War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

F-16C

2024-02-28T04:11:34Z

U125602956: Readded the image provided in the history section

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16c_block_50
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a major improvement over the previous variants of the F-16. The previous Block 42 aircraft weighed 3,000+ lbs (1,360 kgs) over the early F-16s. To offset the increased weight, General Electric developed the F110-GE-129 which greatly increased thrust at both low and high altitudes. The Block 50 also received the Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar which was much faster and generally more reliable. One of the biggest additions to the Block 50 was the ability to fire new ground attack munitions. It could also utilize the AGM-88 HARM, a dedicated anti radiation missile still in service . The USAF received the first F-16 Block 50 in late 1991 and many more were sent to foreign countries as well.

Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an excellent top-tier aircraft. The improved General Electric F110 greatly increases the performance of the Block 50 against enemy aircraft. It excels in dogfighting thanks to its relatively light airframe and better engine. The Fighting Falcon has access to AIM-9M Sidewinders with a smokeless motor and improved IRCCM, making them an incredibly dangerous missile, especially from rear aspect. Players should be more than satisfied with the F-16C Block 50 against both aircraft and ground targets.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The F-16C performs similarly to the F-16A ADF, with a better engine and roll rate. When the plane is heavy (full fuel load, lots of ordnance), its maneuverability isn't amazing, but it isn't bad. However, when the plane is light (low fuel and most of the ordnance is depleted), it is much more maneuverable and is one of the best dogfighters in the game. It has a great roll rate, but this is only with the "New boosters" modification. This mod is incredibly potent, drastically increasing roll rate. It's incredibly quick as well, hitting 1500+ km/h on the deck coming at the cost of maneuverability, which is especially noticeable without the boosters.

It turns incredibly well, but the pilot needs to manage speed as it won't turn very well at high speed, especially when compared to an F-14 or MiG-29.

The engine is very strong, giving the F-16C a favorable thrust-to-weight ratio and climb rate. Due to the weight of its upgrades, however, it's not as maneuverable as the earlier F-16 variants, but is still an excellent aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,108 || 2,073 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.1 || 20.5 || 259.5 || 248.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,235||2,170||18.9||19.5||344.1||300.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric F110-GE-129 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,070 kg || colspan="3" | 441 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 42m fuel
|-
| 1,805 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 10,044 kg || 10,606 kg || 11,374 kg || 12,317 kg || 17,874 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 42m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,960 kgf || 11,484 kgf
| 1.14 || 1.08 || 1.01 || 0.93 || 0.64
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,241 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 16,488 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.64 || 1.55 || 1.45 || 1.34 || 0.92
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The F-16C has no armour and, as such, lackluster survivability. The aircraft's inherent instability is exacerbated with damage, as well; it is very hard to fly if you lose a wing or your tail, and even minor airframe damage can cause the jet to enter a flatspin, or at the very least hinder its maneuverability.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 120 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || || || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || || || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 2* || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
| || || 19 || || || || || 19 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65D]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! LITENING II targeting pod
| || || || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * The LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying guided bombs
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 2 x AGM-65D missiles
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-16C is a purebred squad fighter, performing most efficiently with allied help. A group of 3–4 F-16s is a deadly force to be reckoned with, no matter the enemy. To get the most out of the Block-50, focus on assisting allies and cleaning up baited targets. The F-16 can be a menace by dipping in and out of fights, utilizing its effective HMD to sling AIM-9Ms at slow and distracted opponents. However, due to poor high-speed manoeuvrability, the F-16 should never be found alone, especially by multiple enemies. Poor high-speed agility can reduce responsiveness times for pilots, giving pursuing enemies crucial space for positioning. The F-16 can be easily overwhelmed when outnumbered, so the best way to combat the weakness is to avoid it altogether. By using careful target prioritization, a Block-50 can kill enemies and free up allies for assistance at the same time. Through practice, you will learn your plane by heart, finally unleashing the full potential of this vicious aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to potent AIM-9M missiles with the bonus of a smokeless motor
* Access to a LITENING II TGP in contrast to other F-16 variants
* Large variety of guided ground ordnance
* Better radar than previous F-16s
* Has TWS (Track While Scan)
* Upgraded F110-GE-129 engine with significantly more thrust
* Advanced AN/ALR-56M RWR that can detect a variety of threats
* Access to a voice warning system (Betty)
* Access to a helmet-mounted display (JHMCS) that allows players to obtain and fire missiles off the boresight

'''Cons:'''

* Bad top speed manoeuvrability
* High fuel consumption
* Worse flight performance than previous F-16s

