Kraków 2005-03-11
General Dynamics F-16 / 79.
Section 1980-10-29. USA.
The General Dynamics F-16 is equipped with the General Electric J-79 engine from the F-4 and F-104 fighters and B-58 Hustler bombers.
This variant of the General Dynamics F-16 was developed at the request of the US Department of Defense for export to countries with smaller defense budgets. General Dynamics proposed the F-16 with the older, single-cylinder General Electric J-79 GE-17X (later 119) engine, which produces 44.50 kN (10,000 lbf) of thrust and 76.00 kN (17,000 lbf) with afterburner. A version of the General Electric J-79 GE-119 engine has a maximum thrust of 83.00 kN. The General Electric J-79 GE-119 engine allowed the F-16 to achieve a maximum speed of Mach 2.1.
The F-16 also had to undergo structural modifications to the engine’s intake and air ducting to ensure adequate air pressure. The rear fuselage section was narrowed. Because the J-79 engine is longer, its nozzle extends far beyond the fuselage outline. Its length increased by 45.70 cm. The engine nozzle was modified.
The pre-series F-16 A FSD aircraft, number 75-0752, underwent the conversion, and with the new powerplant, it made its first flight on October 29, 1980. Other data indicates the following day: October 30, 1980. Testing proceeded as planned and was completed in January 1981. A two-seat F-16 B/79, powered by the J-79 engine, was also built.
The F-16/79 was offered for export as a modern, low-cost fighter with good interception and tactical battlefield support capabilities. The aircraft was offered in single- and two-seat versions. Thailand ordered a number of F-16/79 aircraft, but the order was later changed to the standard F-16 A/B. In 1985, Singapore also expressed interest in purchasing these aircraft. A preliminary agreement was even signed. However, the contract was ultimately changed to the standard F-16. Venezuela was also offered the F-16/79, but it vehemently opposed the offer and requested the F-16 A/B Block 15 aircraft. Ultimately, no country ordered the F-16/79.
Written by Karol Placha Hetman