Block 70 F-16: The Next Generation Viper Fighter

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In this video, we'll take a look at the Block 70/72 F-16 Viper fighter jet. This advanced aircraft is designed to replace the ageing F-16s currently in use by the USAF.
This video is a deep dive into the Block 70/72 F-16 Viper fighter jet, exploring everything from its performance to its future potential. We'll look at the design philosophy behind the Block 70/72 F-16 Viper, and discuss its unique features and capabilities. If you're interested in learning more about this next-generation aircraft, then watch this video!
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Photography and video Credits/Attributions:
"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
Department of Defense
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman

[@PilotPhotog]

Get Private Internet Access VPN for $2.03 per month with 4 months free at: www.piavpn.com/PilotPhotog

[@Anarchy_420]

Please create a Vid about Adversary/Red Force F-117's with Metallic Stealth Coating!👍

[@pat8988]

Most produced western fighter? That honor goes to the F-4 with 5,195 produced, not the F-16...

[@Anarchy_420]

Thanks!😁✌ Idk if you seen, another idea for a Vid-- F-35's B and C and how Gun Pods affect the stealth capabilities, if the Gun Pods make a big difference, and if The Gun Pods are themselves stealthy!?

[@Anarchy_420]

@@pat8988 I think he meant from the west and world wide used not just numbers production. Not as many foreign F-4's as F-16's

[@PilotPhotog]

@@pat8988 excellent point Pat and I should have clarified of the current fighters still in production - thanks for commenting!

[@kayakutah]

I'm 70 now, but "back in the day" started out flying the F-8/RF-8, F-14A and then as a Navy Adversary the F-16N and A-4F. I always hit this channel when new content drops, as I think PilotPhotog is about the best source for reliable and interesting information. This one brought back great memories! The tilted seat definitely contributed to the ability to withstand G's. But I think a more significant feature had a greater effect in reducing the height of "the column of blood" that is the human body. The "floor" of the cockpit was also raised such that your feet were up nearer to the level of your hips. While that made using a "piddlepack" challenging (!) it also made it much easier to push blood to the brain. Also, full rudder throw was 1/4 of an inch, so you could fly with your legs extended. We used to joke that this was the perfect combination of seating and throttle/stick placement in that it was "like sitting in a lawn chair with two cans of beer"! That's perfection. The visibility was such that it was like flying a convertible. You could practically look over the side. Anyway, I'll just add that there was one additional nickname. Given the black sense of humor that is the essence of the reptilian portion of the fighter pilot brain, it earned the nickname "lawn dart". Early on, no one was used to the idea that G onset could be so fast and so intense as to result in G-LOC. Airplanes and pilots were lost because of that. With the introduction of the GE engine and bigger P&W, that became a bigger issue. Everyone went to centrifuge training to learn to compensate with great success. And one last thing, PilotPhotog. Thanks for referring to the Navy F-16 drivers as Adversaries! Navy/Marines are indeed Adversary Pilots as opposed to our Air Force brethren who are Aggressors. At least at the time, there were subtle but significant differences in our missions. Cheers!

[@PilotPhotog]

Sierra Hotel! Thank you so much for your comment and your feedback, from someone who was there are flew these aircraft that is tremendous praise. As I perform the research for each topic, I learn something from each video, and then a more from comments such as yours, I love the lawn chair and two beer cans analogy - that indeed sounds like perfection. My hats off to you sir for your service, dedication, commitment and support. I am lucky to have a viewer and commenter such as your self - Happy Holidays and incoming updated B-21 video on Monday!

[@kayakutah]

@@PilotPhotog Looking forward to it!

[@ThomasBestonso-zr4ko]

I rarely here of any A-4 aviators, it looks like a fun ride, how would you rate it if you don't mind , thanks and thank you for your service .

[@marcallen7233]

👍 Whatever you choose to call it ( Falcon, Viper, Lawn Dart or Electric Jet), the fact that the F-16 is still relevant 45 years after it’s release attests to it’s excellence.

[@KernowekTim]

The very versatile, viciously venomous, vociferously venerated Viper. This plane is how Legends are made.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

Fighting Falcon

[@francoisthorimbert6215]

The F-16 became a very succesfull fighter. But it was not without problems . Very high attrition in the first ten years. Ground crew gave it another nickname. "Lawndart", wich is not glorious.

[@BaddyHotty]

I love this beauty! The Viper is one of the best fighters, it's saved lives in thousands of CAS missions, it's one of the bestselling platforms of all time and it will outlast many "6th Gen Checkmates" or whatever they wanna call it. This beauty still has at least 45 years of service with the US and allies!