== History ==

Concluding MSIP III, the F-16CG/DG fleet weighed 3,000+ lbs over the original F-16A/B fleet. Intended to carry more armament than the original A/Bs, the CG/DGs had their airframes strengthened compared to even the fairly recent CD/DDs, and had improved avionics, as the primary intent behind the Night Viper: LANTIRN integration. While this wasn’t as much of a problem for the Block 40s, the Block 42s suffered heavily, still using the F100-PW-220E introduced with the Block 25. These engines still produced roughly the same thrust as the original F100-PW-200s that was featured on the F-16As. As a result, the USAF launched the Increased Performance Engine (IPE) program to increase the thrust of the F-16. Pratt & Whitney procured the F100-PW-229, and General Electric procured the F110-GE-129, both rated at 29,000lbs of thrust (129kN). Both were much more powerful than their predecessors, providing the 50/52 fleet much desired thrust. The F110, found in the Block 50, featured a thirty-percent increase in thrust at low altitudes and a ten-percent increase at higher altitudes. The Block 50 also received the Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar which had increased reliability and was much faster. The cockpit retained its previous monochrome MFDs and FOV HUD, while having upgraded systems, such as the AN/ALR-56M RWR and AN/ALE-47 countermeasure system. From the Block 50D/52D onwards, the Block 50/52 fleet was unofficially designated the F-16CJ/DJ. These F-16s received the Harm Avionics/Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC), allowing for autonomous employment capability of HARMs, and the integration for AGM-88 HARMs, the Lockheed Martin AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny laser spot tracker (also featured on the right hand side of the A-10A’s and early A-10C (pre Suite 7, as this was superseded by more system integration)'s nose), and the Texas Instruments (now Raytheon) AN/ASQ-213 Harm Targeting System (HTS). The HTS is mounted on the starboard intake hardpoint, and is able to detect, classify, and range ground radar threats, passing this information to the HARM and cockpit displays.The Block 50 also is capable of using (for the time) new munitions, such as the AGM-65G Maverick, JDAM munitions, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and PGU-28/B SAPHEI rounds.

The first Block 50 F-16 was delivered to the USAF in November of 1991, and by early 1997, over 300 were delivered to four different customers.

After 2005, the USAF stopped receiving new F-16s, although they continued to upgrade their fleet, as seen with the Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP), and Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT).

CCIP brought the Block 40/42 fleet and 50/52 fleet to the same upgrade program, including upgrades such as a more powerful central processor, color cockpit displays the Sniper XR targeting pod (Phase IB), the “Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System” (JHMCS) (Phase II), the AN/APX-113 IFF transponder (as seen with the “bird slicers” on the top of the nose of the F-16C in game), an improved Westinghouse APG-68(v)9 radar, electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator, and the Link-16 data link. amongst other improvements. This upgrade also provided shared commonality with the well known Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program, bringing the now combined 40/42/50/52 fleet to about M4.2 standard, though this varies depending on the airframe. Do keep in mind, WT hasn't modeled the APG-68(v)9 change, and still uses the -68(v)7, a radar mounted on later production Block 50/52s. The US F-16 fleet also ran through a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) parallel to CCIP, providing valuable structural refurbishment to ensure the airframe’s survivability, increasing the original 8,000 flight hours to nearly 14,000. These modernized F-16s were redesignated to the F-16CM/DM regardless of block, further signifying commonality with MLU F-16s.

Smaller individual upgrades have taken place, too, such as integration of more advanced countermeasures systems such as Raytheon’s AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system, and Elbit System’s Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS). Larger upgrades include the Block 50/52 Plus, which includes many upgrades seen in CCIP (such as AN/APX-113, APG-68(v)9, HMCS capability), while also adding features such as an on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS), and the capability for Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs). D variant Block 50/52 Pluses also have a distinct spine, accommodating for lost space involved with integrating the second seat, although the spines seen on F-16s heavily vary depending on the operator and Block. The Have Glass programs are dedicated to minimizing the F-16’s radar cross section throughout the platform’s lifetime. The most modern iteration, Have Glass V, utilizes ferromagnetic paint.to absorb radar energy, and recoats the canopy in a distinctive, darker finish (in WT, the RAM properties of the livery is not implemented, nor is the canopy’s changed finish).
[[File:1280px-F-16c thunderbirds 2022.jpg|thumb|F-16Cs of the USAF Thunderbirds performing a Diamond Formation, October 2022.]]
A variety of nations operate the Block 50/52 to this day, including but not limited to Chile, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, and Turkey. Each customer has their own separate upgrades involved, depending on the nation’s need. No matter where she serves, the F-16 serves her correspondent nation strongly.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16c_block_50 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
F-16 Viper Demo Team skin.png|F-16C Viper Demo Team skin
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|f3sRtaPqENE|'''The Shooting Range #376''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8429-development-f-16c-block-50-the-more-the-merrier-en|[Devblog] F-16C Block 50: The More The Merrier!]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-16C

2024-02-28T04:08:45Z

U125602956: complete rewriting of the History page, very minor change (more specific designation for the radar used in the jet) in the Description

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16c_block_50
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
}}

== Description ==
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a major improvement over the previous variants of the F-16. The previous Block 42 aircraft weighed 3,000+ lbs (1,360 kgs) over the early F-16s. To offset the increased weight, General Electric developed the F110-GE-129 which greatly increased thrust at both low and high altitudes. The Block 50 also received the Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar which was much faster and generally more reliable. One of the biggest additions to the Block 50 was the ability to fire new ground attack munitions. It could also utilize the AGM-88 HARM, a dedicated anti radiation missile still in service . The USAF received the first F-16 Block 50 in late 1991 and many more were sent to foreign countries as well.

