F-16 and F-18 Everywhere and Forever

Published: Nov 10, 2005
Source: www.strategypage.com



The American built F-16 and the F-18 jet fighters have been in widespread service for decades. These two aircraft first went head-to-head in the United States Air Force's Lightweight Fighter program - when the F-16 bested the YF-17. The F-16 is faster (a top speed of 2,172 kilometers per hour compared to 1,915 for the F-18), and a larger payload (20,450 pounds to the F-18's 17,000 pounds), while the F-18 has a longer reach (a 3,700-kilometer ferry range compared to 3,445 for the F-16).
Congress, trying to save money, wanted both the Navy and Air Force to use the aircraft that won the fly-off. However, the F-16 had some problems from the Navy's perspective. It only has one engine - a major negative when flying over open ocean (engine trouble means a lost aircraft and often a lost pilot as well). The YF-17, which had two engines, was re-worked into a new fighter, the F-18. Both of these aircraft are potent multi-role fighters that have proven combat records.continue..