The F-16C Fighting Falcon is a fighter aircraft featured in many Ace Combat games as one of the earliest available aircraft. Designed first and foremost as a lightweight close-range dogfighter, the F-16 has evolved to become equally lethal in both air combat and attack missions. In most of its appearances, the F-16C carries a variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, and features higher maneuverability than most comparable aircraft, making it a highly versatile option for players early in a game's campaign.

History
Strangereal
The F-16C was in use by a variety of nations as early as 1995. During the Belkan War, it was used by both the Allied Forces and the Belkan Air Force. Notable units that used the aircraft were the mercenary air squadron Crow Team and Belka's elite Silber Team.

The plane was also popular in Usea, seeing use during the Skully Islands insurrection, Usean coup d'état, Continental War, and the Lighthouse War.

During the Circum-Pacific War, both Osea and Yuktobania used the aircraft.[6]

In 2015, F-16Cs were fielded in the Emmeria-Estovakia War by both the Republic of Emmeria Air Force and Estovakian Air Force. Estovakian F-16C ace Mihajlo Mesic, callsign "Edinorog", was shot down by Talisman while escorting bombers which were attacking Vitoze. Emmeria's Windhover Squadron also utilized the aircraft throughout the war, sporting a special livery.

During the Lighthouse War, the IUN, Osean Air Defense Force, and Erusean Air Force, made use of the F-16C. The Mage, Drake and Skeleton squadrons flew the aircraft at some point during the war. Erusean F-16C ace Rosie Lucas, callsign "Bayonet", was shot down by Trigger over the Chopinburg Rainforest while trying to defend the airspace. Spare Squadron member High Roller also flew an F-16C but was shot down over Roca Roja during Operation One Pair.

In 2020, both the Aurelian Air Force and Leasath Air Force made use of the F-16C during the Aurelian War. One Leasath ace, callsign "Ice", was known to have flown the aircraft during the war.

How to Unlock

Complete mission 3: City On Fire. Costs $90,000.
Statistics

Power: 70
Defense: 30
Mobility: 40
Stability: 60
Climbing Ability: 50
Air-to-Air: 60
Air-to-Ground: 60
Duration of flight: 18 minutes
Absorbability: Normal

Weapons
MSSL x64

Named Pilots
• Tallman
• Metal Sphere