Block 70 F-16: The Next Generation Viper Fighter

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In this video, we'll take a look at the Block 70/72 F-16 Viper fighter jet. This advanced aircraft is designed to replace the ageing F-16s currently in use by the USAF.

This video is a deep dive into the Block 70/72 F-16 Viper fighter jet, exploring everything from its performance to its future potential. We'll look at the design philosophy behind the Block 70/72 F-16 Viper, and discuss its unique features and capabilities. If you're interested in learning more about this next-generation aircraft, then watch this video!

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Photography and video Credits/Attributions:

"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
Department of Defense
Boeing
Lockheed Martin
Northrop Grumman

[PilotPhotog]

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[kayakutah]

I'm 70 now, but "back in the day" started out flying the F-8/RF-8, F-14A and then as a Navy Adversary the F-16N and A-4F. I always hit this channel when new content drops, as I think PilotPhotog is about the best source for reliable and interesting information.
This one brought back great memories!
The tilted seat definitely contributed to the ability to withstand G's. But I think a more significant feature had a greater effect in reducing the height of "the column of blood" that is the human body. The "floor" of the cockpit was also raised such that your feet were up nearer to the level of your hips. While that made using a "piddlepack" challenging (!) it also made it much easier to push blood to the brain.
Also, full rudder throw was 1/4 of an inch, so you could fly with your legs extended. We used to joke that this was the perfect combination of seating and throttle/stick placement in that it was "like sitting in a lawn chair with two cans of beer"! That's perfection. The visibility was such that it was like flying a convertible. You could practically look over the side.
Anyway, I'll just add that there was one additional nickname. Given the black sense of humor that is the essence of the reptilian portion of the fighter pilot brain, it earned the nickname "lawn dart".
Early on, no one was used to the idea that G onset could be so fast and so intense as to result in G-LOC. Airplanes and pilots were lost because of that. With the introduction of the GE engine and bigger P&W, that became a bigger issue. Everyone went to centrifuge training to learn to compensate with great success.
And one last thing, PilotPhotog. Thanks for referring to the Navy F-16 drivers as Adversaries! Navy/Marines are indeed Adversary Pilots as opposed to our Air Force brethren who are Aggressors. At least at the time, there were subtle but significant differences in our missions.
Cheers!

[marcallen]

👍 Whatever you choose to call it ( Falcon, Viper, Lawn Dart or Electric Jet), the fact that the F-16 is still relevant 45 years after it’s release attests to it’s excellence.

[andrewchr]

Even after Block 70 I'm sure the top engineers at LM will find a way to push it to even higher blocks. It's design engineering is possibly one the best ever.

[brianmoore]

To those who panic over the F-35's teething problems, you should point out that the F-16 had similar teething problems. I remember when the F-16 was called the lawn dart. Very advanced aircraft nearly always have things that need to be worked out.

[KernowekTim]

The very versatile, viciously venomous, vociferously venerated Viper. This plane is how Legends are made.

[kibathemechanic]

Two fun facts:
1) The F-2, a derivative of the F-16 built and operated by Japan, is unofficially known as the "Viper Zero."
2) The earliest F-16As were advertised at being rated to handle 9Gs, but in reality they were only rated to handle 7Gs. Needless to say, the USAF was extremely pissed at General Dynamics when they discovered cracks in the wings.

[jamescraft]

I'm the ProSuper for the SA tails depicted. The Viper is still a very formidable and capable aircraft, I would not like to encounter one in a BVR or Fox 2 fight. I started my career with the Tx ANG as a crew chief in 1990 after 10 years of active duty, then became the expediter in 1999 and finally the ProSuper in 2011. I'll be retiring next year with 43 years combined military and federal service.

[JonMartinYXD]

Worth noting that the US Navy was impressed by Northrop YF-17 and it quickly evolved into the F/A-18, of which over 1, 500 were built. It seems the LWF program had really good fundamental requirements for it to spawn two families of flexible and long lived aircraft.

[chrismaggio]

Still one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed in my opinion. Just has that look like if you get in its way it would literally poke right through you and keep on going unscathed. The F-5/F20 has that same piercing look (and should have been more readily used by our military for the same reasons the F-16 was chosen). Amazing that an aircraft that was designed when I was just a kid will still be frontline long after I'm gone!

[Zoegaglia]

Greece has already upgraded 4 f-16s from block 52+ to block 72 and another 79 will follow. You can see two of these at 0:26 and 7:52. Also viper is the official name of the block 70 variant (f-16V).

[Rationalific]

I hope that the F-16 can make it to a century of flying! I think it's totally up for it!

[willymac]

The F-16 is proof that when you start with a good air frame, the possibilities are endless.

[Funder_Studio]

Undoubtedly, one of the most gorgeous aircraft designs of all time.

[joecanis]

I have always felt that the F-16 is the legacy successor of the P-51, classic aerodynamic lines that will be admired forever.

[FlyBaddy]

I love this beauty! The Viper is one of the best fighters, it's saved lives in thousands of CAS missions, it's one of the bestselling platforms of all time and it will outlast many "6th Gen Checkmates" or whatever they wanna call it. This beauty still has at least 45 years of service with the US and allies!

[stevenjulie]

I live close to Greenville, SC and am very proud that we make this amazing fighter nearby!

Also, Shaw AFB in Sumter, SC has an awesome Viper on display outside one of the gates. It's on a stand like a model, kitted out with missiles and everything, but actual size! Really cool to drive past on the way to the beach. 😎

[StelAndre]

Prettiest fighter jet ever made.. by far!

[christopherlloyd]

35 years maintaining this beautiful machine, its now a part of my DNA.

[TaterRogers]

I was part of the 474th TFW and we flew A/B models and then we were transitioned to the 64th Aggressor squadron and we were the first F-16 Aggressors that replaced the F-5s. I am so glad that the Viper is continuing to be upgraded. It's a phenomenal airframe and it's the Ferrari of the skies. When they switched to GE engines they got even better! Always the Viper is my favorite aircraft!