The Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole jet
fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for
the United States Air Force. Designed as a lightweight fighter,
it evolved into a successful multirole aircraft. The Falcon's
versatility is a paramount reason it has proven a success on the
export market, having been selected to serve in the air forces
of 25 nations. The F-16 is the largest Western fighter program
with over 4,400 aircraft built since production started in 1976.
Though no longer being bought by the U.S. Air Force, advanced
versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993,
General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the
Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed
Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta. The Fighting
Falcon is a dogfighter with numerous innovations including a
frameless, bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted
control stick to ease control while under high g-forces, and
reclined seat to reduce th