The F-16 is a single engine, multi-mission tactical aircraft that is highly maneuverable and has
proven to be a great threat in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. When developed, the
F-16 was intended to be a cost-effective "workhorse" that could perform various
kinds of missions and maintain around-the-clock readiness for the United States and allied
nations.
The F-16 is much simpler and lighter than its predecessors, but uses advanced aerodynamics
and avionics, including the first use of fly-by-wire, to maintain high performance. It is equipped
with a 40 nautical mile search-track radar, and can also be equipped with a myriad list of
electronic warfare equipment necessary for training.
In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter
air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate
targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface
role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with
superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point.
Currently 23 countries around the world operate the F-16 and it continues to grow in popularity. TADS is positioning itself to utilize fully functional F-16 fighters for its new pilot training as well as its DACT (Dissimilar Air Combat Training) exercises.
