The world's most popular fighter jet just turned 50, but it still packs a punch

Thu, 07/04/2024 - 08:10

F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 62nd Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., fly over southern Florida during a flight from Luke to Key West, Fla., Oct. 16, 2004. — F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 62nd Fighter Squadron, Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., fly over southern Florida.
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The F-16 Fighting Falcon has been flying for over 50 years after first taking flight in early 1974.
With 4,500 units sold and 3,100 still operational, it is the world's most popular aircraft.
The F-16 pioneered new technology, and it remains a powerful, cost-effective jet, evolving with upgrades.

On January 20, 1974, a runway high-speed taxi test involving General Dynamics' YF-16 accidentally resulted in the first flight of the prototype aircraft that would become the world-famous F-16 Fighting Falcon, the most popular fighter jet.