General Dynamics F-16BM Fighting Falcon Aircraft Data
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.
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 64.90 kN
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)
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: | 15.03 m. |
| Wing Span: | 10.00 m. |
| Wing Area: | 28.90 m² |
| Height: | 5.01 m. |
| Empty Weight: | 7,386.75 kg. |
| Max. Weight: | 17,009.71 kg. |
| Max. Ordnance Load: | 9,276 kg. |
| Max. Payload: | 14,968 kg. |
| Internal Fuel: | 2,624.03 kg. |
Performance:
| Max. Speed: | 2,125 kph |
| Cruise Speed: | 928.59 kph |
| Service Ceiling: | 16,764 m. |
| Normal Range: | 2,264.35 km |
| Max. Range: | 3,862.43 km |
Random great photos of the General Dynamics F-16BM Fighting Falcon:
