F16E desert falcon

[Would you like to see this in-game?]
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Overview

The F-16E Desert Falcon is a highly advanced variant of the F-16 Fighting Falcon, developed for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as part of the Block 60 program. It features substantial upgrades including conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), cutting-edge avionics, and one of the most powerful engines installed in an F-16 airframe. Designed to meet the UAE’s demanding operational requirements, it is often described as the most advanced F-16 ever built.

History

In the late 1990s, the United Arab Emirates began seeking a next-generation multirole fighter that would offer significant technological improvements over existing platforms. While several options were considered, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale, the UAE ultimately selected a heavily modified version of the American F-16, resulting in the creation of the F-16 Block 60. Unlike previous export variants, the Block 60 was developed specifically to meet the operational needs of the UAE, with Lockheed Martin and General Electric working closely with Emirati defense officials to create what would become the most advanced F-16 ever built.

The new aircraft was designated the F-16E for the single-seat variant and F-16F for the two-seat version. It introduced several cutting-edge features at the time, such as the AN/APG-80 AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, and conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) to increase range without sacrificing agility. It was also the first F-16 to be equipped with the General Electric F110-GE-132 engine, offering over 32,000 lbf of thrust.

Deliveries began in 2004, with a total of 80 aircraft delivered to the UAE. These jets have remained in active service and continue to be a critical part of the UAE Air Force’s airpower, used in both defensive and coalition operations. The F-16E/F has even been cited as a benchmark for future 4.5 generation fighters.

characteristics

F-16E Desert Falcon

General Characteristics

• Crew: 1 (Pilot)

• Length: 15.06 m (49 ft 5 in)

• Height: 5.09 m (16 ft 8 in)

• Span: 9.96 m (32 ft 8 in)

• Wing Area: 27.87 sq m (300 sq ft)

• Powerplant: 1 × General Electric F110-GE-132 afterburning turbofan

→ 144.6 kN (32,500 lbf) thrust with afterburner

→ ~79.4 kN (17,800 lbf) dry thrust

• Internal Fuel: ~3,200 kg (7,000 lb)

• Conformal Fuel: ~1,360 kg (3,000 lb) additional (via CFTs)

• Empty Weight: ~9,200 kg (20,282 lb)

• Max Takeoff Weight: ~21,770 kg (48,000 lb)

• Max Speed: Mach 2.0 (~2,120 km/h at altitude)

• Service Ceiling: 15,240 m (50,000 ft)

• G-Limits: +9 / -3

• Avionics:

Avionics & Systems

• Radar: AN/APG-80 AESA Radar

• Simultaneous air/ground modes

• Improved BVR tracking and resistance to jamming

• Cockpit:

• Wide-angle HUD

• Three color multifunction displays

• Upgraded HOTAS controls

• Fly-by-Wire:

• Digital quadruplex FBW system

• Other Systems:

• Integrated targeting pod capability

• ECM and defensive suite

• Link 16 datalink

• Armament:

→ 1× 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon

→ Up to 9 hardpoints for:

—— AIM-9M/X, AIM-120B/C, (optional MICA EM/IR)

—— AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, Paveway, Mk80 series

—— Targeting Pods: LITENING / SNIPER XR

—— ECM and countermeasure pods

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In-Game Implementation

• Nation: USA (or potential future UAE subtree)

• Rank: VII–VIII

• Role: Multirole fighter (A2A and precision strike)

Pros:

• AESA radar provides unmatched situational awareness

• Powerful engine and agility

• Access to modern precision weapons and advanced AAMs

• Advanced cockpit and systems

Cons:

• Heavier due to CFTs

• High BR = costly spawns in RB/SB

Additionally

Optional MICA Integration (Balance-Sensitive)

Though not standard, some defense analysts have speculated that the UAE considered MICA EM/IR integration in future upgrades. Given the UAE’s history of multi-origin procurement and interest in French armament (like the Mirage 2000-9 fleet), MICA integration could be implemented as:

• Event Loadouts / Limited Scenarios

• Custom loadout presets for mixed coalition events

• What-if configurations in the future

Conclusion | Why it should be in the game

The F-16E Desert Falcon is the pinnacle of F-16 development, representing a major leap in capability over earlier variants. With its AESA radar, enhanced range, and multirole capabilities, it would offer War Thunder players a unique, flexible, and powerful fighter for top-tier matches. Whether added to the US tree or introduced via a Middle Eastern subtree, the F-16E would be an exciting and iconic addition.

Sources

https://www.f-16.net/f-16_versions_article10.html

4 Likes

I could see this as a squadron vehicle for america.

4 Likes

+1,Put it under 16C

1 Like

+1 for the British tree.

1 Like

Britain hasn’t used the f16e

3 Likes

America hasn’t used the skink

1 Like

+1 US sqv

Not saying I agree with skink but the Sherman chassis is an American design. F-16E is not British

Germany never used the Hunter
Italy never used the Tu-2
Russian Su-27’s never used their Radar and RWR at the same time
Britain never used the G6
Japan never used the Gripen
China never used the Mirage 2000
Am I missing anyone?

  1. Swiss Hunter went to Germany for some reason
  2. Hungary sub?
  3. Bug report it then
  4. South Africa sub
  5. Thai sub
  6. Both PRC and ROC are counted as China for WT

UK doesn’t have a sub for it and it doesn’t have an origin claim for it.

+1 for a future UAE sub (but preferably not in the US cause we have more than enough F-16s that can come :])

1 Like

I did originally say that as a joke
However the UAE was a British protectorate from 1820 to 1971. That enough of a claim?

UK already has 2 subs. I don’t think they would get a UAE one. Right now, they really don’t have any claim to it since it’s from the 90’s as well…also don’t think they count protectorates as UK but you could prove me wrong

There is like 2 more F-16 that would be a step forward. One of which is the F-16V, so another export model. Seeing as it doesn’t make sense in any other tree it should go to US like the M1A1 AIM and F-14A IRIAF

France has 3

Well things could change in the future. with maybe a new tree that can fit it better. But if it was added rn it would probably go to the US (or the UK :])

1 of them has basically no military, it’s effectively 2. Pretty sure they added it just to sound nicer

Persian Tomcat No.2?

1 Like

maybe, could be squadron