Introduced in [[Update "Sons of Attila"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an excellent top-tier aircraft. The improved General Electric F110 greatly increases the performance of the Block 50 against enemy aircraft. It excels in dogfighting thanks to its relatively light airframe and better engine. The Fighting Falcon has access to AIM-9M Sidewinders with a smokeless motor and improved IRCCM, making them an incredibly dangerous missile, especially from rear aspect. Players should be more than satisfied with the F-16C Block 50 against both aircraft and ground targets.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The F-16C performs similarly to the F-16A ADF, with a better engine and roll rate. When the plane is heavy (full fuel load, lots of ordnance), its maneuverability isn't amazing, but it isn't bad. However, when the plane is light (low fuel and most of the ordnance is depleted), it is much more maneuverable and is one of the best dogfighters in the game. It has a great roll rate, but this is only with the "New boosters" modification. This mod is incredibly potent, drastically increasing roll rate. It's incredibly quick as well, hitting 1500+ km/h on the deck coming at the cost of maneuverability, which is especially noticeable without the boosters.

It turns incredibly well, but the pilot needs to manage speed as it won't turn very well at high speed, especially when compared to an F-14 or MiG-29.

The engine is very strong, giving the F-16C a favorable thrust-to-weight ratio and climb rate. Due to the weight of its upgrades, however, it's not as maneuverable as the earlier F-16 variants, but is still an excellent aircraft.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,108 || 2,073 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.1 || 20.5 || 259.5 || 248.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,235||2,170||18.9||19.5||344.1||300.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || - || 470 || 463 || ~12 || ~4
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | General Electric F110-GE-129 || 1
| colspan="2" | 9,070 kg || colspan="3" | 441 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 42m fuel
|-
| 1,805 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 10,044 kg || 10,606 kg || 11,374 kg || 12,317 kg || 17,874 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 12m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 42m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,960 kgf || 11,484 kgf
| 1.14 || 1.08 || 1.01 || 0.93 || 0.64
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,241 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 16,488 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.64 || 1.55 || 1.45 || 1.34 || 0.92
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The F-16C has no armour and, as such, lackluster survivability. The aircraft's inherent instability is exacerbated with damage, as well; it is very hard to fly if you lose a wing or your tail, and even minor airframe damage can cause the jet to enter a flatspin, or at the very least hinder its maneuverability.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 120 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="4%" | 1 !! width="4%" | 2 !! width="4%" | 3 !! width="4%" | 4 !! width="4%" | 5 !! width="4%" | 6 !! width="4%" | 7 !! width="4%" | 8 !! width="4%" | 9 !! width="4%" | 10
| rowspan="17" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || || || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || || || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[GBU-12 Paveway II (277 kg)|277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II]] bombs
| || || 2* || || || || || 2* || ||
|-
! [[GBU-24 Paveway III (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III]] bombs
| || || 1* || 1* || || || 1* || 1* || ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || || 2 || 2 || || || 2 || 2 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[Hydra-70 M247]] rockets
| || || 19 || || || || || 19 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65D]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-7M Sparrow]] missiles
| || || 1 || || || || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9M Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! LITENING II targeting pod
| || || || || 1* || || || || ||
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="11" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
| colspan="12" | * The LITENING II pod must be equipped when carrying guided bombs
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles
* 2 x AIM-7M Sparrow missiles
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 38 x Hydra-70 M247 rockets
* 2 x AGM-65D missiles
* 6 x AGM-65D missiles
* 12 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 12 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 277 kg GBU-12 Paveway II bombs (1,108 kg total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-24 Paveway III bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 8 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==


The F-16C is a purebred squad fighter, performing most efficiently with allied help. A group of 3–4 F-16s is a deadly force to be reckoned with, no matter the enemy. To get the most out of the Block-50, focus on assisting allies and cleaning up baited targets. The F-16 can be a menace by dipping in and out of fights, utilizing its effective HMD to sling AIM-9Ms at slow and distracted opponents. However, due to poor high-speed manoeuvrability, the F-16 should never be found alone, especially by multiple enemies. Poor high-speed agility can reduce responsiveness times for pilots, giving pursuing enemies crucial space for positioning. The F-16 can be easily overwhelmed when outnumbered, so the best way to combat the weakness is to avoid it altogether. By using careful target prioritization, a Block-50 can kill enemies and free up allies for assistance at the same time. Through practice, you will learn your plane by heart, finally unleashing the full potential of this vicious aircraft.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Access to potent AIM-9M missiles with the bonus of a smokeless motor
* Access to a LITENING II TGP in contrast to other F-16 variants
* Large variety of guided ground ordnance
* Better radar than previous F-16s
* Has TWS (Track While Scan)
* Upgraded F110-GE-129 engine with significantly more thrust
* Advanced AN/ALR-56M RWR that can detect a variety of threats
* Access to a voice warning system (Betty)
* Access to a helmet-mounted display (JHMCS) that allows players to obtain and fire missiles off the boresight

'''Cons:'''

* Bad top speed manoeuvrability
* High fuel consumption
* Worse flight performance than previous F-16s