[@a6am3mn0n]

That comment has an absolutely astonishing amount of alliteration

[@kdrapertrucker]

Actually the pilots and ground crew called them vipers because when they first entered service they thought they looked like Colonial Vipers from the scii-Fi T.V. series "Battlestar Galactica" which was popular at the time.

[@brianmoore1164]

To those who panic over the F-35's teething problems, you should point out that the F-16 had similar teething problems. I remember when the F-16 was called the lawn dart. Very advanced aircraft nearly always have things that need to be worked out.

[@hilairelaplume1616]

I know every time someone says the f-35 is junk I give them a list of countries that are buying me a 35 after flying in red flag exercises and that kind of shuts them up because it is a lot

[@shadowopsairman1583]

C17 had teething issues as well

[@shadowopsairman1583]

@@danielsnook7362 Do not assume, that's what the Military did with the F-4 and deemed a gun not necessary, well the Gun was re-implemented after many losses over vietnam.

[@hilairelaplume1616]

@@shadowopsairman1583 I mean essentially they all do they have 35 was under scrutiny for several reasons the first reason is because it was extremely expensive and groundbreaking and still is almost everything in that plane is classified yet the pilots who fly it whether it's from Europe Australia Israel turkey or Canada love it I mean Russia and China are quite literally trying to imitate it and our have said to stolen technology to try and imitate it it also got a lot of shit because our near peer adversaries weren't nearly as strong or dangerous at the time so the taxpayers were complaining there was newspaper articles that inaccurately called it a lemon and it went viral and then that's what people thought of the plane if the f-35 was being produced now that China and Russia are real peer threats you wouldn't see newspaper articles complaining about how expensive it was the b21 raider is insanely expensive but everyone just wants it rushed into production to deter our adversaries

[@brianmoore1164]

@ShadowOps Airman1 Absolutely. Things that are out on the leading edge of technology can have problems beyond what the testing programs can uncover. Thankfully, they are usually small enough to fix with a little bit of time.

[@jamescraft7509]

I'm the ProSuper for the SA tails depicted. The Viper is still a very formidable and capable aircraft, I would not like to encounter one in a BVR or Fox 2 fight. I started my career with the Tx ANG as a crew chief in 1990 after 10 years of active duty, then became the expediter in 1999 and finally the ProSuper in 2011. I'll be retiring next year with 43 years combined military and federal service.

[@PilotPhotog]

James thank you for your service and long career you've had in the USAF! Fly, fight, win!

[@tbolt2948]

Thank you for your service.

[@rmandiou1]

Thank you for your long service. I was stationed at Lackland AFB as a Security Forces member from '99-08. When Kelly AFB closed our unit picked up some Security Forces personnel from the old Unit there. I was still a young airman in those days and remember many a night shifts being posted on the parking ramps of the 149th and 433rd squadrons. While it could get boring and having to fight off the 'sleep monster' I loved being out there at the same time because I had always loved military aircraft with the Viper being my favorite of all.

[@jameswright2974]

Last 79 yrs usa use their weapons on easy targets attack China then stick your pathetic chest out

[@jameswright2974]

@@PilotPhotog Sorry my 79yrs no wins just chaos All verbal farts even Russia had to destroy the natzi’s

[@andrewchr]

Even after Block 70 I'm sure the top engineers at LM will find a way to push it to even higher blocks. It's design engineering is possibly one the best ever.

[@bd5av8r1]

As long as there is demand, I am sure Greenville SC will keep making better F-16s. :)

[@AntilleanConfederation]

Improvement in air frame materials and more powerful lighter engines are probably the way forward for the f16 frame

[@VIDEOVISTAVIEW2020]

In addition to a more improve avionics and datalink system, also installing a more powerful engine like that on the f35, enlarging the airframe to accomodate more missiles.

[@kibathemechanic4967]

Two fun facts: 1) The F-2, a derivative of the F-16 built and operated by Japan, is unofficially known as the "Viper Zero." 2) The earliest F-16As were advertised at being rated to handle 9Gs, but in reality they were only rated to handle 7Gs. Needless to say, the USAF was extremely pissed at General Dynamics when they discovered cracks in the wings.

[@dougerrohmer]

I wonder how effective that "extremely pissed" is, when the General Dynamics exec just gives the airforce guy a look that says "Do you really not want a job when you retire, son?"

[@kibathemechanic4967]

@@dougerrohmer The USAF were the ones paying the bill. All they had to do was cancel the contract. Then GD would have a lot of expensive things to pay for on its own, *including hefty fines,* WITHOUT government funding.

