General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon

27 May 2026 · © Raid_nations02

A USAF Thunderbirds F-16 Fighting Falcon in striking red, white, and blue display livery puts on an acrobatic show under clear blue skies.

2 likes 1 comments

Comments (1)

Katl_spotter13 · 27 May 2026

Nice catch! ✈️

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General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon

General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon (likely F-16D, 2-seat)

General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16C Fighting Falcon

Aircraft

F-16 Fighting Falcon F16

USAF Thunderbirds Demonstration Team Livery

Airline

United States Air Force (USAF) Thunderbirds

Manufacturer

General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin)

Gear

Canon EOS Rebel T7i EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS STM

Achievements

Vintage Voyager, Livery Legend, Military Maverick

3 badges earned

Photo grade

Gold

Score: 91.0

Thunderbirds F-16 captured crisp and clean in dynamic climb; canopy reflections and stars on tail add real punch!

Location

Snf

Lakeland Linder International Airport · LAL/KLAL

27.9888, -82.0131

Open map

Lakeland Linder International Airport LAL

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The F-16 is one of the most successful multi-role fighter jets, in production since the 1970s and serving in more than 25 air forces. The USAF Thunderbirds are the U.S. Air Force\'s premier demonstration team, flying the F-16 since 1983.

Fleet Rarity

Thunderbirds team is about 12 aircraft; F-16 itself is not rare globally but demo team aircraft are unique.

Record Flights

Thunderbirds demonstration routines across the U.S.; F-16 overall holds records for firsts in fly-by-wire, bubble canopy, and seen in over 4,500 delivered airframes globally.

Safety & Events

Thunderbirds have performed for millions; rare high-profile accidents during airshows. The F-16 in general has seen extensive combat and remains an iconic 4th-generation fighter.

Future Outlook

Thunderbirds continue to operate the F-16 with scheduled upgrades and aircraft rotation.

Specifications

Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 or General Electric F110-GE-129 (varies with block, likely F100 in display team aircraft)

Engine

9.96 m

Wingspan

15.06 m

Length

4,220 km (ferry; combat radius: ~550 km air-to-air configuration)

Range

850 km/h (Mach 0.8); Maximum: over 2,100 km/h (Mach 2 )

Speed

Single pilot (no passengers)

Capacity

16,875 kg

MTOW

4.88 m

Height

131 kN (29,000 lbf) with afterburner (F100-PW-229 spec)

Thrust

Typically 130 dB at takeoff; not rated by ICAO civilian standards

Noise