== History ==

Concluding MSIP III, the F-16CG/DG fleet weighed 3,000+ lbs over the original F-16A/B fleet. Intended to carry more armament than the original A/Bs, the CG/DGs had their airframes strengthened compared to even the fairly recent CD/DDs, and had improved avionics, as the primary intent behind the Night Viper: LANTIRN integration. While this wasn’t as much of a problem for the Block 40s, the Block 42s suffered heavily, still using the F100-PW-220E introduced with the Block 25. These engines still produced roughly the same thrust as the original F100-PW-200s that was featured on the F-16As. As a result, the USAF launched the Increased Performance Engine (IPE) program to increase the thrust of the F-16. Pratt & Whitney procured the F100-PW-229, and General Electric procured the F110-GE-129, both rated at 29,000lbs of thrust (129kN). Both were much more powerful than their predecessors, providing the 50/52 fleet much desired thrust. The F110, found in the Block 50, featured a thirty-percent increase in thrust at low altitudes and a ten-percent increase at higher altitudes. The Block 50 also received the Westinghouse APG-68(v)5 radar which had increased reliability and was much faster. The cockpit retained its previous monochrome MFDs and FOV HUD, while having upgraded systems, such as the AN/ALR-56M RWR and AN/ALE-47 countermeasure system. From the Block 50D/52D onwards, the Block 50/52 fleet was unofficially designated the F-16CJ/DJ. These F-16s received the Harm Avionics/Launcher Interface Computer (ALIC), allowing for autonomous employment capability of HARMs, and the integration for AGM-88 HARMs, the Lockheed Martin AN/AAS-35(V) Pave Penny laser spot tracker (also featured on the right hand side of the A-10A’s and early A-10C (pre Suite 7, as this was superseded by more system integration)'s nose), and the Texas Instruments (now Raytheon) AN/ASQ-213 Harm Targeting System (HTS). The HTS is mounted on the starboard intake hardpoint, and is able to detect, classify, and range ground radar threats, passing this information to the HARM and cockpit displays.The Block 50 also is capable of using (for the time) new munitions, such as the AGM-65G Maverick, JDAM munitions, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, and PGU-28/B SAPHEI rounds.

The first Block 50 F-16 was delivered to the USAF in November of 1991, and by early 1997, over 300 were delivered to four different customers.

After 2005, the USAF stopped receiving new F-16s, although they continued to upgrade their fleet, as seen with the Common Configuration Implementation Program (CCIP), and Post Block Integration Team (PoBIT).

CCIP brought the Block 40/42 fleet and 50/52 fleet to the same upgrade program, including upgrades such as a more powerful central processor, color cockpit displays the Sniper XR targeting pod (Phase IB), the “Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System” (JHMCS) (Phase II), the AN/APX-113 IFF transponder (as seen with the “bird slicers” on the top of the nose of the F-16C in game), an improved Westinghouse APG-68(v)9 radar, electronic Horizontal Situation Indicator, and the Link-16 data link. amongst other improvements. This upgrade also provided shared commonality with the well known Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program, bringing the now combined 40/42/50/52 fleet to about M4.2 standard, though this varies depending on the airframe. Do keep in mind, WT hasn't modeled the APG-68(v)9 change, and still uses the -68(v)7, a radar mounted on later production Block 50/52s. The US F-16 fleet also ran through a Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) parallel to CCIP, providing valuable structural refurbishment to ensure the airframe’s survivability, increasing the original 8,000 flight hours to nearly 14,000. These modernized F-16s were redesignated to the F-16CM/DM regardless of block, further signifying commonality with MLU F-16s.

Smaller individual upgrades have taken place, too, such as integration of more advanced countermeasures systems such as Raytheon’s AN/ALE-50 towed decoy system, and Elbit System’s Passive Airborne Warning Systems (PAWS). Larger upgrades include the Block 50/52 Plus, which includes many upgrades seen in CCIP (such as AN/APX-113, APG-68(v)9, HMCS capability), while also adding features such as an on-board oxygen generating system (OBOGS), and the capability for Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs). D variant Block 50/52 Pluses also have a distinct spine, accommodating for lost space involved with integrating the second seat, although the spines seen on F-16s heavily vary depending on the operator and Block. The Have Glass programs are dedicated to minimizing the F-16’s radar cross section throughout the platform’s lifetime. The most modern iteration, Have Glass V, utilizes ferromagnetic paint.to absorb radar energy, and recoats the canopy in a distinctive, darker finish (in WT, the RAM properties of the livery is not implemented, nor is the canopy’s changed finish).

A variety of nations operate the Block 50/52 to this day, including but not limited to Chile, Egypt, Greece, Iraq, Israel, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, and Turkey. Each customer has their own separate upgrades involved, depending on the nation’s need. No matter where she serves, the F-16 serves her correspondent nation strongly.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16c_block_50 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Images
<gallery mode="packed-hover" heights="200">
F-16 Viper Demo Team skin.png|F-16C Viper Demo Team skin
</gallery>

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|f3sRtaPqENE|'''The Shooting Range #376''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:26 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8429-development-f-16c-block-50-the-more-the-merrier-en|[Devblog] F-16C Block 50: The More The Merrier!]]

