F-16XL: The Best F-16 Fighter That Never Was?

F-16XL: The Best F-16 Fighter That Never Was?

Even though General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon took its first flight nearly 50 years ago, it remains in active duty with the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units. The F-16 has also been adopted by some 25 other nations and is still the world’s most numerous fixed-wing aircraft in military service today.

The compact, multi-role fighter aircraft is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It continues to provide a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. The F-16 is currently scheduled to remain in service until at least 2025.