Quantcast

F-16 continues evolving through modernization efforts amidst structural challenges

Qantas launches mammoth Asia flight sale including Bali and Japan
New Update from Air Canada, WestJet, American Airlines, Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, JetBlue Airways, and Sunwing: Airline Capacity Between Canada and US Slashed as Bookings Plummet Seventy Per Cent
Delta Cuts Two Domestic Routes
United Airlines Technicians Reject ‘Dead on Arrival’ Contract Proposal, Teamsters Say
The State of the Asia Pacific Airline Industry
Spirit Airlines to add Detroit nonstop flight out of Bradley International Airport
Major airline to launch new direct flights from Scotland to North America
Ryanair launches new ‘prime’ membership which saves passengers more than £400 a year
Judge Orders Boeing to Trial on 737 MAX Case
Qantas’ free international Wi-Fi to switch on from next week
The real reason Southwest is charging for bags now
Air France-KLM in ongoing talks with Air Europa on potential stake, CEO says
Frontier Savagely Shades Southwest After They Eliminated Longstanding Free Bag Policy, Sparking Backlash
Frontier Wants You to 'Divorce Your Old Airline' After Southwest Changes
Delta named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies for sustainability initiatives
Passengers escape fiery American Airlines jet in Denver
Delta, American Dive On Slashed Outlooks; But Two Airlines Rally
Competitors are circling Southwest after the airline announced it's going to start charging for checked bags
Exclusive: Dominican Low-Cost Carrier Arajet Wants to Disrupt NYC Market
Boeing deliveries rise 63% in February from a year earlier
Transportation Secretary Duffy Lays Out 10 Ways the FAA Is Working to Upgrade Air Traffic Control and Make Flying Safer
EasyJet pilot Paul Elsworth suspended after flying too close to mountain
Delta Air Lines bets on ‘blended-wing’ flight to reduce emissions
Europe's airlines pivot to bite size M&A deals to limit cost, regulatory burden
Dave Emerson named new CEO of Virgin Australia, replacing Jayne Hrdlicka
Ryanair DELAYS controversial new boarding pass rule to avoid summer chaos
FAA Orders Inspection, Replacement of 737NG Engine Parts
Spirit Adds New Airport, Three Routes
Delta crash passengers should take the $30,000 payment, their lawyers say. Here’s why.
Budget airline launches new cheap flights to one of the UK’s top winter sun destinations
F-16 continues evolving through modernization efforts amidst structural challenges
Policy
Webp 5r3vc2svdh8ibaxk8gr8iutw0za2
Simple Flying | Simple Flying

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is renowned for its versatility and performance in both air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attacks. This fighter aircraft, with its distinctive bubble canopy design, offers pilots an exceptional field of view. The canopy is constructed from bird-proof polycarbonate, providing 360-degree visibility and improved vision over the sides and rear due to the absence of a forward bow frame.

"The F-16 Fighter pilot's view is one of the best among other fighter jets," states a source familiar with the aircraft's design features. The cockpit layout includes a high-resolution center pedestal display that enhances battlespace awareness for pilots.

Modern fighters like the F-22 Raptor, F-35, and F-16 have incorporated advanced treatments on their canopies using materials such as indium tin oxide alloy or gold to enhance radar transparency while reducing infrared radiation. This "golden" bubble canopy also protects against laser threats and minimizes visibility to infrared-guided missiles.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

The Air Force has undertaken maintenance projects to address issues like cracking in canopy sill longerons, which appeared in 90 aircraft across its inventory in 2023. These structural concerns led to grounding some aircraft until repairs were made.

Lockheed Martin has approved Derco Co. as the exclusive distributor of PPG's replacement canopies for the F-16, designed for peak performance in military environments. Additionally, innovations such as HydroSkip are being developed to improve visibility during adverse weather conditions by repelling water from the aircraft transparencies.

"In one of the largest modernization efforts in U.S. Air Force history, 608 F-16s – comprised of Blocks 40 and 50 – will undergo up to 22 modifications designed to improve lethality and ensure the fourth-generation fighter remains effective in meeting current and future threats," stated a US Air Force release dated February 28, 2022.

Despite retiring older models, newer variants like Block 70 continue production with modernized cockpits that facilitate quicker decision-making during combat operations. Since its introduction in 1978, over 4,600 F-16s have been produced globally with more than 800 still serving within the US Air Force as of last year.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

Emirates has announced that the My Emirates Pass will be available throughout the year with seasonal offers in summer and winter.

Apr 3, 2025

United Airlines has announced the issuance of travel waivers for passengers whose flights were affected by closures at London Heathrow Airport.

Apr 2, 2025

ITA Airways announced that flight AZ806 managed to land safely after a brief hold due to nearby missile activity.

Apr 2, 2025

EVA Air has announced the reinstatement of its Premium Economy Class on the Seattle route, with three weekly flights scheduled from March 8 through July 27.

Apr 2, 2025

Emirates Airlines has announced the launch of a new door-to-door delivery service called 'Very Important Parcels' (VIPs), promising the same level of care as provided to its passengers.

Apr 2, 2025

Cargolux has announced the transportation of two lions, Tsar and Jamil, from captivity in Ukraine to a wildlife sanctuary in South Africa.

Apr 2, 2025