Photo by James Deboer

Lockheed Martin F-16A

In 2021, Top Aces became the first private company in the world to acquire the F-16, which is considered by many to be the most agile fighter aircraft of its generation.  Its superior speed, acceleration, maneuverability, small visual and radar signature, and ability to integrate advanced sensors and threat systems have made it the aircraft of choice for the USAF and USN Aggressor fleets since 1988. 

In January 2022, Top Aces upgraded its powerful legacy F-16 airframe with its proprietary Advanced Aggressor Mission System, fielding the first high performance, threat-representative adversary capable of supporting the 5th generation warfighter.

Typical Lockheed Martin F-16A Missions

  • Superior 4th Generation maneuverability and pilot-centric avionics;
  • Large array of available air-to-air weapons and sensors;
  • All-weather capability allows it to employ weapons in non-visual environments;
  • Light weight with a full load of internal fuel up to 9 G’s;
  • The pilot has excellent flight control of the F-16 through its "fly-by-wire" system.

Aircraft Statistics

  • Crew: Single and tandem configuration
  • Length: 49.4 ft.
  • Normal T/O weight: 25,281 lbs
  • Engine: One Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220E
  • Speed with air to air missiles: Mach 2.05 at 40,000 feet.