F-16 AA count

Machinery of War Discussion
1

The F16 block 50 can carry 8 AA missiles in real life

Good time for the upgrade with the ongoing changes… or is there a reason its 6?

2

Any solid proof to prove that? Up until Block-60/70 all F-16s can carry 6 missiles maximum.

Only Japanese F-2 is capable of carrying 8 missiles.

3

No i was just bored at work so asked AI.

It seems very sure it can

The F-16C Block 50 is a multirole fighter with 11 hardpoints (2 wingtip, 6 underwing, 2 under-fuselage, 1 centerline), capable of carrying a variety of air-to-air (AA) missiles, such as the AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM. The claim that it can carry up to 8 AA missiles in real-world operations is supported by multiple sources detailing its armament configurations.

Evidence for 8 AA Missile Capacity

  1. Hardpoint Configuration and Missile Loadout:

    • The F-16C Block 50 has two wingtip stations (stations 1 and 9) typically reserved for AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, allowing for 2 AIM-9s.
    • The six underwing hardpoints (stations 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8) can carry AIM-120 AMRAAMs, with stations 2, 3, 7, and 8 capable of mounting dual-rail launchers (e.g., LAU-115 with LAU-127 adapters), allowing up to 2 AMRAAMs per station on these four stations, totaling 8 AMRAAMs.
    • In a dedicated air-to-air configuration, the F-16C Block 50 can thus carry 2 AIM-9s + 6 AIM-120s, resulting in a maximum of 8 AA missiles. This is noted in detailed armament descriptions for the F-16C Block 50/52, which state it can carry up to six AIM-120 AMRAAMs in addition to two AIM-9 Sidewinders on the wingtips.

  2. Specific Loadout Documentation:

    • A source describing the F-16C Block 50’s armament explicitly states it can carry six AIM-120 AMRAAMs for medium- to long-range engagements and six AIM-9 Sidewinders, though typically only two AIM-9s are mounted on the wingtips in standard air-to-air configurations. The ability to carry six AMRAAMs on underwing stations (using dual-rail launchers on stations 3 and 7, and single or dual rails on stations 2 and 8) combined with two wingtip AIM-9s confirms a maximum of 8 AA missiles (2 AIM-9s + 6 AIM-120s).
    • Another reference mentions an F-16CJ Block 50D configured for suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) but also notes its air-to-air capability with wingtip AIM-120 AMRAAMs and AIM-9M Sidewinders on stations 2 and 8, indicating flexibility in AA missile placement. While this specific SEAD configuration includes AGM-88 HARMs, it implies that in a pure air-to-air role, stations 2, 3, 7, and 8 can prioritize AMRAAMs, supporting up to 6 AMRAAMs plus 2 Sidewinders.

  3. Operational and Technical Specifications:

    • The F-16C Block 50/52 is designed for air superiority missions, equipped with the AN/APG-68(V)9 radar, which supports simultaneous multi-target tracking for AIM-120 AMRAAMs. Official documentation from sources like the U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin states the aircraft can carry up to six air-to-air missiles (typically referring to AIM-120s) alongside wingtip AIM-9s, confirming a total of 8 AA missiles in optimal configurations.
    • The aircraft’s total payload capacity of 17,000 lbs (7,700 kg) supports carrying multiple missiles without exceeding weight limits, as AIM-120s weigh approximately 350 lbs each and AIM-9s about 190 lbs, allowing 8 missiles well within the payload limit.

  4. Real-World Operational Context:

    • While specific mission loadouts vary (e.g., often including fuel tanks or targeting pods, reducing missile count), the F-16C Block 50’s capability to carry 8 AA missiles is standard for air superiority missions where maximum missile load is prioritized. For example, in exercises or combat scenarios like Operation Desert Storm or Southern Watch, F-16s were configured with heavy AA missile loads, and the Block 50’s advanced avionics and hardpoint flexibility allow for 6 AMRAAMs plus 2 Sidewinders when no air-to-ground ordnance is carried.
    • Community discussions and military aviation references, such as those on forums and technical sites, consistently note the Block 50’s ability to carry up to 6 AIM-120s on underwing stations (dual rails on 3 and 7, single or dual on 2 and 8) plus 2 AIM-9s on wingtips, totaling 8 AA missiles.

Addressing War Thunder’s 6-Missile Limit

In War Thunder, the F-16C Block 50 is limited to 6 AA missiles (e.g., 4 AIM-9Ms + 2 AIM-7Ms or AIM-120As) due to its modeled 8 hardpoints (instead of the real-world 11) and game balance considerations. The game’s loadout omits dual-rail AMRAAM configurations and inaccurately includes AIM-7 Sparrows, which the Block 50 cannot use due to the lack of a continuous wave illuminator. This discrepancy explains why War Thunder caps the missile count at 6, while real-world configurations allow up to 8 AA missiles.

Conclusion

Concrete evidence confirms the F-16C Block 50 can carry 8 AA missiles in real-world operations: 2 AIM-9 Sidewinders on wingtip stations and 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs on underwing stations (using dual-rail launchers on stations 3 and 7, and single or dual rails on stations 2 and 8). This is supported by detailed armament descriptions, hardpoint configurations, and operational capabilities outlined in multiple sources. The War Thunder limitation to 6 missiles reflects game design choices, not the aircraft’s actual capacity.

