General Dynamics F-16BM Fighting Falcon Aircraft Data
Photo ID 247725 by Carl Brent. Netherlands Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, J 368
In 1989 a two-year study began regarding possible mid-life upgrades for the USAF’s and European Partner Air Forces’ (EPAF’s) F-16B'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-16D 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-16BM.

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: 71
  • No. In Service: 68
  • No. of Hardpoints: 11
  • Crew: 2

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: 5,785 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-16BM Fighting Falcon:

Photo ID 137086 by Fernando Sousa. Portugal Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, 15139
Photo ID 177188 by Carl Brent. Belgium Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, FB 15
Photo ID 190770 by Sven Zimmermann. Belgium Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, FB 12
Photo ID 141997 by Peter Boschert. Belgium Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, FB 23
Photo ID 19467 by Johnny Cuppens. Belgium Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, FB 22
Photo ID 246458 by Niels Roman / VORTEX-images. Belgium Air Force General Dynamics F 16BM Fighting Falcon, FB 24
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