F-16C FIGHTING FALCON

Currently, the F-16 is the world's most common 4th generation fighter aircraft, the main combat aircraft of the US air force. In 1972, a competition was announced for the creation of a light interceptor fighter, which was to combine the advantages of a complex and expensive aircraft F-15 "Eagle", with cheapness and ease of maintenance. Was recognized the best projects of the firm "General dynamics" and "Northrop", with whom a contract was signed for the construction of prototypes, are denoted, respectively XF-16 and XF-17, the first of which took to the air in 1974, the First production F-16A flew 07.08.1978. In 1975. F-16 aircraft became the object of a so-called contract of the century, winning the competition with West European aircraft F1Е "Mirage" and "Viggen". Several States – members of NATO chose F-16 as a successor to the F-104 "Zvezdafighter". The aircraft was exported to 17 countries. In this situation, the company began to create on the basis of F-16 fighter-bomber modifica