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

F-16A

2023-09-23T05:18:02Z

U125602956: usage in battles edited to describe Sons of Attila flight performance, minor edits to flight performance

{{About
| about = American jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = F-16 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=f_16a_block_10
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

The F-16A is famous for its ability to accelerate while going vertically. Its turn rate and thrust are amongst the best in the game, allowing it to accelerate very quickly, and turn for longer than most jets in the game.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 10,973 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 2,103 || 2,073 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.0 || 20.2 || 261.1 || 248.3 || rowspan="2" | 850
|-
! Upgraded
|2,209 || 2,156 || 19.3 || 19.8 || 350.9 || 305.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| X || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,555  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || N/A || 470 || 463 || ~10 || ~3
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 680 || < 750 || < 700 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="2" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 || 1
| colspan="2" | 7,690 kg || colspan="2" | 392 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with internal fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel
|-
| 1,470 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning low-bypass turbofan
| 8,662 kg || 9,913 kg || 10,930 kg || 16,849 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 8m fuel || 20m fuel || 29m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 6,490 kgf || 8,985 kgf
| 1.04 || 0.90 || 0.82 || 0.53
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 7,434 kgf (1,555 km/h) || 15,225 kgf (1,400 km/h)
| 1.76 || 1.53 || 1.39 || 0.90
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The F-16A is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention, its highly manoeuvrable and can easily reach its top speed even when climbing. It's so good that you will often experience the effects of the G-limit, so when making a sharp turn keep that in mind.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs) !! Lead indicator
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|M61A1 (20 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* 1 x 20 mm M61A1 cannon, wing root-mounted (512 rpg)
* 60 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="5%" | 1 !! width="5%" | 2 !! width="5%" | 3 !! width="5%" | 4 !! width="5%" | 5 !! width="5%" | 6 !! width="5%" | 7 !! width="5%" | 8 !! width="5%" | 9
| rowspan="13" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_{{PAGENAME}}.png]]</div>
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb LDGP Mk 82]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[Mk 82 Snakeye (500 lb)|500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye]] bombs
| || || 3 || 3, 6 || 1 || 3, 6 || 3 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[LDGP Mk 84 Air (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[GBU-8 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb GBU-8]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[BLU-27/B incendiary]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[FFAR Mighty Mouse]] rockets
| || || 57 || || || || 57 || ||
|-
! [[AGM-65B]] missiles
| || || 1, 3 || || || || 1, 3 || ||
|-
! [[AIM-9J Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! [[AIM-9L Sidewinder]] missiles
| 1 || 1 || 1 || || || || 1 || 1 || 1
|-
! 300 gal drop tanks
| || || || || 1 || || || ||
|-
| colspan="10" | Maximum permissible loadout weight: 5,420 kg Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 2,000 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* 1 x 300 gal drop tank
* 2 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9J Sidewinder missiles
* 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* 19 x 500 lb LDGP Mk 82 bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 19 x 500 lb Mk 82 Snakeye bombs (9,500 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x 2,000 lb LDGP Mk 84 Air bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 4 x BLU-27/B incendiary bombs
* 4 x 2,000 lb GBU-8 bombs (8,000 lb total)
* 114 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
* 6 x AGM-65B missiles
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The F-16A can be a powerful fighter with multiple playstyles, one option being to simply rush straight into battle. Players that plan to stay low and accelerate straight into action will be satisfied with the F-16's low-altitude performance and radar. A mixed countermeasure loadout (1 flare, 1 chaff) is recommended because it allows 30 countermeasure drops against radar or IR missiles. In order to be prepared for matches that may extend longer than usual, select the 30-minute fuel option in conjunction with the 300-gallon drop tank, or the full tank of 41 minutes. The F-16 consumes a lot of fuel on afterburner, so it's essential to use it wisely unless the max fuel amount is selected. If low fuel maneuverability is desirable, bringing 20 minutes on smaller maps and 30 minutes on larger maps is viable, but this requires management of fuel (i.e. "halfterburner" or using the scroll wheel to partially engage afterburner).

With the [[AIM-9L Sidewinder|AIM-9L Sidewinders]], players can carry up to 6 AIM-9Ls. If a player finds themselves above the fight, it will be effortless to fire off missiles at distracted enemies and score kills quickly. AIM-9Ls are very strong from the rear aspect and require hard defending from the opponent to evade successfully;

The F-16 is very strong in a dogfight due to its excellent TWR and energy retention. Before entering a dogfight, it's critical to be careful of how many Gs are pulled during turns. If entering a dogfight too quickly, then the pilot can pass out. While ameliorable, this doesn't completely solve the issue, as the F-16 pulls many Gs at most speeds—up to 13 in most cases.

'''Countering the [[MiG-29]]'''

The MiG-29 is a very versatile and capable fighter and will be one of the most common enemies you will face. However, like many planes, it's possible to counter it. It's one of the fastest jets on the deck (~1,550 km/h, 963 mph) and has access to a helmet-mounted sight, which allows the player to lock the missile in the direction of the pilot's view rather than just along the nose of the aircraft. This allows for off-bore missile launches which can be a threat. It's important to be on the lookout all the time for any missile launches, whether it be an [[R-60M]] or an [[R-27T]].

Avoid entering a high-speed rate-fight with a MiG-29 as much as possible, as the MiG-29 is much more maneuverable at high speeds; however, at low speeds the F-16 is able to outturn the MiG-29 thanks to its better low speed handling. The MiG-29 also bleeds its speed much faster than the F-16, so bringing the MiG-29 into a vertical fight is also viable, albeit risky due to the MiG-29's still high turn rate at low speeds.

The MiG-29 at high altitude can be dangerous if the opponent utilizes [[R-27ER|R-27ERs]]. The R-27ER has superb range, acceleration, and maneuverability. To counter this, stay on the lookout for MiG-29s and R-27ERs, using both the Mk 1 Eyeballs and RWR, and be prepared to go into a notch position and drop chaff. The R-27ER burns for 8 seconds which allows it to be spotted for a long time before the motor burns out.

