I'M NOT DEAD!

Dont worry the 100 anniversary is coming next

The General Dynamics F-16A Fighting Falcon

is a single-seat, multi-role fighter aircraft that has been a cornerstone of numerous air forces worldwide. Its development began in the early 1970s as part of the U.S. Air Force's Lightweight Fighter program, aiming to produce a cost-effective, high-performance aircraft. The first YF-16 prototype took flight on February 2, 1974. Subsequently, the initial production-standard F-16A flew on August 7, 1978, with deliveries to the U.S. Air Force commencing in January 1979.

The F-16A features a blended wing-body design, a frameless bubble canopy for improved visibility, and a side-mounted control stick for enhanced maneuverability. It is powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-200 turbofan engine, capable of producing up to 23,830 pounds of thrust with afterburner. The aircraft is equipped with the Westinghouse AN/APG-66 pulse-Doppler radar, enabling effective air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) has been operating the F-16A since the late 1980s, utilizing the aircraft for various defense and tactical missions. In 2018, the RTAF's 403 Squadron commemorated its 20th anniversary of F-16 operations by unveiling a special livery on one of its F-16A aircraft. This celebratory scheme featured distinctive markings to honor two decades of service, reflecting the squadron's commitment to maintaining air defense capabilities.