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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