The [[MiG-29SMT]] is a modernized MiG-29, featuring new munition options such as the [[R-27ET]] and [[R-73]]. This aircraft can still be countered, however, using the reliable Mk 1 eyeballs once more.

The R-27ET is similar to the R-27ER, but it requires an IR lock before firing. The tradeoff for this is that the R-27ET is near undetectable after the rocket motor has burnt out, only making its presence known moments before taking the F-16 out of a fight. Its flare resistance is also quite good, so simply dropping countermeasures from a rear aspect shot of the R-27ET is borderline undodgeable. The missile is relatively easy to flare from the front, and the missile shares rocket motors with the R-27ER, so dropping countermeasures if either R-27ER/ET is noticed is desirable.

The R-73 is currently the best short range AAM in War Thunder, boasting long motor burn, high maximum g load, and one of the best flare resistances in game, only beaten by the R-27T/ET, and [[AIM-9M Sidewinder|AIM-9M]] (which is highly conditional). Its flare resistance is also highly supported by its small FOV after launch, 0.5 degrees, making it hard for the missile to see flares in the first place. For example, an F-14 nearly fills out the seeker head within roughly 2km. This results in the missile being nigh impossible to spoof by countermeasures unless they are dropped in large bursts. To top it all off, the R-73 is cueable by the MiG-29's helmet-mounted sight, leading to high off-boresight (HOB) shots. This doesn't make the missile unbeatable, however, as the missile's thrust vectoring prevents the missile from going very fast, and once the rocket motor burns out, the missile bleeds its speed quickly, soon struggling to stay in the air as seen with its dolphining and occasional tumbling out of the sky. The R-73's flare resistance, while still better than its contemporaries such as the AIM-9L and [[Python 3]], is still relatively flareable if the missile is fired from frontal aspect or from further ranges.

The MiG-29SMT itself maneuvers slightly worse than the MiG-29 (9-12A) and (9-13), but still very much a force to be reckoned with. Just knowing an SMT is in the vicinity requires constant awareness of your surroundings, but overall fighting the SMT is roughly the same, only requiring you to look around that little bit more.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* High thrust-to-weight ratio gives it an incredible acceleration
* Highly maneuverable
* Able to carry a drop tank to extend flight time
* Access to 6 x AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles
* Has access to a wide range to air-to-ground loadouts

'''Cons:'''

* Does not have access to SARH missiles, limiting its BVR performance
* High fuel consumption with afterburner

== History ==

Two projects from Northrop and General Dynamics reached the final of the LWF (LightWeight Fighter) competition to create a new light fighter for the US Air Force. In January 1975, the winner of the competition was the YF-16, developed by General Dynamics. Intense testing continued after the launch of the F-16A fighter into series, and was completed only in 1978. The new generation fighter was designed for Mach 2 speeds and was able to perform maneuvers at 9G overloads, which was even higher than the requirements declared in the competition. The F-16A took her full-scale baptism of fire in service with the Israeli Air Force over Lebanon in the early 80s. The jet fighters were also used against ground targets during Operation Desert Storm. Consistently improving, the F-16A fighters are being produced and modernized to this day. In addition to the United States, a number of foreign countries have become operators of the F-16A Fighting Falcon fighters, including Belgium, Israel, Pakistan, Italy, Indonesia and others. Fighters are produced both domestically and under license.

- From ''[[wt:en/news/8003-development-f-16a-american-fighting-falcon-en|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=f_16a_block_10 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|FtFRyd0R3Lg|'''The Shooting Range #334''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:47 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}

== See also ==


;Related development

* [[F-16 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/8003-development-f-16a-american-fighting-falcon-en|[Devblog] F-16A: American Fighting Falcon]]

* https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/544244-f-16a-discussion-thread-specs-performance-weaponry-and-more/
* https://www.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/104505/f-16-fighting-falcon/

{{AirManufacturer General Dynamics}}
{{USA jet aircraft}}

Mirage F1C-200

2023-09-04T17:32:45Z

U125602956: small edit of terminology, changed PD to MTi

{{About
| about = premium French jet fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| usage = other versions
| link = Mirage F1 (Family)
}}
{{Specs-Card
|code=mirage_f1c_200
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|StoreImage_{{PAGENAME}}_001.jpg}}
|store=11810
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium gift rank {{Specs|rank}} French jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update "Apex Predators"]].

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}

''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at _,___ m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| ___ || ___ || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._ || rowspan="2" | ___
|-
! Upgraded
| ___ || ___ || __._ || __._ || __._ || __._
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || ✓ 
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
|-
| 1,457  || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 555 || 549 || 416 || ~__ || ~__
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 650 || < 800 || < 900 || -
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="5" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="2" | {{Annotation|Basic mass|Mass of the aircraft with pilot and engine oil, but no fuel or weapons load}} || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel)
|-
| colspan="2" | SNECMA Atar 9K-50 || 1
| colspan="2" | 8,066 kg || colspan="3" | ___ kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="4" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load) || rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Max Gross Weight|Mass of the fully equipped aircraft with heaviest weapons load}}
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel
|-
| 1,590 kg || colspan="2" | Afterburning axial-flow turbojet
| 9,088 kg || 9,611 kg || 10,384 kg || 11,473 kg || 14,214 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB/SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="5" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (WEP)
|-
! Condition || 100% || WEP
! 13m fuel || 20m fuel || 30m fuel || 44m fuel || MGW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 4,890 kgf || 6,801 kgf
| 0.75 || 0.71 || 0.66 || 0.59 || 0.48
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 5,917 kgf (1,200 - 1,400 km/h) || 9,875 kgf (1,200 km/h)
| 1.09 || 1.03 || 0.95 || 0.86 || 0.69
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}

