F-16 Fighting Falcon Options

In its role as a multinational, multirole, front-line fighter, the F-16 satisfies many unique operational requirements. Varying customer needs are met by using the aircraft’s inherent flexibility and adding optional equipment and stores.

 Current Options                                                                   Future Options

Current Options

• Two-Seat "Special Missions" Version
  The independent system operator station provides increased effectiveness in night/adverse weather, high-threat and special system missions. This version also facilitates operational training.
• Dorsal Compartment
  This compartment adds 30 cubic feet for more avionics with only small increases in weight and drag.
• On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS)
  This system eliminates liquid oxygen servicing requirements.
• Drag Chute
  The drag chute decreases stopping distances for short field operations, poor braking conditions, and emergencies. It also reduces brake wear.
• 600-Gallon Fuel Tanks
  Larger tanks increase range/persistence over the standard 370-gallon tanks without increasing flight limitations. These fuel tanks contain single-point selectable fill capability.
• Conformal Fuel Tanks
  Use of conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) extends the F-16’s effective mission range/loiter time up to 50 percent, depending on the mission profile. CFTs can be used for both air-to-ground and air-to-air missions. They can be easily removed. They also increase weapon payloads by freeing-up additional store stations.
• Data Link
  Link-16 or other data link systems receive off-board intelligence and control information and allow the aircraft to exchange information with other aircraft using a dedicated system.
• NVIS-Compatible Night Cockpit and External Lighting
  This special lighting is compatible with night vision goggles.
• Helmet-Mounted Displays
  These systems provide high off-boresight cueing of weapons and sensors and improved pilot situational awareness with flight information and reverse cueing of tracked targets.
• Color Camera/Video Recorder
  This equipment provides color three-source video recording for two to six hours.
• Advanced IFF (APX-109+/113)
  This Identify Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment combines transponder and interrogator functions for electronic identification.
• HF Radio (ARC-190/200)
  Long-range communications are provided by this high-frequency radio.
• UHF/VHF Radio (ARC-210)
  All radio communications are provided in this single unit.
• Improved Data Modem
  This modem provides data-link communications using existing radios.
• Embedded GPS/INS
  By combining a global positioning system with a ring laser gyro inertial navigation system, pilots have more reliable, precision navigation.
• Targeting Pods (LANTIRN, Sharpshooter, ATLIS II, Litening II)
  These pods provide standoff target identification, attack and assessment, forward-looking infrared or electro-optical auto tracker and laser designation for laser-guided bombs.
• Navigation Pods (LANTIRN, Pathfinder, RUBIS, ATLANTIC, Litening II)
  These pods provide an open night window for accurate visual weapon delivery. LANTIRN also has fully automatic terrain-following radar.
• Antiradiation Targeting Pod
  The ASQ-213 HARM targeting system provides a robust lethal suppression of enemy air defense capability.
• Reconnaissance Pods
  A variety of reconnaissance pods are available. The latest have digital day/night sensors.
• Internalized Forward-Looking Infrared (FLIR) System
  Incorporating a FLIR/laser system in the nose of the F-16 improves weight, drag, and viewing angles versus pods. It also provides infrared search and track capabilities. A small pod on the inlet contains the targeting sensors, and the rest of the equipment is internally located.
• Electronic Warfare Systems
  The F-16 offers a wide selection of threat warning receivers (ALR-69, ALR-56M, Carapace SPS-3000 RWR), chaff/flare dispensers (ALE-40, ALE-47, Terma EWMS), electronic countermeasures equipment pods (ALQ-131 and ALQ-184), internal systems (ALQ-165 ASPJ, ALQ-178, EWS 16/Carapace, ASPIS), and towed decoy pylons (ALE-50).
• Increased Chaff/Flare Dispensers
  These dispensers increase protection. Options include internal or pylon-mounted.
• Short-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AIM-9, Magic II, ASRAAM)
  These missiles provide all-aspect dogfight capability.
• High Off-Boresight Infrared Air-to-Air Missiles
  (AIM-9X, Python IV, AIM-132 ASRAAM, IRIS-T)
  These new-generation, highly agile, short-range missiles allow high off-boresight launches using cueing sensors.
• Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AIM-7, Sky Flash, AIM-120)
  These missiles provide standoff, all-weather intercept capability.
• Antiship Missiles (AGM-119, AGM-84, AGM-65G)
  Antiship missiles provide standoff antiship capability in different environmental conditions.
• Precision Weapons (AGM-65 Maverick, Paveway Laser-Guided Bombs, GBU-15)
  These weapons provide high lethality with standoff distances.
• Wind-Corrected Munitions Dispenser Weapons (CBU-103, -104, -105)
  These weapons provide accurate, multiple-kill capability from high-altitude release.
• All-Weather Standoff Weapons
  (GBU-31/32 JDAM, AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM, AGM-142 Popeye II)
  These weapons provide precision capability with GPS guidance.

Future Options

 The following systems could be integrated on the F-16. Many have already been demonstrated.

• Air Refueling Probe
  This probe provides in-flight refueling from a drogue system. Options include a telescoping probe from a wing fuel tank.
• Auxiliary Power Unit
  This power unit replaces the jet fuel starter and ground electrical and hydraulics carts.
• On-Board Inert Gas Generation System (OBIGGS)
  OBIGGS eliminates halon and nitrogen servicing requirements.
• Multiaxis Thrust Vectoring
  This type of vectoring provides precise control and high nose-pointing rates at low air speeds.
• In-Flight Route Planning
  Using in-flight route planning, pilots are provided with dynamic flight direction for best avoidance of threats.
• Perspective Displays
  These displays provide the pilot with a visual refresher that improves first-run attack success probability.
• Embedded Training
  This enhanced peacetime training uses realistic simulated threats and targets.
• Auto Ground Collision Avoidance System
  An integrated digital terrain system with digital flight control, this system enhances low-altitude safety.
• Automatic Maneuvering Attack
  This provides integrated fire and flight control for reduced pilot work load.
• Microwave Landing System
  This system provides curvilinear precision instrument approach capability.
• Missile Warning System
  This system provides warning of approaching missiles, including passive homing missiles, for proper timing of countermeasures.
• All-Weather Standoff Weapons
  Weapons used include the AGM-84E Standoff Land-Attack Missile (SLAM) and the AGM-142 Popeye II.
• International Advanced Weapons
  Advanced weapons include MICA, IRIS-T, Python IV, Active Skyflash air-to-air missile, ALARM antiradiation missile, Apache multimission standoff weapon, autonomous free-flight dispenser system, and AS30L laser-guided missile.

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