[@dougerrohmer]

@@kibathemechanic4967 You are missing the point. There are a lot of USAF officers retiring after 20 years, or generals or whatever, and who then pick up lucrative jobs in the defense contractor industries. A lot of signatures that sign off programs as "complete" reappear the next year on a next proposal from the defense contractor. Do you get my drift?

[@kibathemechanic4967]

@@dougerrohmer That's kind of irrelevant in this case. *My point* is that if you *screw up* a USAF contract, the USAF is not going to do business with you for any more lucrative contracts, or at best shy away from considering you for the next contract.

[@dougerrohmer]

@@kibathemechanic4967 You speak as if the USAF is an amorphous sentient organisation. It's not - decisions are made by individual members either in concert or individually. These members don't earn big bucks, and they cannot serve for ever so they leave long before their working years are over. They now go work for defense contractors, they cross the fence so to speak. It therefor follows they will only be accepted at the other side of the fence if they did not make life unbearable for those on the other side of the fence while they were in service on this side of the fence. Now, start putting two and two together and you might find that a billion dollar contract was awarded by a group of people who are paid government salaries, and then go across the fence to play golf and earn top dollar because of gratitude for prior deals.

[@JonMartinYXD]

Worth noting that the US Navy was impressed by Northrop YF-17 and it quickly evolved into the F/A-18, of which over 1,500 were built. It seems the LWF program had really good fundamental requirements for it to spawn two families of flexible and long lived aircraft.

[@chrismaggio7879]

Still one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed in my opinion. Just has that look like if you get in its way it would literally poke right through you and keep on going unscathed. The F-5/F20 has that same piercing look (and should have been more readily used by our military for the same reasons the F-16 was chosen). Amazing that an aircraft that was designed when I was just a kid will still be frontline long after I'm gone!

[@SanjaySingh-oh7hv]

Good comment of yours, by mentioning the F-5/F-20 plane. The F-16 had made a good design decision to use the same engine as the F-15, and this plays a role both in terms of sales and maintenance. But the F-20 was much lower cost to operate and had similar performance and was easier to maintain as well. It's a great pity that the F-20 never sold to anyone when in some respects it was superior to the F-16. I feel bad for Northrop sometimes.

[@user-dq1je7zy3p]

@@SanjaySingh-oh7hv Its was not more capable than the F16 especially in terms of air to ground

[@scottgarriott3884]

I think that the Spitfire, P-51, F-104 and the F-16 were the most gorgeous aircraft ever produced, with not a single angle that doesn't look stunning. Why that amazing bubble canopy hasn't taken over all other designs is odd (F-22 got it).

[@captaincurd2681]

The proportion of F-16 body is just perfect !

[@Demogrunt]

The F-16 is one of my favorite post WWII "modern" military aircraft. It kinda got overshadowed by the F-15. Like the P-47 did. In my mind I compare a squadron of 10 P-51s & 10 P-47s to a squadron of 10 F-15s & 10 F-16s. So now we have 10 F-22s & 10 F-35s. Just my thoughts. I think its way better than flying any tugboat of russian mig frog

[@Rationalific]

I hope that the F-16 can make it to a century of flying! I think it's totally up for it!

[@Frankie5Angels150]

The B-52 will…

[@willymac5036]

The F-16 is proof that when you start with a good air frame, the possibilities are endless.

[@aviationaerospacechannel5987]

Or the proof that copying the Mirage III concepts and ideas, was a great thing. Back then, usaf only had huge aircrafts fighter, nothing as light as the f16. The Mirage III was better in every points, first multiroles fighter, cost really less than huge fighter jets, was more nimble, manoeuvrable, lethal, cheaper to maintain, more effective and efficient. The 6 days war, is where all these points have been highlighted, and understood by many.

[@willymac5036]

@@aviationaerospacechannel5987 it had nothing to do with “copying the Mirage III concepts and ideas”. You are obviously not familiar with the “fighter mafia”. Look them up if you want to know where the F-16 came from.

[@aviationaerospacechannel5987]

@@willymac5036 Who's behind this "fighter mafia" ? A professional or expert ? If it's just another mr anybody from internet, it doesn't change the facts. This information I wrote above, is coming from an official reportage (available on youtube) made with professionals, experts, and engineers, which are famous. So between famous experts, and unknown people from internet, I still prefer to believe facts from qualified and skilled people.

