Web Sites
The Official Lockheed-Martin F-16 website
Lockheed's Official Magazine - filled with articles, photos - even a two-part series on building the Hasegawa 1:48 F-16 kit.
The home of the USAF Thunderbirds
Official RNLAF F-16 website, including information on the MLU program.
An enthusiast's site, the most thorough non-Lockheed F-16 website on the web.
A scale modeling website, the ARC forum is frequented by many F-16 enthusiasts, and the site features kit, decal and aftermarket reviews. The links below feature extensive galleries of finished Viper models on ARC.
Manufacturers of scale models of the F-16 available in all popular scales (1:72, 1:48, 1:32)
Reference Books
The definitive history of the YF-16 prototype, but publication predates F-16 production. Full of drawings and photographs (mostly black and white, some color) and charts and tables. Soft cover, 104 pages, ISBN 0-8168-0596-2
This second edition is a significant revision of the first edition, with almost 50% new contents. Covers up through F-16A/B production, and includes the FSD variants F-16/79, F-16XL and AFTI-F16. Full of drawings and photographs (mostly black and white, some color) and charts and tables. Soft cover, 104 pages, ISBN 0-8168-0597-0
The third edition adds coverage of the F-16C/D through Block 50, and the role of the F-16 in the 1991 Gulf War with Iraq. Full of drawings and photographs (mostly black and white, some color) and charts and tables. Soft cover, 84 pages, ISBN 0-8306-3425-8
One of the first definitive books on the F-16, includes extensive history, early production numbers, descriptions, drawings, color and black and white photos, three-view drawings, and a vinyl 33.3 rpm recording of an F100-PW-100 engine test. Includes a history of the lightweight fighter concept, design studies, the YF-16 prototypes, FSD program and F-16A/B production (publication predates the F-16C/D). Soft cover, 124 pages, ISBN 0-942548-01-9 (also released in hard cover, ISBN 9-942548-00-0, extremely rare) My copy is signed by Jay Miller, Harry Hillaker, Phil Oestricher and Neil Anderson !!!
A thorough review of the YF-16 prototype, FSD and early production of the F-16A/B. Also includes a 'timeline' of the F-16 program through 1982. Includes descriptions, drawings, color and black and white photos, three-view drawings. Hard cover, 112 pages, ISBN 0-7110-1221-0
Good coverage of the history of the F-16, with an emphasis on the Viper's role in Operation Desert Storm Mostly black and white photography, with some color drawings and color photos of some of the F-16 "Nose Art" from Desert Storm. Soft cover, 64 pages, ISBN 0-89747-281-0
An excellent periodical (now out of publication) featured the F-16 in several issues.
Thorough text accompanied color photographs and illustrations, three-view drawings and cutaways.
Volume 5 covers the F-16 from prototype through Block 30/32 (1991)
Volumes 21 and 22 cover all F-16 variants (1995)
Volumes 23 and 24 cover all F-16 operators (1995)
Volume 36 covers Block 40 and beyond (1998)
Produced in cooperation with Lockheed, this book is a thorough and up to date history of the F-16. Full of color photographs, includes serial numbers of every F-16 - both domestic and international, and current status of all airframes (as of printing date). Covers every version and variant, including design studies that never went into mockup, much less production. Soft cover, 160 pages, ISBN 1-899808-01-9 (also released in hard cover by Lockheed Martin)
Another thorough and up to date history of the F-16. Full of color photographs, though many are reprints from Lockheed's PR files. Includes serial numbers (ranges) of every F-16 - both domestic and international, and current status of all airframes (as of printing date). Covers every version and variant, including the latest Block 60 variant and the Israeli F-16A/B ACE program. Similar in content to Lindsay Peacock's book (above), this volume does not have the same depth of coverage but provides more up to date information by virtue of its publishing date. Soft cover, 96 pages, ISBN 0-946219-60-5
Classic Aircraft Series #17, one in a series by the publisher. Another thorough and up to date history of the F-16, but not just a repeat of the book above. Full of color photographs, though many are reprints from Lockheed's PR files. Includes serial numbers (ranges) of every F-16 - both domestic and international, and current status of all airframes (as of printing date). Covers every version and variant, including the latest Block 60 variant. Soft cover, 82 pages, as this was a periodical magazine there is no ISBN.
