 F16-1.JPG (27K) |
F-16 'Fighting Falcon' Highly manoeuvrable and capable of speeds in excess of Mach 2, the F-16 fighter is being built in the USA and in NATO countries and is in service with many air forces. A particular feature is the 'shark's mouth' intake. A multi-barrel 20mm cannon is mounted in the fuselage, together with weapons or tanks on four underwing pylons and air-to-air missiles on the wingtips. The production single-seater is known as the F-16A while the tandem two-seat trainer is designated F-16B. A larger tailplane was fitted from 1981, and the F-16C and D with updated systems are in production. The US Navy uses the F-16N as a supersonic adversary aircraft. A recent upgrade is the Night Falcon. |
 F18-1.JPG (27K) |
F/A-18 'Hornet' Based on a Northrop private-venture design, the F-18 Hornet is a single-seat carrierborne air-superiority fighter with Mach 1.8 performance and high manoeuvrability. McDonnell Douglas is the prime contractoyr for Navy and Marine Corps versions F/A-18A fighter, A-18 attack aircraft and TF/A-18A two-seater trainer, while Northrop is a co-producer. In fighter form Hornet carries a six-barrel 20mm cannon plus air-to-air missiles and other stores on nine wing positions, including wingtips. The Canadian version known as CF-18 and that for Spain, EF-18. Later versions include F/A-18C, F/A-18D and F/A-18C/D Night Attack. |
 F117-1.JPG (32K) |
Lockheed F-117A Used successfully in the Gulf War with 1,270 missions, the F-117A is a single-seat 'stealthy' precision attack fighter which was kept secret for many yaers. First flown in December 1977, a total of 56 F-117As are in service. Very unusual in shape, the aircraft has a multi-faceted airframe designed to have a minimum radar signiture and low infra-red emission. Armament is carried internally and consists of laser-guided bombs and guided missiles. Maximum level speed is in excess of Mach 1. |
 B2-1.JPG (32K) |
Northrop B-2 The second 'Stealth' aircraft to be revealed is the Northrop B-2 bomber. The company has adopted a different approach to the F-117 in trying to reduce radar reflection, infra-red imprint, etc. The B-2 is that rare specimen, a true flying wing without fins. The swept wing itself has a 'sawtooth' trailing-edge and the twin intakes and exhausts for the four engines are in the wing upper surface. The B-2 has three crew and can carry 16 SRAM missiles or nuclear bombs. The programme involves possibly up to 76 production aircraft, the first base to recieve B-2s being Whiteman AFB, Missouri. The B-2 first flew in July 1989. |