[@willymac5036]

@@aviationaerospacechannel5987 good lord no… The “Fighter Mafia” was a group of high ranking US Air Force officers, civilian defense analysts, and aeronautical engineers who, in the late 1960’s and early to mid 1970’s saw that over time, the USAF had been victims of inertia creep in favor of larger, more expensive jets. The F-4 Phantom II and the F-111 Aardvark were the end result of this. Jets that were too big for their designated role, and too expensive for the US Air Force to acquire in sufficiently large numbers. This group of EXPERTS argued (several times before the US Congress) that: Energy Maneuverability should be taken into account when developing a fighter. Multi role aircraft were not as effective at any role as single role, specialized aircraft. Contemporary Air Force Generals established poor criteria for combat aircraft that ignored historical data Design focuses on “Higher, Faster, Farther” increased costs and decreased combat effectiveness The US Air Force bureaucracy was corrupt, and dishonestly tested weapons before buying and deploying them. Beyond visual range weapons systems were a fantasy and not yet ready for deployment Keep in mind this was the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, and this group of highly influential people were essentially proven correct on all accounts. They completely changed the direction and process of fighter aircraft development and procurement in the United States, and they were eventually chosen to set the parameters for the Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program that led to the development of the F-16 fighter jet, which was originally developed as a lightweight, low cost day fighter. It has only been over the course of several decades and more inertia creep that the F-16 has been turned into an all weather multi-role aircraft. As a matter of fact, the recommendations made by the Fighter Mafia contributed to the development of many of the most successful aircraft in history, including the F-15, F-16, and F-18. The “Fighter Mafia” became world famous and published many books, went on speaking tours, and helped take part in the development of many fighter programs both inside and outside the United States. The simple fact that you have never even heard of the “Fighter Mafia” tells me that you have never done any actual reading on the development of the F-16, and probably get your information from internet message boards and personal opinion. The Fighter Mafia were arguably the most influential group of people in fighter aircraft development in the second half of the 20th Century. The F-16 was designed solely in response to their criticisms of, and recommendations to, the US defense aircraft industry and U.S. Congress. It had absolutely nothing to do with the Dassault Mirage III.

[@stevenjulie4698]

I live close to Greenville, SC and am very proud that we make this amazing fighter nearby! Also, Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC has an awesome Viper on display outside one of the gates. It's on a stand like a model, kitted out with missiles and everything, but actual size! Really cool to drive past on the way to the beach. 😎

[@2punchtwice]

I live right behind Shaw, I love seeing and hearing the 16s fly over my house.

[@PilotPhotog]

I need to add a visit to Shaw AFB to my bucket list of places to visit, I'd love to see that static display outside the base. Thanks for commenting!

[@tbolt2948]

I live about one hundred miles from St. Louis and it seems like I'm always hearing a lot of zooming and booming from the Eagles and Hornets made there. My heart belongs to the Viper though. Vipers from Ill. NG in Springfield maintained a CAP over the town after 9/11 because we were considered a high value target.

[@bionicsjw]

I had a friend who was a Viper instructor pilot. They called it the "Lawn Dart" due to a reputation when it was relatively new. There is a video that has an F-35 pilot, "Fat Amy" who calls it the "Panther or Sex Panther." He also refers to "Fat Amy" as the "Battle Penguin."

[@joecanis484]

I have always felt that the F-16 is the legacy successor of the P-51, classic aerodynamic lines that will be admired forever.

[@tbolt2948]

I agree 💯

[@Frankie5Angels150]

Mmm… no it’s not. If anything, the F-15 has that distinction. Don’t let the belly scoop fool you.

[@joecanis484]

@@Frankie5Angels150 Don't let the twin engines fool you.

[@mknewlan67]

I felt that the F14 was the successor to the P47. Both started as huge fighters, then into ground pounders. Both did a outstanding job at both jobs.

[@captainhoratius8192]

I knew a Thunderbird pilot who called the F-16 a “crotch rocket”. I can see it in 2075 being part of a Century Fighter Program. Hope I’m around to see it!

[@mknewlan67]

Me too! I’ll be 108 lol.

[@DaysOfFunder]

Undoubtedly, one of the most gorgeous aircraft designs of all time.

[@Zoegaglia]

Greece has already upgraded 4 f-16s from block 52+ to block 72 and another 79 will follow. You can see two of these at 0:26 and 7:52. Also viper is the official name of the block 70 variant (f-16V).

[@Giannis.]

That’s right and as far as I am writing this comment 12 aircraft have been upgraded so far.

[@greenhat7618]

Informative, to the point, and not too long. Great video

[@christophercook9452]

Spent some time in Carswell AFB. When my father retired from the 7th BMW he was a center fuselage inspector on the jet across the runway. Watching the pilots take the new jets out before delivery to the squadrons and working out the new smell was amazing. Topped with watching the -52’s and -135’s Growing up as a Air Force brat was the life. They had open house one year I remember in GD and seen -16 after -16 being built in a mile long plant. I still have plate charts and other documentation used by the people building these electric jets.

[@BaddyHotty]

I love this beauty! The Viper is one of the best fighters, it's saved lives in thousands of CAS missions, it's one of the bestselling platforms of all time and it will outlast many "6th Gen Checkmates" or whatever they wanna call it. This beauty still has at least 45 years of service with the US and allies!

[@the23rdradiotower41]

At my old neighborhood we had a viper squad perform training sorties often. Such a cool aircraft.

[@rodneyessex3360]

I was an F-16 crew chief in the USAF, and unless this name "Viper" started after 1990, we all called it the "Fighting Falcon", so I'm going to say you're wrong about calling it Viper... Maybe a small group did, or like I said, that name got popular after 1990 when I left the Air Force.

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you for your service and your insight, I hadn’t realized that the Viper nickname wasn’t in widespread use until after 1990. Thanks for commenting.

[@oliverdickens3219]

In fairness the “fighter mafia” was questionable and almost all of there proposals were dropped immediately because the ideas were idiotic or so I’ve heard from people researching them

[@MalfosRanger]

They railed against anything that they believed was deadweight in a dogfight or strafing run. They despised the multirole aircraft concept, which the F-16, F/A-18, and F-15 typify.

[@adbell3364]

Great video! Thank you! I love this aircraft!

[@Steve_Hayden]

Thanks for this viddie. It's one of my favorite planes

[@rickysneaks7424]

Man, this is sometimes the highlight of my day.

[@TheWeatherbuff]

Excellent video! Okay, true story... 1993 air show at Denver International Airport, I had a media pass (I'm in broadcasting). Got there early, way before general admission. So I'm walking around all these beautiful aircraft, and there are the Thunderbirds... all neatly lined up, with NO security, (although I'm sure I was being watched by somebody). I walked up and gently touched the nose of each one, and got a few pictures. I can die happy. 😊

[@SWOU_YT_Page]

Also Operation Opera the most Successful Air Raid Operation by the IDF.

[@JSFGuy]

Blk 10 platforms.. 😎

[@juanarce6900]

Thank you Juan for such great work.

[@PilotPhotog]

copy that Juan, thanks for all the comments and views!

[@dirk6001]

Great video. 349 Squadron Belgian air force was the first operational F-16 Sqn in NATO back in 1979.

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you and excellent point on the 349th - they set the trend for sure!

[@knightzing]

Fun fact: The 30° recline seat has led to an increase of back related injuries due to pilots having to sit up to efficiently dogfight

[@GDViperWorks]

Another fun fact: the seat was not reclined to improve G tolerance. It was so the seat would fit under the canopy. Any marginal G benefit was secondary to this design feature.

[@paulgibbons2320]

Such a perfect fighter design. Love it.

[@richieplaysgame5]

The plane that I used CONSTANTLY in Ace Combat 04 when I was a kid after I saw it for the first time. Instantly fell in love with it, even though it was the F-2 model haha!

[@Fat_Paul_88]

Very interesting video thank you dude🙂👍

[@TaterRogers]

I was part of the 474th TFW and we flew A/B models and then we were transitioned to the 64th Aggressor squadron and we were the first F-16 Aggressors that replaced the F-5s. I am so glad that the Viper is continuing to be upgraded. It's a phenomenal airframe and it's the Ferrari of the skies. When they switched to GE engines they got even better! Always the Viper is my favorite aircraft!

[@huiarama]

Definitely would love to see more content on other nations as you suggested in your video. great video!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks! Will do!

[@huiarama]

Thanks Mate, oh!! quick question - seeing the US Navy retro fitted the F18 into the EF18 Growler the Electronic Warfare version, do you know if the USAF explored doing the same with a 2 seater F 16?? - I am aware the Israeli Air Force developed a 2 seater F16 Strike aircraft. The reason is, in my thinking, since the USAF retired the EF111 there seems to be a gap in capability... @@PilotPhotog

[@PilotPhotog]

@@huiaramaas far as I know the USAF does not have any dedicated fighter sized jamming aircraft - not since the EF-111 Raven as you mentioned. My best guess is that they are working on a CCA drone version of that. Cheers!

[@orlandoclark8062]

One of my all time favorite aircraft.

