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CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE F-16 FIGHTING FALCON

Explore the rich history and legacy of the F-16 Falcon at Airshow London.

PHOTO GALLERY

Experience the F-16 through the years at Airshow London. Click the images below to view them in full-size and learn more about the squadron that brought them.

F-16 PHOTO CONTEST ULTIMATE WINNER SPOTLIGHT

Congratulations to Ryan Mahle, the Ultimate Winner of the F-16 Fighting Falcon Photo Contest! Held in honour of the 50th anniversary of the F-16, Ryan’s exceptional photograph perfectly captures the spirit of the legendary F-16 Fighting Falcon at Airshow London. Their exceptional skills in aerial photography have earned them the title of Ultimate Winner in this exciting contest. Great work, Ryan!
 

EXPLORE THE LEGACY OF THE F-16 FALCON

1974

  • Development Begins
  • The maiden flight of the YF-16 was conducted. This year’s ACC F-16 Demo Team’s paint scheme is a replica of the YF-16’s on its first flight Feb 2, 1974
  • First to use a fly-by-wire system– The F-16 became the first aircraft to use a fly-by-wire flight control system to make it more maneuverable than earlier-generation fighters

1975

  • Along with the U.S., the first four countries to quickly adopt the F-16 Fighting Falcon were Belgium, Denmark, Netherlands, and Norway when they ordered the aircraft at that year’s Paris Airshow.

 

1978

  • First flight and first F-16 delivered to the US Air Force on January 6, 1978.

1979

  • First aircraft delivered outside the US and it went to the Belgian Air Force’s 349 SQN.

1980

  • First F-16 entered operational service with the USAF with the 388thTactical Fighter Wing, Hill AFB, Utah

1981

  • First F-16 air to air combat success was achieved by the Israeli Air Force

1982

  • In June 1982, the F-16 made its debut at the London International Airshow. The F-16A was from thew 474 Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), Nellis AFB Nevada and wore an “NA” tail code

1983

  • The USAF Thunderbirds made the switch to the F-16 and still fly them today.
  • First F-16 delivered to the US Air National Guard to the 169thTactical Fighter Group South Carolina ANG which will be in attendance at this year’s Air Show London!

1984

  • First F-16 delivered to the US Air force Reserve to the 419th TFW Hill AFB, Utah
  • The F-16C went into production

1993

  • General Dynamics aircraft division was sold to Lockheed Corporation (Lockheed Martin today) which is still produced but as the Lockheed Martin F-16s today

1994

  • 20th Anniversary of the F-16 was celebrated by the London International Airshow with over 14 F-16s on display

2005

  • Last F-16 delivered to the USAF

2024

  • 50th Anniversary
  • The F-16 is still being produced today

Key Milestones & Achievements of the F-16 Fighting Falcon

  • Multi-Role Capability: Adaptability for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
  • Technology Advancements: Integration of advanced avionics and weapons systems.
  • Global Service: Serving in over 25 countries, demonstration international cooperations and reliability.
  • Impact on Aviation: Influence on future fighter aircraft designs and operational doctrines.

 Did you know? Over 220 F-16s have attended Airshows in London since their first appearance!

Fun Numbers

  • 4,604 Total number of F-16’s produced.
  • 2,231 F-16’s delivered to the USAF
  • 25 more than countries from around the world have operated the F-16.
  • $14 Million US dollars for the F-16A (1998)
  • $19 Million US dollars for the F-16C (1998)
  • 2 – The F-16 can fly at twice the speed of sound!
  • 20,000,000 – estimated number of flight hours since first flight.
  • 70 – Over 70 aircraft that have been shot down by the F-16.
  • 0 – Number of F-16 losses in air-to-air combat.

Exclusive F-16 Merchandise

F-16 Fighting Falcon T-Shirt

Limited Edition F-16 Fighting Falcon T-Shirt

 

Celebrate 50 years of the F-16 Fighting Falcon with our exclusive commemorative T-Shirt. Featuring the iconic F-16 design and crafted from premium materials, this limited-edition item is a must-have for all aviation enthusiasts.

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