Topical coverage of the history of the F-16. Touches on every variant of the F-16, includes foreign sales, combat use, production numbers. Mostly black and white photos with some color shots and color profile drawings. This book is a compilation of various sources and appears to have benefited greatly from the existence of the internet. Soft cover, 96 pages, ISBN 1-84037-399-7
Osprey Combat Aircraft #61, one in a series by the publisher. This book focuses on the 2003 invasion of Iraq, specifically the USAF F-16 squadrons that deployed in theater. Includes a short history of the F-16, and devotes chapter to each wing - 77th EFS/363rd AEW, 379th AEW, 524th EFS/332nd AEW, 410th AEW - that deployed. The real treasure in this book is the descriptions of specific missions, often told in first person by the pilot. Color and black and white photos throughout, 24 color profiles, and 1:72 scale line drawings in the back. Soft cover, 96 pages, ISBN 1-84176-994-0
Covers the development and early production of the F-16, includes 3-view drawings and color plates. 24 pages, mostly black & white with some color. Soft cover, ISBN 0-905469-31-3
Descriptions, drawings and black and white photos of early F-16A/Bs. Not many detail shots, Lou saved that effort for his 1992 book mentioned above. Soft cover, 50 pages, ISBN 0-89747-133-4
Descriptions, drawings and black and white photos of F-16A/B/C/Ds plus export and experimental versions. An update to his 1982 book of the same title, but with all new content. Unfortunately the photo captions are full of errors and inaccuracies. Soft cover, 50 pages, ISBN 0-89747-490-2
An early book aimed at scale modelers, includes text, drawings, black and white and a few color photos, three-view drawings and an extensive review of F-16 kits up through the early 1980s. It is a real shame this book was never followed with a volume on the later F-16C/D and the plethora of F-16 kits that have been released in the last twenty years. Soft cover, 72 pages, ISBN 0-8168-5013-5
Second only to the DACO book in F-16 coverage, all color photography, three-view drawings, and a limited kit review. Another excellent reference for the scale modeler. Soft cover, 64 pages (plus foldouts), ISBN 90-70932-03-2
A brief history of the F-16, with lots of black and white photos, some detail shots. A few color photos are in the center section, but that's about it. Soft cover, 36 pages, ISBN 0-946958-23-8
Walkaround style with Japanese text, 20 pages of black and white photographs and drawings.
A mix of color and black and white photos and a few drawings, lots of detail shots of the F-16. Again, aimed at the scale modeler but not as well printed or as organized as the books above. Soft cover, 80 pages, ISBN 0-89747-307-8
An exhaustive look at virtually every part, panel and protuberance on an F-16. An excellent reference for the scale modeler, all color photography and three-view scale drawings. DACO also produces excellent decal sheets for the F-16 and many other aircraft. Soft cover, 128 pages (plus foldouts), ISBN 90-806747-1-0
Extensive photographic coverage of Israel's Block 5, 10 and 15 F-16A/B. Color and black and white photos and color profiles. Soft cover, 52 pages.
Extensive photographic coverage of Israel's Block 30 and Block 40 F-16C/D. Color and black and white photos and color profiles. Soft cover, 100 pages, ISBN 965-7220-01-7
Extensive photographic coverage of Israel's Block 52+ F-16I. Color photos and color profiles. Soft cover, 84 pages, ISBN 965-7220-02-5
A brief history of the F-16, with chapters focusing on USAFE wings - Aviano's 31st FW, Hahn's 50th TFW, Spangdahlem's 52nd FW, Bentwater's 81st TFW, Ramstein's 86th TFW, Torrejon's 401st TFW and detail photos of the F-16C/D. Full of color photos, color profiles and 1:48 scale 3-view drawings on fold-out pages. Soft cover, 64 pages, ISBN 3-935687-03-6
A short English introduction prefaces this thorough walkaround-style study with Slovakian text. A short history with black and white photos, forty color profiles, several 3-view and detail drawings, and hundreds of small color photos from many sources - including Lockheed and various websites. Again, aimed at the scale modeler. Soft cover, 48 pages, ISSN 1335-3667
A short introduction prefaces this walkaround-style study of the F-16C/D. Over 140 color photos of USAF F-16s. Although published in Poland, there is no coverage of any international F-16 except for a single photo of the first POLAF F-16C on the back cover. A small decal sheet is included with basic national insignia and serial numbers for a single PolAF F-16C in 1:32, 1:48 and 1:72 scale. Again, aimed at the scale modeler. Soft cover, 44 pages, ISBN 83-60445-05-2
Warplane #112 covered the F-16B in similar detail.
A large format, hardback book full of color photographs and drawings. Covers the YF-16 prototypes, F-16A/B production and early history. Hard cover, 64 pages, ISBN 0-668-05903-6
The same book as above, but from a different publisher, and printed in a slightly smaller format. Includes a few updates to cover the F-16C/D and history through the early 90s. Hard cover, 64 pages, ISBN 0-517-06737-4
I thought this was going to be another variation on Doug's other two books (above) but that is not entirely true. While many of the drawings and illustrations are the same many of the photographs are new, and the text is completely restructured, albeit on fewer (and smaller) pages. There is enough difference from the others to justify this as a different book. Covers the development and history through the F-16C/D Block 40/42. Hard cover, 46 pages, ISBN 0-8317-14018
A marketing brochure covering the many variants of the F-16 and the available options. Filled with color photographs, drawings and charts. 28 pages.
A small format book full of color photographs, yet written at a grade school level with a font size that would qualify for the Readers Digest Large Print edition. Most of the photos are of Edwards test birds although that fact is never mentioned. Instead prepare yourself for facts such as "F-16s sometimes fly in groups called formations", "F-16 pilots sometimes perform stunts at airshows", and a nine-word glossary entitled "Words To Know". A good basic introduction if you've never seen an F-16 before, but not a serious reference source. Hard cover, 32 pages, ISBN 0-7368-0792-6
Photos of both aircraft in their development and early production phases. Mostly black & white with some color. 44 of the 64 pages are devoted to the F-16. Soft cover, ISBN 0-85368-578-9
Photos of all major USAF aircraft, twenty of which are of the F-16. 64 pages of color photographs. Soft cover, ISBN 0-85368-679-3
Japanese text, English captions, drawings, color and black and white photos. This book covers the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, and F/A-18 Hornet in addition to the F-16. Excellent color reproduction but text is useless unless you can read Japanese. 10 color and 32 B&W pages devoted to the F-16. