General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon Aircraft Data
Photo ID 235647 by Milos Ruza. Netherlands Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, J 642
In 1989 a two-year study began regarding possible mid-life upgrades for the USAF’s and European Partner Air Forces’ (EPAF’s) F-16A's. The resulting F-16 Mid-Life Update (MLU) package was designed to upgrade the cockpit and avionics to the equivalent of that on the F-16C Block 50; add the ability to employ radar-guided air-to-air missiles; and to generally enhance the operational performance and improve the reliability, supportability and maintainability of the aircraft. Aircraft receiving this set of updates are designated F-16AM.

Development began in May 1991 and continued until 1997; however, the USAF withdrew from the MLU program in 1992, although it did procure the modular mission computer for its Block 50/52 aircraft.
  • Country of Origin: United States
  • First Flight: 1995
  • Initial Service Date: 1998
  • No. Built: 317
  • No. In Service: 309
  • No. of Hardpoints: 11
  • Crew: 1

Power:

1 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E turbofan at 14,590 lbf

Weapons:

1 x 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon with 510 rounds

AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, a wide range of disposable ordnance (free-tall and guided), drop tanks and electronic pods (ECM, reconnaissance and targeting)

Dimensions:

Length: 49 ft. 4 in.
Wing Span: 32 ft. 10 in.
Wing Area: 300 sq.ft
Height: 16 ft. 5 in.
Empty Weight: 16,285 lbs
Max. Weight: 37,500 lbs
Max. Ordnance Load: 20,450 lbs
Max. Payload: 33,000 lbs
Internal Fuel: 6,970 lbs

Performance:

Max. Speed: 1,320 mph
Cruise Speed: 577 mph
Service Ceiling: 55,000 ft.
Normal Range: 1,222.65 nm
Max. Range: 2,086 nm

Operators:

Belgium, Chile, Denmark, Jordan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal.

Random great photos of the General Dynamics F-16AM Fighting Falcon:

Photo ID 248240 by Niels Roman / VORTEX-images. Norway Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, 671
Photo ID 174652 by Peter Boschert. Belgium Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, FA 95
Photo ID 33276 by Mark Broekhans. Netherlands Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, J 015
Photo ID 3889 by Craig Pelleymounter. Netherlands Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, J 868
Photo ID 48221 by Eric Tammer. Netherlands Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, J 063
Photo ID 161108 by Marco Casaleiro. Portugal Air Force General Dynamics F 16AM Fighting Falcon, 15136
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