display at Puerto Rico National Guard's Camp Santiago, Salinas, Puerto Rico. Former Puerto Rico Air National Guard F-16ADF, painted in markings of PRANG's former 198th Fighter Squadron, but marked as 81612.[197]
- 81-0663 – On display in United States Air Force Thunderbirds markings at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio.[198]
- 81-0676 – Museum of Aviation, Robins AFB, Warner Robins, Georgia[199]
- 81-0721 – MacDill AFB Memorial Park, MacDill AFB, Florida. Former Florida Air National Guard 125th Fighter Wing F-16ADF repainted in markings of a 56th Fighter Wing F-16A previously assigned to MacDill in the 1980s.[200]
- 82-0930 – On display at Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Houston, Texas[201]
- FA-01 – On display at the Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and Military History in Brussels, Belgium[202]
- FA-55 – On display at the Chateau de Savigny les Beaune in Beaune, France. A former Belgian Air Force example.[203][204]
- 78-0088 – On display at the Naval Air Station Wildwood Aviation Museum, Cape May County Airport, New Jersey[205]
- 78-0101 – On display at United States Space Camp / Aviation Challenge, Huntsville, Alabama[206]
- 78-0107 – On display adjacent to Parade Ground, Lackland AFB, Texas[207]
- 79-0430 – Stafford Air & Space Museum, Weatherford, Oklahoma[208]
- 81-0816 – Pylon display gate guard, Atlantic City Air National Guard Base, New Jersey[209]
- 81-0817 – On display at the Russell Military Museum located in Russell, Illinois.
- 83-1126 – Pylon display at Hill Memorial Park, Hill AFB, Utah[210]
- 84-1264 – Air park display, Fort Wayne Air National Guard Station, Indiana. Aircraft retains Air Force Heritage paint scheme honoring 358th Fighter Group during World War II.[211]
- 84-1393 – Pylon display at Texas National Guard's Camp Mabry, Austin, Texas. Former Texas Air National Guard 147th Fighter Wing/111th Fighter Squadron aircraft.[212]
- 85-1469 – Static display at Joe Foss Field Air National Guard Station, South Dakota[213]
- 87-0323 – Preserved as Thunderbird 1 in front of the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron/United States Air Force Thunderbirds hangar, Nellis AFB, Nevada. Assigned to Thunderbirds in the 1992–2008 timeframe. Had number 1 attached on 11 Jun 1999; number 2 in the 2004 season; number 3 on 3 Mar 2003 and number 4 on 1 Apr 2005.[214]
- 163269 – San Diego Aerospace Museum, San Diego, California[215]
- 163271 – Pacific Coast Air Museum, Santa Rosa, California[216]
- 163277 – Palm Springs Air Museum, Palm Springs, California[217]
- 163569 - NAS Fort Worth JRB, painted in USAFR colors 457th FS, 301st FW
- 163572 – National Naval Aviation Museum, Naval Air Station Pensacola, Pensacola, Florida[218]
- 163576 – Air Power Park, Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada[219]
Specifications (F-16C Block 50)
Data from USAF sheet,[2] International Directory of Military Aircraft[64]General characteristics
- Crew: 1
- Length: 49 ft 5 in (15.06 m)
- Wingspan: 32 ft 8 in (9.96 m)
- Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
- Wing area: 300 ft² (27.87 m²)
- Airfoil: NACA 64A204 root and tip
- Empty weight: 18,900 lb (8,570 kg)
- Loaded weight: 26,500 lb (12,000 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 42,300 lb (19,200 kg)
- Powerplant: 1 × F110-GE-100 afterburning turbofan
- Dry thrust: 17,155 lbf (76.3 kN)
- Thrust with afterburner: 28,600 lbf (127 kN)
- Maximum speed:
- Combat radius: 340 mi (295 nmi, 550 km) on a hi-lo-hi mission with four 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombs
- Ferry range: 2,280 nmi (2,620 mi, 4,220 km) with drop tanks
- Service ceiling: 50,000+ ft[2] (15,240+ m)
- Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (254 m/s)
- Wing loading: 88.3 lb/ft² (431 kg/m²)
- Thrust/weight: 1.095
- Maximum g-load: +9.0 g</ul></ul>Armament
- Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan 6-barrel Gatling cannon, 511 rounds
- Hardpoints: 2× wing-tip Air-to-air missile launch rails, 6× under-wing, and 3× under-fuselage pylon (2 of 3 for sensors) stations with a capacity of up to 17,000 lb (7,700 kg) of stores
- Rockets:
- Missiles:
- Bombs:
- 8× CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition
- 8× CBU-89 Gator mine
- 8× CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon
- 4× Mark 84 general-purpose bombs
- 8× Mark 83 GP bombs
- 12× Mark 82 GP bombs
- 8× GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)
- 4× GBU-10 Paveway II
- 6× GBU-12 Paveway II
- 4× GBU-24 Paveway III
- 4× GBU-27 Paveway III
- 4× Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) series
- 4× AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW)
- Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD)
- B61 nuclear bomb
- B83 nuclear bomb
- Others:
- SUU-42A/A Flares/Infrared decoys dispenser pod and chaff pod or
- AN/ALQ-131 & AN/ALQ-184 ECM pods or
- LANTIRN, Lockheed Martin Sniper XR & LITENING targeting pods or
- up to 3× 300/330/370/600 US gallon Sargent Fletcher drop tanks for ferry flight/extended range/loitering time or
- UTC Aerospace DB-110 long range EO/IR sensor pod on centerline
- AN/APG-68 radar
- MIL-STD-1553 bus [1]
Notable appearances in media
See also
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- 4th generation jet fighter
- Green Ramp disaster
- David S. Lewis (General Dynamics' CEO during formative period for F-16)
- Related development
- Vought Model 1600
- General Dynamics F-16 VISTA
- General Dynamics F-16XL
- AIDC F-CK-1 Ching-kuo
- KAI T-50 Golden Eagle
- Mitsubishi F-2
- Related lists
- ^ "Iraq Accepts First Lockheed Martin F-16 Aircraft · Lockheed Martin". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ a b c d e f g "F-16 Fact Sheet.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ "Lockheed Martin to deliver 4,500th F-16 fighter". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ Rosenwald, Michael S. "Downside of Dominance? Popularity of Lockheed Martin's F-16 Makes Its F-35 Stealth Jet a Tough Sell." Washington Post, updated 17 December 2007. Retrieved: 11 July 2008.
- ^ "Company Histories – Lockheed Martin Corporation.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ Aleshire 2005, p. xxii.
- ^ Peacock 1997, p. 100.
- ^ Stout, Joe and Laurie Quincy. "United States Government Awards Lockheed Martin Contract to Begin Production of Advanced F-16 Aircraft for Morocco." Lockheed Martin press release, 8 June 2008. Retrieved: 11 July 2008.
- ^ Spick 2000, p. 190.
- ^ Hillaker, Harry. "John Boyd, USAF Retired, Father of the F-16." at the Wayback Machine (archived June 1, 2009) Code One: An Airpower Projection Magazine, April/July 1997. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ Code One, April & July 1991. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
- ^ Richardson 1990, pp. 7–8.
- ^ Coram 2002, pp. 245–46.
- ^ Bjorkman, Eileen, Small fast and in your face, Air & Space, Feb/March 2014, pp.28-35
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 9–10.
- ^ Richardson 1990, pp. 7–9.
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 10–11.
- ^ Richardson 1990, pp. 8–9.
- ^ Martin, Douglas. "Robert H. Widmer, Designer of Military Aircraft, Dies at 95." The New York Times, 2 July 2011.
- ^ Richardson 1990, pp. 12–13.
- ^ Jenkins 2000, p. 14.
- ^ Osborne, Phil, Executive Producer. "F-16 Fighting Falcon" (video #9-315842-037444). Magna Pacific, 2009. Quote: At 17:29, "Another development, which both manufacturers were aware of, was the aging F-104 Starfighters, which equip several European NATO air forces, would soon need to be replaced."
- ^ Jenkins 2000, pp. 14–15, 19–20.
- ^ a b Richardson 1990, p. 14.
- ^ a b Peacock 1997, pp. 12–13.
- ^ Dörfer, Ingemar. "The Selling of the F-16." Foreignaffairs.com, 1983. Retrieved: 23 April 2011.
- ^ Coram 2002, p. 305.
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 13–16.
- ^ Richardson 1990, p. 13.
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 14, 17–19, 33–34.
- ^ Donald, David ed. "Boeing F/A-18 Hornet". Warplanes of the Fleet. London: AIRtime, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-81-1.
- ^ Darling 2003, p. 17.
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 31–32.
- ^ Spick 2000, p. 196.
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 17–19, 33–34.
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 14–16, 21.
- ^ Richardson 1990, pp. 13–15.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon." Jane's All The World's Aircraft, updated 21 January 2008. Retrieved: 30 May 2008.
- ^ Fuquay, Jim. "Iraq to buy 18 more Lockheed F-16 fighters." Star-Telegram, 1 May 2013.
- ^ Chambers, Joseph R. "Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon: Curing Deep Stall", Partners in Freedom: Contributions of the Langley Research Center to U.S. Military Aircraft of the 1990s."; Monographs in Aerospace History Number 19, The NASA History Series (NASA SP-2000-4519). National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, DC, 2000. Retrieved: 22 June 2008.
- ^ Darling 2003, p. 56.
- ^ Camm, Frank. "The F-16 Multinational Staged Improvement Program: A Case Study of Risk Assessment and Risk Management," (Accession No. ADA281706). RAND Corp, 1993. Retrieved: 2 June 2008.
- ^ Wolf, Jim. "U.S. plans $2.8 billion upgrade of F-16 fighter." Reuters, 2 February 2012.
- ^ Reed Business Information Limited. "Savings in aircraft losses swing the argument in favour of auto-GCAS.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ Reed Business Information Limited. "DoD clears AESA export policy as F-16 sales await.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ "BAE Wins Korean F-16 Upgrade Contract.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ "Continuing to Provide Critical F-16 Support Equipment to Oman.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ "BAE Systems Growing Steadily In Defense Services By Beating Incumbents.". Forbes. 12 August 2013. Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ Waldron, Greg (6 November 2014). "South Korea kills BAE Systems F-16 upgrade programme". Flightglobal.com (Flightglobal.com). Retrieved 6 November 2014.
- ^ Majumdar, Dave. "US Air Force changes acquisitions strategy for F-16 radar modernization." Flight Global, 12 October 2012.
- ^ "New Mega Display Cleared for F-16s' Primary Flight Reference.". Retrieved 13 September 2014.
- ^ Minnick, Wendell (19 September 2013). "US Budget Woes Could Affect Taiwan F-16 Upgrades". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media Corporation. Retrieved 19 September 2013.
- ^ MINNICK, WENDELL; MEHTA, AARON (2 February 2014). "Unfunded F-16 Upgrades Put Jet's Combat Value in Doubt". Defense News. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 2 February 2014.
- ^ Waldron, Greg (11 February 2014). "SINGAPORE: Lockheed offers fixed-price F-16 upgrade". Flight Global. Reed Business Information. Retrieved 11 February 2014.
- ^ MINNICK, WENDELL; MEHTA, AARON (8 March 2014). "Taiwan Faces Tough Choices After US Cancels F-16 Upgrade". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 8 March 2014.
- ^ MEHTA, AARON (19 March 2014). "USAF: Taiwan Will Still Receive F-16 Radar Upgrades". www.defensenews.com. Gannett Government Media. Retrieved 20 March 2014.
- ^ Parsons, Dan (9 October 2014). "US Air Force moves ahead with F-16 service life extension". Flightglobal.com (Reed Business Information). Retrieved 9 October 2014.
- ^ Hillaker, Harry J. "Technology and the F-16 Fighting Falcon Jet Fighter." nae.edu. Retrieved: 25 October 2009.
- ^ a b c Richardson 1990, p. 10.
- ^ http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/19942060.2011.11015366 page 3
- ^ Peacock 1997, pp. 99–102.
- ^ Dryden, Joe Bill. "F-16 Aerodynamics." at the Wayback Machine (archived August 28, 2008) Code One Magazine, April 1986 issue. Retrieved: 7 August 2011.
- ^ Spick 2000, pp. 228, 232.
- ^ a b c Frawley 2002, p. 114.
- ^ Hoh and Mitchell 1983, pp. 11ff.
- ^ Aronstein and Piccirillo 1996, p. 21.
- ^ Greenwood, Cynthia. "Air Force Looks at the Benefits of Using CPCs on F-16 Black Boxes." CorrDefense, Spring 2007. Retrieved: 16 June 2008.
- ^ Hoh and Mitchell 1983, p. 5.
- ^ Dryden, Joe Bill. "Recovering From Deep Stalls And Departures." at the Wayback Machine (archived June 27, 2009) Code One, July 1986. Retrieved: 17 April 2010. Retrieved: 7 August 2011.
- ^ Richardson 1990, p. 12.
- ^ Nielsen, Mats. "Total Immersion Fuel Tank Airborne Cable Assemblies: Glenair's Manufacturing Model and Qualification Process." Glenair, 2007. Retrieved: 16 June 2008.
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- Aleshire, Peter. Eye of the Viper: The Making of an F-16 Pilot (Illustrated ed.). Old Saybrook, Connecticut: Globe Pequot, 2005. ISBN 1-59228-822-7.
- Aronstein, David C. and Albert C. Piccirillo. The Lightweight Fighter Program: A Successful Approach to Fighter Technology Transition. Reston, VA: AIAA, 1996. ISBN 978-1-56347-193-3.
- Coram, Robert. Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War. New York: Little, Brown, and Co., 2002. ISBN 0-316-88146-5.
- Darling, Kev. F-16 Fighting Falcon (Combat Legend). London: Airlife, 2003. ISBN 1-84037-399-7.
- Eden, Paul (ed.). The Encyclopedia of Modern Military Aircraft. London, UK: Amber Books, 2004. ISBN 1-904687-84-9.
- Frawley, Gerard. The International Directory of Military Aircraft. Manly NSW, Australia: Aerospace Publications Pty Ltd, 2002. ISBN 1-875671-55-2.
- Hampton, Dan. Viper Pilot: the autobiography of one of America's most decorated F-16 combat pilots. William Morrow, 2012. ISBN 9780062130358
- Hoh, Roger H. and David G. Mitchell. "Flying Qualities of Relaxed Static Stability Aircraft – Volume I: Flying Qualities Airworthiness Assessment and Flight Testing of Augmented Aircraft." Federal Aviation Administration (DOT/FAA/CT-82/130-I), September 1983. Retrieved: 16 June 2008.
- Jenkins, Dennis R. F/A-18 Hornet: A Navy Success Story. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2000. ISBN 978-0-07134-696-2.
- Peacock, Lindsay. On Falcon Wings: The F-16 Story. RAF Fairford, United Kingdom: The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Enterprises, 1997. ISBN 1-899808-01-9.
- Richardson, Doug. General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. London: Salamander Books, 1990. ISBN 0-86101-534-7.
- Senior, Tim. The AirForces Monthly Book of the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Stamford, UK: Key Books Ltd, 2002. ISBN 0-946219-60-5.
- Spick, Mike, ed. Great Book of Modern Warplanes. St. Paul, MN: MBI, 2000. ISBN 0-7603-0893-4.
Further reading
- Drendel, Lou. F-16 Fighting Falcon – Walk Around No. 1. Carrollton, Texas: Squadron/Signal Books, 1993. ISBN 0-89747-307-8.
- Gunston, Bill. United States Military Aircraft of the 20th century London: Salamander Books Ltd, 1984. ISBN 0-86101-163-5.
- Jenkins, Dennis R. McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, Supreme Heavy-Weight Fighter. Arlington, Texas: Aerofax, 1998. ISBN 1-85780-081-8.
- Sweetman, Bill. Supersonic Fighters: The F-16 Fighting Falcons. Mankato, Minnesota: Capstone Press, 2008. ISBN 1-4296-1315-7.
- Williams, Anthony G. and Dr. Emmanuel Gustin. Flying Guns: The Modern Era. Ramsbury, UK: The Crowood Press, 2004. ISBN 1-86126-655-3.
External links
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to F-16 Fighting Falcon.
|Lockheed F-16E Block 60 Fighting Falcon Cutaway
|16px Lockheed F-16E Block 60 Fighting Falcon Cutaway from Flightglobal.com
- F-16 USAF fact sheet
- F-16 page on LockheedMartin.com
- F-16 articles on Code One magazine site
- F-16.net extensive and up-to-date Fighting Falcon resource
- F-16 profile on Aerospaceweb.org
- F-16 page on GlobalSecurity.org
- Maintenance Programs of Pakistani F-16s on PAFwallpapers.com
- Greek F-16 C/D Fighting Block 52
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text:
The value that an expectant mother places on family — regardless of the reality of her own family situation — predicts the birthweight of her baby and whether the child will develop asthma symptoms three years later, according to new research from USC.
The findings suggest that one's culture is a resource that can provide tangible physical health benefits.
"We know that social support has profound health implications; yet, in this case, this is more a story of beliefs than of actual family support," said Cleopatra Abdou, assistant professor at the USC Davis School of Gerontology.
Abdou studied 4,633 socioeconomically disadvantaged white, black and Hispanic women, gauging their "familism," or, more specifically, their beliefs about familial roles and responsibilities, using a questionnaire. Familism was determined by responses to statements such as, "Single moms can do just as well as married parents," or "It is better for children if their parents are married."
Abdou then tracked the health of their children and found that, for every one-point increase in familism, there was a 71-gram increase in birthweight independent of a whole host of other factors — including the gender of the infant or whether the mother was married. (For context, average birthweight in the U.S. is around 7.5 pounds, or roughly 3,400 grams. Low birthweight, typically defined as under 5.5 pounds or 2,500 grams, has been linked to health problems later in life.) Higher familism also predicted lower rates of asthma in the children up to three years later.
Though one might expect to see healthier children from mothers who reported strong family support, familism is a cultural measure that exists outside of an individual's actual circumstances.
"Cultural beliefs and ideals can be distinct from one's present reality. Familism is about beliefs and ideals within families. That's why familism is referred to as a cultural resource. The cultural resource of familism appears to favorably impact both reproductive health in mothers as well as critical markers of physical health in offspring. That is, the transmission of health from one generation to another," Abdou said.
Abdou's findings were published online on Nov. 9 in the journal Social Science & Medicine, in an article coauthored by Tyan Parker Dominguez of USC and Hector F. Myers of UCLA.
The results may shed light on the so-called "Hispanic Paradox" or "epidemiologic paradox," first documented in 1986 by Markides and Coreil, which found that immigrant populations in the United States tend to be relatively healthy compared to their peers, despite being poorer.
In general, poorer populations tend to be less healthy than wealthier ones. The epidemiologic paradox diminishes over time, with immigrant populations becoming less and less healthy as they start assimilating into American culture.
Abdou theorizes that U.S.-born populations, in addition to immigrant populations, can benefit in terms of mental and physical health from strong cultural resources, a theory that is supported by this study. Her work continues to probe the connections between health and culture in diverse populations in the United States and the Middle East.
This research was supported by the National Science Foundation, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the the National Institutes of Health (NICHD Grant R01HD36916).
Contact: Robert Perkins at (213) 740-9226

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Tapage & Machinka team up for an audiovisual collaboration. Here are some first studio recordings of the set, launched at Live Performers Meeting 2016, Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam.
Born Digital presenteert verheugd de line-up van VJ on Tour. Een groots visueel en muzikaal spektakel met unieke gevel projecties op het nieuwe Stadskantoor gemaakt door een gevarieerd deelnemersveld.
Geheel geïnspireerd door de start van…
Click to read on..
Photo's by Anna van Kooij
Collaboration with German dreampop, downtempo and electronica duo Mental Bend at B-Seite festival 2013.
This summer Symposion Gorinchem is held for the third time (after earlier editions in 1974 and 2005) hosting a marvelous collection of artworks on several indoor and outdoor locations through the city. A summer visit…
For the lasts couple of months we have been collaborating with over 40 artist for the VJ on Tour project. On the evening of March 26, exactly 100 days before the grand depart of Le…
2014.09.26 - Scopitone Nantes
2014.06.28 - LPM Eindhoven
2014.03.21 - B-Seite Festival Mannheim
VJ's and motion designers showcase their frozen frames printed on canvas. The exhibition attracted a broad range of visitors.
Early 2013 Born Digital organized an exhibition and a series of junior workshops at de Vrijstaat, an art-location for children.
A short impression of the VJ on Tour show at Jaarbeursplein during the 100 days until Le Tour de France kick off.
Early spring 2015 Born Digital organizes a special audiovisual collaboration, to realize a unique creative event & videomapping performance right next to Utrecht Central. Together we welcome fellow creatives, designers, vj's, producers, musicians and performers…
Composer/musician Mark Nieuwenhuis captures and rearranges the urban soundscape as musical ingredients.
Beat & Barok, in collaboration with Festival Oude Muziek (Old Music), Gaudeamus Muziekweek, Francesco Tristano, Arie Abbenes, Kypski, Malgosia Fiebig and Rene Uijlenhoet. Teaser video by VJ Illuminator.
Videomapping installation presented at Nobelhorst kick-off event, commisioned by Ymere.


text:
Ford has been learning the danger of being a relatively successful company in the age of bailouts: higher borrowing costs.
The Associated Press breaks down the numbers:
- GMAC, 9.9 percent owned by GM and lender to its dealers and buyers, sold $3.5 billion of 2.2 percent three-and-a-half year notes on June 3 guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. priced at 99.841 cents on the dollar to yield 2.25 percent.
- Ford issued $1.1 billion of five-year 8 percent notes May 28, priced at 82.036 cents on the dollar to yield 13 percent. Paying a higher yield boosts Ford's borrowing costs.
Get the latest Ford stock price here.


text:
Monty Python's ''dead parrot'' sketch has been named the nation's most-loved routine by the comedy troupe.
The team, currently performing a number of sell-out reunion shows in London, were thought to be at their finest with the scene in which John Cleese tries to return a dead ''Norwegian blue'' parrot to a shop.
Second in a poll of 2,000 adults, comissioned to mark the screening on the final live show from the O2 Arena on TV channel Gold on July 20, was the Lumberjack Song, while the Ministry of Silly Walks came third.
Steve North, general manager of Gold, said: ''It's clear from our research that Monty Python has crossed the generations, 45 years on from the very first series.''
The top 10:
1. Dead Parrot
2. The Lumberjack Song
3. The Ministry of Silly Walks
4. The Spanish Inquisition
5. Spam
6. Four Yorkshiremen
7. Nudge Nudge
8. Fish-Slapping Dance
9. The Restaurant Sketch (dirty fork)
10. The Killer Joke


text:
The International Year of Biodiversity has been launched at a ceremony in Berlin with the German Chancellor Angela Merkel warning that the world will face "enormous costs" if no action is taken to tackle climate change and to secure biodiversity.
The world is facing a global extinction crisis which threatens not only the natural environment but mankind itself. All life on earth depends upon species, ecosystems and natural resources. IUCN says this must be safeguarded before it's too late, as we are destroying the very natural infrastructure that supports us, at an ever increasing rate.
"Well managed natural resources are crucial to sustainable development, supporting peaceful communities, encouraging well-balanced economic growth and helping reduce poverty," says Julia Marton-Lefèvre, Director General of IUCN. "Protecting biodiversity protects valuable assets that are vital to the global economy."
Julia Marton-Lefévre will be one of the speakers at the UNESCO launch of the International Year of Biodiversity at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France on 21 January.
The latest update of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species™ showed that 22 percent of all known mammals, 30 percent of all known amphibians, 12 percent of all known birds, and 28 percent of reptiles, 37 percent of freshwater fish species, 70 percent of plants, 35 percent of invertebrates, assessed so far, are under threat.
Some estimates suggest that the current global rate of species extinction due to human activity is about 1000 times the natural rate of loss. With targets to reduce the loss of biodiversity by 2010 not close to having been met, IUCN is calling for a stronger Convention on Biological Diversity to safeguard life on earth, in all its forms.
"We are facing an extinction crisis," says Jane Smart, Director, IUCN Biodiversity Conservation Group. "We need to remember that extinction is irreversible, once a species is extinct it is gone forever. The loss of this beautiful and complex natural diversity that underpins all life on the planet is a serious threat to humankind now and in the future."
IUCN is calling for ambitious but realistic biodiversity targets, which can be clearly measured and put into practice. It also wants more research on the status of biodiversity, more protected natural areas, on land and sea, and closer collaboration with the business community to find new ways of combining conservation and commerce. Greater public awareness of what's at stake if we continue to disturb and destroy ecosystems is also considered to be a high priority.
"Biodiversity is the basis of all life on earth," says IUCN's Head of Ecosystem Management Programme, Neville Ash. "We need practical action and supportive policies to conserve species, manage and restore ecosystems, including protected areas and the wider landscape, and promote the sustainable use of natural resources."
Press Events:
• 20 January 2010: Launch of French round of European Capitals of Biodiversity Competition, Paris
• 21 January 2010: Launch of International Year of Biodiversity at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, attended by IUCN Director General, Julia Marton-Lefèvre
• 21 January 2010: Conference on Biodiversity and Climate Change, Brussels
• 26-27 January 2010: European Conference, Madrid – Post 2010 Biodiversity Vision and Target: The role of Protected Areas and Ecological Networks in Europe
Further information:
IUCN Global Policy Unit
Media team:
Nicki Chadwick, Media Relations Officer, m +41 76 771 4208, e [email protected]
Pia Drzewinski, Media Relations Officer, m + 41 76 505 8865, e [email protected]


text:
Call of Duty, like so many other games, is a better value over time. The more you play it, the less expensive its $US60 price tag seems to have been. How cheap? Well, even if you buy all the map packs and play just two hours a week, the cost goes down to a dollar an hour. That's better than the movies. Here's the maths, presented in part of a longer open letter from gaming business analyst P.J. McNealy to Activision boss Bobby Kotick:
Gamer A's five days' worth of playing = 120 hours spread across a year. That's about two hours a week. Play twice that much per week and the game costs just two quarters per hour — not counting the console it's on, Xbox Live Gold if you're on a 360, and some other factors, of course!
You could apply this to any game, of course. And if you don't buy DLC and only pay $US60 for a game, you can cut all these per-hour costs in half.
Why Bobby Kotick has been correct on Call of Duty and the video game industry [Digital World Research]


text:
September 15, 2009
Alan Boraas, professor of anthropology at Kenai Peninsula College, University of Alaska Anchorage, is this year's recipient of the University of Alaska Foundation's prestigious Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence.
"The accomplishments of Professor Boraas exemplify the excellence of the Edith R. Bullock Prize. The University of Alaska Foundation recognizes Dr. Boraas' 35 years of research and publication on the history and culture of the Dena'ina people on the Kenai Peninsula and Russian culture," said Sharon Gagnon, chair of the foundation's board of trustees. "His selfless devotion to teaching students of all ages is impressive."
Kenai Peninsula College Director Gary Turner nominated Boraas. "Dr. Boraas has set the standard that others will be judged by in the future. The University of Alaska System is fortunate to be able to count him as a distinguished faculty member and well deserving of the Edith R. Bullock Prize for Excellence," Turner said.
This year's award was made possible by a charitable gift from First National Bank Alaska. The bank stepped forward when it appeared this year's award would not be possible due to worldwide market conditions.
Boraas received his bachelor's degree from the University of Minnesota, his master's degree from the University of Toronto and his doctorate from Oregon State University. He has taught at KPC since 1973.
His awards for teaching, research and public service include the Book of the Year at the American Book Awards by the Before Columbus Foundation for A Dena'ina Legacy, K'tl'egh'i Sukdu: The Collected Writings of Peter Kalifornsky; the Greater Soldotna Chamber of Commerce's Devoted Service to Young People and Youth Activities Award; and Faculty of the Year at KPC. He also is an honorary member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe.
Boraas has written 70 opinion columns for the Anchorage Daily News editorial page, is author of 15 scholarly articles, numerous articles and two books. During the past six years alone, Boraas taught 18 different courses in anthropology at KPC.
Boraas was presented with the Kenai Chamber of Commerce's Log Cabin Award, given to those who exemplify the ideals of community spirit, in January, 2009. He received the award in recognition of his extensive work with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and their language preservation program, as well as for his work in establishing the Tsalteshi Trails.
His research has focused on the anthropology of Cook Inlet with a particular emphasis on the Dena'ina culture and language and early Russian inhabitants of the region. Boraas is known as one of the foremost Dena'ina scholars and one of a few Dena'ina language speakers of Caucasian heritage.