The Mirage F1C-200 does not have any armour on the aircraft. Most contemporary cannons such as the [[NR-30 (30 mm)|NR-30]], [[M61A1 (20 mm)|M61A1]], [[Type 30-1 (30 mm)|Type 30-1]] and [[GSh-30-1 (30 mm)|GSh-30-1]] on aircraft like the [[F-14 (Family)|F-14s]], [[F-16 (Family)|F-16s]] and [[MiG-29|MiG-29s]] hitting the aircraft will usually result in critical damage if not an instant death, as is normal at this BR.

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="5" | [[Ballistic Computer]]
|-
! CCIP (Guns) !! CCIP (Rockets) !! CCIP (Bombs) !! CCRP (Bombs)
|-
| {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}} || {{Tick}}
|-
|}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|DEFA 553 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons, belly-mounted (135 rpg = 270 total)
** 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons + 252 x countermeasures

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}


The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="100%"
|-
! !! width="6%" | 1 !! width="6%" | 2 !! width="6%" | 3 !! width="6%" | 4 !! width="6%" | 5 !! width="6%" | 6 !! width="6%" | 7
| rowspan="16" width="30%" | <div class="ttx-image">[[File:Hardpoints_Mirage_F1C.png]]</div>
|-
! [[DEFA 553 (30 mm)|30 mm DEFA 553]] cannons (180 rpg)
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
! [[SAMP Type 25 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Type 25 200 (250 kg)|250 kg SAMP Type 25 200]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Type 21 (400 kg)|400 kg SAMP Type 21]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Type 21 200 (400 kg)|400 kg SAMP Type 21 200]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Mk 82 (500 lb)|500 lb SAMP Mk 82]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Mk 83 (1,000 lb)|1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83]] bombs
| || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 || 1 ||
|-
! [[SAMP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84]] bombs
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[SNEB type 23]] rockets
| || 18, 36 || 18, 36 || || 18, 36 || 18, 36 ||
|-
! [[Matra R530]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Matra R530E]] missiles
| || || 1 || 1 || 1 || ||
|-
! [[Matra R550 Magic 1]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] missiles
| 1 || || || || || || 1
|-
! [[Matra Super 530F]] missiles
| || || 1 || || 1 || ||
|-
| colspan="8" | Maximum permissible weight imbalance: 500 kg
|-
|}

{{Navigation-Start|Default weapon presets}}
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}

* Without load
* 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 144 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons (180 rpg = 360 total)
* 5 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 5 x 250 kg SAMP Type 25 200 bombs (1,250 kg total)
* 5 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 5 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 200 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 3 x 2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84 bombs (6,000 lb total)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles
* 2 x Matra R530E missiles + 1 x Matra R530 missile
* 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles
* 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles + 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 1 x Matra R530 missile
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 5 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 144 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 1 missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bomb + 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons (400 kg total)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles + 1 x Matra R530 missile
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 1 x Matra R530E missile + 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 2 x Matra Super 530F missiles
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 5 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bombs (2,000 kg total)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 144 x SNEB type 23 rockets
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 72 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x 2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84 bomb (2,000 lb total)
* 2 x Matra R550 Magic 2 missiles + 36 x SNEB type 23 rockets + 1 x 400 kg SAMP Type 21 bomb + 2 x 30 mm DEFA 553 cannons (400 kg total)
* 5 x 1,000 lb SAMP Mk 83 bombs (5,000 lb total)
{{Navigation-End}}

== Usage in battles ==

The best phrase that describes this plane would be aggressively mediocre. It lacks a strong suit and is essentially incapable of using its radar missiles in matches at a BR where almost everyone has access to some form of SARH or ARH air-to-air missiles. This may lead to some frustrations as the lack of radar missiles and middle-of-the-pack flight performance are going up against the best fighters the game has to offer, but the F1C will still pull through with some effort.

While grinding, the Mirage F1C-200 can be used in two ways. Either as a support fighter with subpar but still adequate air-to-air missiles, or as a dedicated base bomber with 2 Matra Magic 2 missiles for self-defense. For the support fighter role, it is recommended to take 2 x Matra Magic 2 missiles as well as 3 x Matra R530Es, with 2 x 2,000 lb bombs if you want some extra points. You may choose to fly to the right side of the map on certain maps like Battle for Vietnam where there is sufficient terrain cover that lets you sneak past enemies or launch a Magic 2 at them as you fly away at Mach speeds, or stick with your team flying left, bomb a base and then join the fight with your Magic 2s and guns.

