In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft or missiles in radar ground clutter. In designing the F-16, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft were selected. These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength.
Electrical wires relay commands, replacing the usual cables and linkage controls.
The first operational F-16A was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB, Utah. These fighters were used to attack airfields, military production facilities, Scud missiles sites and a variety of other targets.