[@twerk421]

We had a family friend in Greece who flew Vipers w the HAF back in the early 90s. He said that they often encountered Turkish F-4s that would enter Greek airspace and they’d pounce, lock on and chase them back home. This cat n mouse game happened often and was likely Turks way gauging their response time.

[@skyserf]

1:55 The F-16V looks like a member of the Elapoidea with venom sacks.

[@christopherlloyd8532]

35 years maintaining this beautiful machine, its now a part of my DNA.

[@johns818]

This is a phenomenal edit.

[@garydobbs5159]

This is my second favorite plane behind the Tomcat. What a great little plane that was developed so long ago yet still upgraded making it the pure dog fighter it has always been. It’s one of a kind and none of our new fighter will active as long as this one. Great plane!!!

[@brandondugger2754]

Yes ! Give us a video on the History of F-16's used by other countries !

[@TheZenbmx]

Great stuff! Yes, make a video on the worldwide Viper users.

[@jonniiinferno9098]

awesome - informative video - the F-15 became operational a year before I joined the USAF and the F-16 became operational a couple years later two brand new fighters - everybody was excited about them - pilots loved them those old birds will always hold a special place in my heart and as an older guy - i really like seeing them teach these old birds new tricks wish us old guys could get some BLOCK 70 upgrades and make us operational into the 2060's and beyond

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you for your service, and I am not much younger than you - I too could use a Block 70 upgrade!

[@jonniiinferno9098]

@@PilotPhotog - it was an honor to have the opportunity to serve my country. hmmm - wonder if Elon could add "Block 70 upgrades for old guys" - to his agenda. 😜

[@thomasvelazquez9789]

Legend and now even better👍👍

[@surq0784]

Shout out to the 162nd fighter wing, who I was proud to serve with and educated me on everything F-16! They are the premier fighter squadron that teaches all our allies to fly their F-16s like true experts!

[@MaxQ2989]

Nice video!

[@garydobbs5159]

I’ve always loved this little fighter. Such a great plane

[@Mauros-Lykos]

It’s the backbone of Hellenic AF for many years. and it’s also well known that we currently have been upgrading most of our F-16s !

[@alexx86hater]

There was also fourth name for F-16: Lawn Dart. This was due to it's introduction that wasn't that rosy as described in the video.

[@1stviper589]

This is a great place to say" you should have been there, which I was" so I can shed some good light on this lawn dart.... unfortunately it got that name because absolutely no one had ever flown an aircraft that was so extraordinarily maneuverable with minimal input and I mean exactly one quarter inch of input on the side stick controller would start that aircraft into a snap roll and that was part of the problem was trying to get used to extraordinary capabilities. Unfortunately have lost some pilot friends because the electrically activated/ hydraulically actuated surfaces had not yet received control inputs to Upright the aircraft before the canopy and ejection seat came out so you could eject sideways or even into the ground which unfortunately did happen

[@Daan_DV]

10:33 Great idea! Now so far i only know about the US and Dutch operations, so would be interesting

[@infinityogateachers]

Thank you yes, it would be great to know more about how’s the viper has been used worldwide.

[@beckmaxman6466]

nice vid!!

[@Ulysses1994XF04]

It was also an F-16 variant, the F-2, to be the first to have an AESA radar.

[@AndreCarneiro666]

I love the canopy of this air fighter! Very ahead of its time! Very difficult to produce even in these days!

[@Rationalific]

Me, too. I like that there is no obstruction, as with most other planes of its generation. I guess that with other aircraft, they could put mirrors on the area of the canopy that obstructs one's view, or maybe even it could use it to block out the sun like a car's sun visor, but the ability to look around fully really helps with situational awareness and makes you feel more like one with the sky rather than feeling like you're sitting in a box in the sky.

[@FrostyF16]

@@Rationalific funny thing is that the f35, as many would call the replacement for the f16,has somehow readded the bow which is a shame

[@asherwiggin6456]

@@FrostyF16 they have the helmet software to get around that issue on the F-35

[@knightzing]

The bubble canopy comes from WW2 aircraft. It permits almost 360° line of sight. P-51, P-38, and later models of P-47 had it.

[@asherwiggin6456]

@@knightzing I think it’s P-51D and later, the P-51A, B, and C models didn’t have a bubble canopy.

[@martinmiller1087]

'Viper Pilot: A Memoir of Air Combat,' by Dan Hampton, is an incredible read.

[@markthomas6436]

I read it also. Awesome!

[@TheMack]

Thanks for the tip, have to check it out. Hopefully on Audible...EDIT: Found it, and bought it! 😃

[@PilotPhotog]

Another great recommendation and agreed! I own a copy - excellent read!

[@AMXSShirt]

My gosh I feel old now. I worked block 25’s

[@loduke3905]

Kind of crazy how we're now running the f16s manned and UNMANNED while using our f15s as bomb trucks and workhorses. There is talk about utilizing the tow decoys on both the 15s and 16s to increase survivability in a (not even close) near-peer conflict. Pretty cool to be a part of history and building the beautiful f16s here in Greenville, SC

[@scottgarriott3884]

Great video. Lots of great info about the origin of the plane, and its name, but there were so many notable upgrades (other than block 70) worth discussing - these are why the plane is still a formidable opponent. What about those enormous over-wing fuel tanks? How about mentioning the planes that Isreal and Japan developed based on the F-16?

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks for commenting and trust me this won't be the last F-16 video on this channel, I've got many more planned!

[@flackcat5928]

Very good video but I would have liked more specifics on the Block 70.

[@rohananand7263]

Would love to have a video about F-16's combat history.

[@josephwhiskeybeale]

Those Vipers have come a long way

[@zTheBigFishz]

Adoption of UAI is why this jet can quickly integrate so many weapon types. UAI means that code doesn't change for a given integration only config files are changed. Cuts a substantial portion of the jet's software certification out of the integration loop. It also allows for weapon integration between block upgrades

[@lynn.s7620]

She's over 40 but... still pretty in my eyes

[@davidbeattie4294]

Youth is wasted on the young. For a real thrill you need the experience that comes with age.

[@philippeszwarcbart6507]

A video on its international operators and the missions it’s flown in by the international operators would be really cool. I know Israel has gotten a lot of use out of it

[@pablopeter3564]

Wich engine would you prefere, the P&W or GE ? Excelent video anyway. Thanks.

[@RichardBejtlich]

I got an incentive ride on the F-16 at Luke AFB as a cadet in the early 1990s. The pilots there called in the “lawn dart.” Also the F-15 has the dominant 104-0 combat record globally, so it’s probably the 4th generation king.

[@KageStelhman]

I can agree with that last statement, the F-16 can pretty much do everything

[@hmmjedi]

For me it will always be the Fighting Falcon but that's because I was used to it being called that and then playing Falcon on an Amiga in the early 90's sort of cemented it... It does seem though that the new versions are so far from what the original Falcon was it would probably get a rename...

[@shadowopsairman1583]

It is Still Officially named the Fighting Falcon

[@TheMack]

Agreed. Fighting Falcon for me too. I played a LOT of F-16 Combat Pilot on my Amiga 500 back in the days. Love the F-16!

[@hmmjedi]

@@TheMack I remember that one as well but also I remember that the first game I played was F/A-18 Interceptor first which might explain why I prefer the Hornet over the Falcon...

[@TheMack]

@@hmmjedi Oh yeah! F/A-18 Interceptor was also my first game. Landing on that tiny carrier, flying under the Golden Gate bridge and gunning down some bandits. Those were the days! =)

[@lcd2426]

I wouldn't recommend saying that to a Viper pilot, no one calls it that.

[@hazardouslemur89]

Some call it a Hoover t as well due to it's intake sucking in any FOD it happens to come across on the flightline.

[@user-ng7uz4hz2t]

My all-time favorite jet

[@RANDOMNATION907]

I would like to see an indepth video of Burt Rutans' STARGAZER Light Fighter concept. I thought it would have made a fantastic addition to the A-10s' CAS missions. As far as the F-16 goes. I have to remind myself that it's officially called the Fighting Falcon. My natural instinct is to call it the Viper. My list of favorite U.S. fighter planes: 1) F-15 2) A-7 3) A-39 4) A-10 5) F-4U 6) F-16 7) A-1 8) P-47 9) P-51 10) P-38

[@jimdearborn2539]

Let's not forget the nickname 'Lawn Dart'.

[@txvet7738]

The YF17 may not have become a great fighter for the USAF but it became its own great fighter! This bird is like the A10 and CH47, too great to replace!!

[@Stryker2279]

Ngl, the a10 kinda sucks, and wouldn't survive in a modern high threat environment. It doesn't have good targeting systems, resulting in the highest blue on blue incident occurrence rating among American planes by far, it's gun can't penetrate modern tanks very well, and it's not very survivable against modern manpads. The plane was made to be good against aa guns, not missiles, and our allies even ban us from calling a10s for airstrikes for their forces because it's so sketchy at identifying friendly forces.

