F-16 "Fighting Falcon"

The F-16 "Fighting Falcon" entered duty with the Air Force in 1979 as a multi-role fighter and achieved tremendous success in both air-to-air and air-to-ground capacities. The first F-16 came to Eielson when the 18th Fighter Squadron converted from A-10's in January 1991. Its single engine produces 27,000 pounds of thrust, enabling air speeds of 1,500 mph. A 20mm multi-barrel cannon and multiple external stations allow it to carry up to six air-to-air missiles, conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions, and electronic countermeasure pods into combat. It is flown without mechanical connections using a "fly by wire" control system, which uses electrical impulses to maneuver flying surfaces rather than mechanical linkages, giving the aircraft superb maneuverability.

Eielson AFB, Alaska · United States