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F-16V Viper Fighter Jet

F-16V Viper Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Fighter Jets
  • Generation 4.5
  • Maximum Speed Mach 2.0
  • No. of Engines 1
  • Radar Range 160+ km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name F-16V Viper
Manufacturer Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin United States
Type / Role Multirole Fighter
Generation 4.5
Status In Service
First Flight 2015
Introduction / In Service Since 2018
Number Built Over 4,600 (all F-16 variants)
Operators USA, Taiwan, Greece, Singapore, Bahrain, Slovakia, etc.

Dimensions & Structure

Length 49.5 ft (15.06 m)
Wingspan 32.8 ft (10.0 m)
Height 16.7 ft (5.09 m)
Wing Area 300 sq ft (27.87 m²)
Empty Weight 20,300 lb (9,207 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) 48,000 lb (21,772 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay None
External Hardpoints 9

Performance

Maximum Speed Mach 2.0 (1,500 mph / 2,414 km/h)
Range 2,622 mi (4,220 km) with drop tanks
Combat Radius 340 mi (550 km)
Service Ceiling 50,000+ ft (15,240 m)
Rate of Climb 50,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio 1.095
G Limits 1.095

Powerplant

Engine Type Pratt & Whitney F100 or GE F110
No. of Engines 1
Thrust (each) 29,000 lbf (129 kN)
Thrust Vectoring No
Fuel Capacity 7,000 lb internal

Armament

Gun 1× 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon
Missiles (Air-to-Air) AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM
Missiles (Air-to-Ground) AGM-65, AGM-84, AGM-88
Bombs JDAM, Paveway, Mk 82/84
Hardpoints 9
Payload Capacity 17,000 lb (7,700 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar AN/APG-83 SABR AESA
Radar Range 160+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System AN/ALQ-213 suite
Targeting System Sniper XR / LANTIRN
Helmet Display JHMCS II
Navigation GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance Digital flight control system
Communication Link-16, secure UHF/VHF

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS) ~1.2 m²
Stealth Features Reduced radar signature coatings
Infrared Signature Reduction Partial
Sensor Fusion Advanced mission computer
Networking Capabilities Full NATO interoperability

Variants

Special Export Versions F-16V (Taiwan, Bahrain, Slovakia)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan
Notable Operators USAF, Taiwan, Israel, Greece
Combat Proven? Yes
Mission Types Air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost $60–70 million
Development Cost Classified
Program Name F-16V Upgrade / Viper Program
Funding Countries United States, export partners

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned Enhanced data links, cockpit upgrades
Future Replacement F-35 Lightning II
Export Restrictions Subject to U.S. ITAR
Notable Achievements Most widely exported Western fighter
Competitors JAS 39 Gripen, Rafale, MiG-35

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8
  • Technology 8 / 10
  • Performance 8 / 10
  • Firepower 8 / 10
  • Range & Endurance 8 / 10
  • Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

  1. Proven, combat-tested airframe with global support network
  2. Advanced AESA radar and upgraded avionics suite
  3. High agility and Mach 2 performance
  4. Cost-effective compared to fifth-generation jets
  5. Compatible with a wide range of NATO-standard munitions

CONS

  1. Lacks full stealth capability
  2. Single-engine limits redundancy
  3. Limited internal fuel compared to newer designs
  4. Aging airframe design despite modernization
  5. Reduced survivability in high-threat, anti-access environments

F-16V Viper – The Advanced Evolution of the Fighting Falcon

The F-16V Viper Fighter Jet represents the most advanced and capable variant of the legendary F-16 Fighting Falcon family, developed by Lockheed Martin. Designed to extend the operational life of the world’s most prolific fourth-generation fighter, the F-16V incorporates cutting-edge avionics, an advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and improved mission systems to meet the challenges of 21st-century air combat.

Equipped with the AN/APG-83 SABR radar, the Viper offers superior target detection and tracking, enhanced situational awareness, and compatibility with modern precision-guided munitions. Its upgraded mission computer, digital flight control system, and glass cockpit provide pilots with an F-35-style interface while retaining the agility and cost-effectiveness of the original F-16 design.

Powered by a single Pratt & Whitney F100 or General Electric F110 engine, the F-16V reaches speeds over Mach 2.0 and a service ceiling above 50,000 feet. The aircraft supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with an extensive range of weapons, including AIM-120 AMRAAM, JDAM, and Harpoon missiles.

With continuous modernization programs and proven combat experience across 25+ nations, the F-16V remains a reliable multirole fighter—bridging the gap between fourth- and fifth-generation platforms for U.S. allies worldwide.

F-16V Viper Price in US

The F-16V Viper’s estimated unit cost ranges from $60 million to $70 million, depending on configuration, weapons integration, and avionics suite. The aircraft is offered for both new builds and mid-life upgrade programs, making it a cost-efficient alternative to fifth-generation fighters like the F-35.

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