[@LawNeu]

@@Stryker2279 fax

[@keithbrown2458]

Yes it was always called the fighting falcon but I found that I preferred to refer to it as the one and only Viper

[@appa609]

I like Falcon. Falcons are awesome and it fits perfectly with the eagle. I'd go with Mig-29 Viper and Su-27 Cobra.

[@nikkotan2840]

I luv how the F-16 cokpit evolves from being completely analog to semi-analog, semi-digital to completely digital.

[@tdrewman]

I calling it the Falcon.. My father was in the Air Force back in the 80s. We were stationed on Homestead AFB Florida when they were brought them in to replace the aging F-4s. My father squadron would arm the planes with missiles and bombs. At the time, we had the F-4 with 4 Mig kills and 2 with 2 Mig kills. That F-4 was sent to the Air Force Academy when the F-16 came in. It was sent early because another F-4 that had a Mig kill went down in a training accident and the Air Force didn't want to lose that bird to an accident .

[@DerekJones1081962]

Yes, I would particularly like to see what the IAF has done with theirs. They are such an innovative people.

[@tobucksy]

Wasn’t it the Israelis who extended the F-16’s range by designing conformal fuel tanks to fit along the sides of the fuselage?

[@psycopaintball22]

Dang started watching the video and had to pause because my vipers were taking off lol...we still have block 30s

[@JSFGuy]

OK,AL,SC...🤔... Where is this? Base, unit?

[@psycopaintball22]

@@JSFGuy AC Jersey Devils

[@JSFGuy]

@@psycopaintball22 🎯 great... ANG like The tail flash

[@psycopaintball22]

@mattmckee kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZWskHWMjLmeoLM this is me launching out my jet ;)

[@neilhaas]

Amazing awesome jet fighter of all the air forces. I love this jet

[@PilotPhotog]

thank you Neil and agreed!

[@rtheprizeisright7323]

I would like to see the video with other country use. Also when II was a kid in the 80's there was some talk saying it was also nicknamed eagle. Idk how true this is C.W.Lemione (I probably butchered his name) was a viper driver and has a great channel, if your into fighter jets as I think he has flown a few different 1's for our military across 2 branches.

[@eddehne887]

I worked on them for four years at Hill Field and we always called them fighting falcons.

[@vaggelispoulakis8068]

The first vipers, already fly for Hellenic Airforce. What a fighter plane...🤙🐍

[@MichaelG-si6ix]

5:36 *Sad Dutch noises* 😢

[@txstopthepuck]

Yes, the Dutch were a major part of EPAF.

[@henrivm3559]

G E K O L O N I S E E R D

[@johnosbourn4312]

Actually, the first military aircraft to have a fly by wire flight control system is the RA-5 Vigilante, although it was an electro-mechanical type.

[@Aceclimb84]

So thanks for the history lesson but what are the block 70 upgrades ?

[@bigmalaka9740]

The F8 Crusader was the first fighter to use digital fly-by-wire. There were more than 5,000 F4 Phantoms produced.

[@aviationist1018]

I wish we could see all the companies submissions and what fighters we could have gotten

[@shadowopsairman1583]

V means 5 not Viper, Viper is a pilots nickname, It is the Fighting Falcon

[@bangdoll4500]

Korea's ROKAF's KF-16C/D (Block 52) is currently being upgraded to a V-Specification, and the upgraded 132 KF-16Us will be in operation for at least 20 years from 2028.

[@typhoonul985]

Allow me to make a small point,the agility of the Viper is not due to its computers,but by the type of wing,F16 was the first aircraft to have an unstable wing,computers allow this type of wing to be stable

[@dianapennepacker6854]

Curious if they will make the F 16XL. I keep hearing the AF is either looking into options and give it the same treatment as the F 15. It won't be the same as the F 16XL BUT similar while also not being as expensive as the F15EX turned out to be. (It's more expensive than the F 35s)

[@Shoeg4zer]

Nope. The F15E was built in place of the F16XL.

[@hphp31416]

Lockheed will not make competition for f35

[@mistersquirrel0]

30 degree recline? that's a gangsta seatback!

[@JohnSmith-pb1iz]

I think that the F-16 is the best fighter jet we have, it has been a proven time after time of it’s capabilities as a fighter jet!

[@skicrz]

Luv the Viper

[@menguardingtheirownwallets6791]

What it really needs is the new 'variable-cycle' engine, for improved max thrust as well as longer range under 'less-than-max-thrust' conditions.

[@Frankie5Angels150]

“The F-16 is the most successful multi-role fighter in the world…” F-15: “Um… I’m sitting right here!”