Players coming from the [[Mirage IIIC]] and [[Mirage IIIE]] may be confused as to why the Matra R530s and Matra Super 530Fs are not recommended, as they offered a very handy front-aspect kill condition on both aircraft at 10.3. However, the problem is that the Mirage F1C-200 is at BR 11.3, not 10.3, and thus sees an entirely different subset of vehicles that usually all have chaff. The Mirages at a lower BR face aircraft which either lack a radar warning receiver to detect the incoming R530 or lack the flare capacity to carry chaff alongside flares, examples being aircraft like the [[Milan]] (in mixed battles), [[A-5C|A-5Cs]], [[J35A|J35As]], [[Saab J35XS|J35XSs]] among many, many others. Contrary to those aircraft, the Mirage F1C-200 regularly encounters top-tier aircraft alongside other premium aircraft of its BR bracket, most of which carry superior radar missiles and/or have much better overall flight performance (the [[F-4J Phantom II|F-4J]]/[[F-4S Phantom II|F-4S Phantom II]]S can carry 4-6 x [[AIM-7F Sparrow|AIM-7Fs]], the [[MiG-23MLA (Germany)|MiG-23MLA]]/[[MiG-23ML|ML]]/[[MiG-23MLD|MLD]] carry 2 x midrange [[R-24R]] radar-guided missiles and have a superior airframe for dogfighting, etc.) as well as having chaff readily available. People will often drop chaff when they are being locked - which against CW seeker missiles won't do much unless they're properly notching the radar - but as the Pulse seekers on the R530/Super 530F are susceptible to chaff they will instantly veer off course and miss their target. As such, it is generally a better idea to load 3 x R530Es - the IR variants of the R530s - which do not need a lock to fire and will generally be more reliable. It is to be noted however that the 530Es take a while to accelerate from launch, so keep this in mind when firing the missiles.

When using the Mirage F1C-200 as a base bomber, it is recommended to load 3 x [[SAMP Mk 84 (2,000 lb)|2,000 lb SAMP Mk 84]] bombs alongside 2 x Matra Magic 2 air-to-air missiles, as the 3 x 2000 lb bombs can total a base and the Magic 2s being all aspect offer more firing solutions than the alternative Magic 1s equippable in the same slot. Ideal fuel loads are either 20 or 30 minutes, depending on map and preferred playstyle. If you wish to bring less fuel, get into a good position early and then switch to stage 1 afterburner (engaged on PC by scrolling the mouse wheel one tick over 100 or 101% to WEP, which provides additional thrust but does not consume as much fuel as full afterburner), 20 minutes should suffice - however, if you wish to use full afterburner more liberally or the match is an Enduring Confrontation (EC) match, 30 minutes will generally let you cruise around the battlefield with more freedom.

Magic 2s will be your bread and butter in the Mirage F1C-200 very often - despite the drag changes adversely impacting their range, when launched within a 1.5-2 km (0.93-1.24 mi) or so bubble while gaining on an enemy they will usually have enough energy to connect to the target. Any launch beyond this is undesirable unless the target is turning or losing speed as the missile will quickly bleed its energy, failing to hit its target. In front-aspect launches, try to spool up the seeker from ~5 km if you know an enemy is inbound - and preferably try and stay behind terrain for as much as possible. This is because many other aircraft carry AAMs that can also front-aspect you be it IR or SARH, and if they decide to fire a missile before you do it can cause your missile to lock onto the in-the-moment hotter AAM, missing its target as their missile sends you back to the hangar. This makes it vital to lock and fire before the enemy has a chance to do the same to you, meaning a last minute firing is ideal. Firing from approximately 2 km away is ideal as it is much too close for the enemy to dodge effectively in time.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Availability of [[Matra Super 530F]] and [[Matra R550 Magic 2]] air-to-air missiles
* The Cyrano-IV radar allows low-altitude Moving Target Indicator (MTI) and ACM modes, an upgrade from the previous Mirages (IIIC & IIIE)
* Carries 252 countermeasures
* Large amount of bombs and rockets
* 30 mm DEFA cannons will essentially knock out planes upon hit due to their heavy-hitting power
* CCIP for bombs, rockets and cannons

'''Cons:'''

* Below average acceleration compared to contemporaries with heavy ordinance
* Mediocre manoeuvrability compared to contemporaries
* The Matra Super 530F missiles are very heavy and strongly impact flight performance
* 30 mm DEFA cannons have a steep learning curve, particularly against high-speed targets
* The Matra R530s and Matra Super 530Fs are easily defeated by chaff, making them hard to use effectively

== History ==

The Mirage F1C-200 is essentially a Mirage F1C with an air-refuelling probe. The addition of the air-refuelling probe also extended the length of the fuselage by 7 cm. Some Mirage F1C-200s also received a GPS in the 1990s. These F1C-200s were intended for long expeditionary missions and saw combat in places like Africa and the Middle East. During the early 1980s, Mirage F1C-200s provided air cover for SEPECAT Jaguars performing attack runs against the Libyan-backed insurgency in Chad. A few years later, the F1C-200s and Jaguars were redeployed again to Chad until 1992, when the government was overthrown. Mirage F1C-200s were also present in the United Arab Emirates during the Gulf War to supplement air defense with Qatari Mirage F1EDAs.
The Iraqis took the refuelling probes from the Mirage F1C-200s they had acquired and fitted them on their MiG-23s.

== Media ==


;Skins
;[https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=mirage_f1c_200 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==


;Related development
;[[Mirage F1 (Family)]]

== External links ==

''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''

* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''other literature.''

{{France jet aircraft}}
{{France premium aircraft}}