What You Need to Know: The U.S. F-16 fighter has served admirably since its introduction in the 1970s and remains a valuable multi-role asset. The F-16XL, an enhanced variant, was designed to achieve supercruise capabilities, carry double the payload, and offer extended range, but was ultimately passed over for the F-15E Strike Eagle.

-Notably, F-16XLs were used by NASA for aerodynamic research in the 1990s, contributing to later developments like the F-22’s supercruise capabilities.

-Today, F-16XL prototypes are preserved in museums, celebrated as impressive "F-16s on steroids" for their advanced load-carrying, range, and maneuverability, even though they never entered active service.

America’s formidable fourth-generation F-16 fighter platform made headlines last year when the White House gave Ukraine the green light to fly them in war.

Since February 2022, Kyiv has asserted that without more advanced aerial capabilities, it would be unable to thwart Russia’s advances.

Initially, the Biden administration was adamant that it would not provide F-16 Fighting Falcon airframes to aid Ukraine’s defensive efforts. However, the training of Ukrainian pilots on these airframes was ultimately okayed.

American Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that the U.S. would actually head up the coalition of nations that will train Ukraine’s pilots and crews to properly operate the Fighting Falcons. F-16 fighters are now fighting........

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