His service to the university is further exemplified by his 30 presentations to public school students and teachers as he enhanced their knowledge of the Kenai Peninsula, the State of Alaska and its earliest inhabitants. He serves as an ambassador of the university and has given more than 50 public lectures across the state in his specialty.
The Bullock prize, which provides a $20,000 cash award, is the largest single award made annually by the UA Foundation's Board of Trustees, a non-profit entity that raises, invests and manages privately donated funds for the sole benefit of the University of Alaska. The award was established by the late Edith R. Bullock, who served the university for 30 years as a member of the UA Board of Regents and the foundation's Board of Trustees. Bullock was also a member of the Alaska Territorial House of Representatives and Senate.


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Bridgestone Expands Deal With NFL But Drops Super Bowl Halftime Show
By Barry Janoff
June 19, 2012: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations said today that it has revised its contract with the NFL via a deal that extends through March 31, 2016.
Under terms of the new alliance, Bridgestone said it would "shift its focus from sponsoring the Super Bowl Halftime Show to reinforcing the Bridgestone brand performance message, starting at the NFL Combine and culminating at the Super Bowl." The tire company said the new alliance would enable it to engage "more closely with consumers by allowing exclusive behind-the-scenes access at key NFL events throughout the year."
The deal replaces a five-year agreement that the tire brand and the NFL signed in 2010, which would have seen Bridgestone remain as Super Bowl halftime title sponsor through Super Bowl XLIX. Bridgestone and the NFL have been official marketing parnters since 2007.
Financial terms of the revised deal were not disclosed. The NFL said that it already has initiated talks to replace Bridgestone as the Super Bowl halftime title sponsor.
"We have achieved great exposure for the Bridgestone brand through the Bridgestone Super Bowl Halftime Show and the commercials we have showcased over the past five years," Philip Dobbs, CMO for Bridgestone Americas, said in a statement. "But this revised sponsorship is an even better fit for where we are now as a brand, and we truly appreciate the NFL for helping us get here. It makes good business sense at this point for us to spread out our investment throughout the year and take advantage of the excitement associated with the NFL shield."
Bridgestone had been title sponsor of the Super Bowl halftime show since Super Bowl XLII (2008, replacing Pepsi), when Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers performed. Bridgestone has since had its name on the halftime show at Super Bowl XLIII (Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band), XLIV (The Who), XLV (The Black Eyed Peas) and Super Bowl XLVI (Madonna), the longest consecutive run in Super Bowl halftime history.
Bridgestone said it would still be associated with the Super Bowl via consumer-related activation.
According to Bridgestone, the company will continue to uses its "Time to Perform" campaign to focus on "highlighting outstanding NFL team and player performances on a weekly basis via digital and broadcast media, culminating in awarding the top performance of the year during Super Bowl week."
The next Super Bowl halftime sponsorship deal might be lucrative and historic. It would start with Super Bowl XLVII at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, and then could include Super Bowl XLVIII at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Super Bowl XLIX at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Arizona and Super Bowl L at a site still to be determined.
Bridgestone said that its marketing efforts would expand upon national advertising, consumer marketing programs and promotions and broadcast and online media elements.
According to Keith Turner, the NFL's svp-media sales and sponsorship, "We are pleased to expand our relationship with Bridgestone Americas. Performance is core to both the NFL and to Bridgestone's tires, and we are excited to continue working together to reach our fans in innovative ways all year round."
"With this new agreement, Bridgestone Americas is ready to take full advantage of the opportunities the NFL has to offer."
"The NFL has done an outstanding job of building its brand, supporting its sponsors, and generating year-round excitement," Dobbs added. "We have seen tremendous results from our sponsorship over the past five years, and with this new agreement, Bridgestone Americas is ready to take full advantage of the opportunities the NFL has to offer. We are looking forward to extending the Bridgestone brand's reach throughout the entire NFL season."
Bridgestone is also the official tire of the NHL and NHLPA and title sponsor of the Bridgestone NHL Winter Classic, the official tire of the PGA Tour, title sponsor of the World Golf Championships–Bridgestone Invitational at the Firestone Country Club in Akron, Ohio; and has naming rights to the Bridgestone Arena, home of the NHL's Nashville Predators.
Back to Super Bowl XLVII


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