General Dynamics F-16A/ADF Fighting Falcon Aircraft Data
Photo ID 60672 by Rob Hendriks. Italy Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, MM7253
In October 1986, the USAF announced that operational Block 15 F-16A aircraft would be converted to air defence fighters for the Air National Guard, and would take over the fighter interception mission, providing the primary defence of North America against bombers and cruise missiles.

The F-16A/ADF (Air Defence Fighter) is based on the F-16A model.
The ADF conversion is centred primarily on upgrading the existing AN/APG-66 radar to improve small target detection and provide continuous-wave illumination (thus giving the ability to launch AIM-7 Sparrow BVR missiles). Further modifications include a night identification light in the port forward fuselage, advanced IFF, high frequency single side-band radio, improved ECCM and provision for GPS and AIM-120 AMRAAM missile datalink. The ADF F-16 can carry up to 6 AIM-7 Sparrow or AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and retains the 20mm M61 cannon of the F-16A.

Distinguishing features of the ADF F-16A are the bulges on the fin/fuselage fairing and the searchlight on the port side of the nose. The bulges are caused by the relocation of the Bendix-King AN/ARC-200 high frequency single-sideband radio to the leading edge of the fin. This in turn caused the flight control accumulators, which were installed one over the other, to be relocated to either side of the tail fin. The bulges were installed to provide sufficient room for these accumulators.
  • Country of Origin: United States
  • First Flight: 1989
  • Initial Service Date: 1989
  • No. Built: 246
  • No. In Service: 65
  • No. of Hardpoints: 9
  • Crew: 1

Power:

1 x Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-100 turbofan at 23,830 lbf

Weapons:

Cannon:
1 x 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon with 510 rounds

Missiles:
AIM-7 Sparrow
AIM-9 Sidewinder
AIM-120 AMRAAM

Dimensions:

Length: 49 ft. 4 in.
Wing Span: 32 ft. 10 in.
Wing Area: 300 sq.ft
Height: 16 ft. 5 in.
Empty Weight: 14,567 lbs
Max. Weight: 33,000 lbs
Max. Ordnance Load: 20,450 lbs
Max. Payload: 33,000 lbs
Internal Fuel: 6,972 lbs

Performance:

Max. Speed: 1,320 mph
Cruise Speed: 577 mph
Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft.
Normal Range: 295 nm
Max. Range: 2,100 nm

Operators:

Italy, Jordan, Thailand, United States.

Random great photos of the General Dynamics F-16A/ADF Fighting Falcon:

Photo ID 99076 by Coert van Breda. USA Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, 82 0930
Photo ID 261348 by D. A. Geerts. USA Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, 82 1012
Photo ID 51816 by Jason Grant. Italy Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, MM7239
Photo ID 46431 by Henk Schuitemaker. USA Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, 81 0719
Photo ID 261409 by Jan Eenling. Italy Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, MM7238
Photo ID 93946 by Jan Eenling. Italy Air Force General Dynamics F 16A ADF Fighting Falcon, MM7248
More photos »