4

Theres your problem.

11 Likes
5

Exactly.

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The claim that the F-16C Block 50 can carry up to 8 air-to-air (AA) missiles in real-world configurations is backed by credible sources detailing its armament capabilities. Below, I’ll provide a link to a reliable source and explain how it supports the 8-missile capacity, addressing the discrepancy with War Thunder’s 6-missile limit.

Evidence and Link

A detailed source on the F-16C Block 50’s armament is available from F-16.net, a well-regarded resource on F-16 variants and their capabilities. Here’s the link:

This page outlines the F-16C Block 50/52’s armament, stating it can carry:

  • Up to 6 AIM-120 AMRAAMs on underwing hardpoints (stations 2, 3, 7, and 8, with dual-rail launchers like the LAU-115 with LAU-127 adapters on stations 3 and 7, and single or dual rails on 2 and 8).
  • 2 AIM-9 Sidewinders on wingtip stations (stations 1 and 9).

This totals 8 AA missiles (6 AIM-120s + 2 AIM-9s) in a dedicated air-to-air configuration, as the F-16C Block 50 has 11 hardpoints (2 wingtip, 6 underwing, 2 under-fuselage, 1 centerline) and sufficient payload capacity (17,000 lbs) to support this loadout without exceeding weight limits.

Additional Supporting Information

Another reputable source, the U.S. Air Force fact sheet on the F-16, confirms the aircraft’s ability to carry “six air-to-air missiles” (typically AIM-120s) alongside wingtip AIM-9s, implying a total of 8 AA missiles when fully configured for air superiority:

This fact sheet notes the F-16’s flexibility in air-to-air roles, with the Block 50’s AN/APG-68(V)9 radar supporting multiple AIM-120 engagements, consistent with a 6 AMRAAM + 2 Sidewinder setup.

Addressing War Thunder’s 6-Missile Limit

In War Thunder, the F-16C Block 50 is capped at 6 AA missiles (e.g., 4 AIM-9Ms + 2 AIM-7Ms or AIM-120As) due to its modeled 8 hardpoints (instead of the real-world 11) and game balance choices, as noted in the War Thunder Wiki and update notes (e.g., “Sons of Attila” update). The game omits dual-rail AMRAAM configurations and inaccurately includes AIM-7 Sparrows, which the Block 50 cannot use due to lacking a continuous wave illuminator. This explains the discrepancy, as War Thunder prioritizes gameplay balance over real-world accuracy.

For the War Thunder Community

To convince the “War Thunder goons,” you can point them to the F-16.net link above, which explicitly details the Block 50’s ability to carry 6 AIM-120s on underwing stations plus 2 AIM-9s on wingtips, totaling 8 AA missiles. If they demand further proof, the U.S. Air Force fact sheet corroborates this capability. You might also mention that War Thunder’s limitations (e.g., 8 hardpoints, no dual-rail AMRAAMs) are a simplification for game balance, not a reflection of the real aircraft’s potential.

AI has the links lol and is doubling down.

7

Im not going to bother with answering to AI slop.

And, im sure there are people more faimialir with the topic that will give you better answer.

But, with fanbase as autistic as warthunders which frequently leaks classified documents, im sure they would report missing hardpoints.

And from what I skimmed ober bug report site that doesnt seem to be the case.

I might be wrong and Ive simply failed to find it, but Im sure it would be bug reported if it was true.

7 Likes
8

Well AI is wrong in the basics right there, F-16s carry AMRAAMs on wingtips cause it reduces the wing flutter. Meanwhile Block 70 and onwards have 6 underwing pylons, Block 50 have just 4, centerline and one fuselage one on each side for TGP.

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According to some information Block-70 can carry double racks for A2A missiles.

I dont know if its true or not but if thats case then it will be menace.

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Guess the f16C stays mid and will sadly have even more mid 16s at the side of it

Atleast we still have the jap 12.7 and US 12.3 to have some fun with…

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Until block 60 every block carries 6 missiles max. No dual racks were employed on earlier blocks (iirc). Additional wiring may have been added on later blocks

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Thats why the J10 exists XD

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non of the sources your AI linked suggests that the blk50 should carry 8 missiles

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Not my sources… AI

I wasnt sure and thought it was just blancing

AI isnt usually this bad tho… especially when called out… never seen it double dowm- it 99% of the time.sees the errrors of its ways

Its still claiming the 6 it says are the amrams and the aim9s are on wimgs.

I cant get it to change lol

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it is usally that bad especially regarding very specific topics

the AI saw that the F-16 has 8 hardpoints and went, yes that means 8 missiels

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ai fans when they have to do more than 12 seconds of research

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@tokerstar
Stop using AI and think for yourself.

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Ai is about as reliable a McDonalds milkshake machine. Sometimes it works. But usually it doesnt

Should never ever be trusted with things like this. Sure, its great for formatting and can be good for finding potential sources (though should always verify them independently) but thats about it. It has no way of verifying what it has said is the truth and may have just pulled random snipets of information from inaccurate sources or out of context statements.

All LLM have a well proven history of making things up

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What are you om about…Its not exactly a subject that can be worked out by thinking.

Words are hard?

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Proceeds to say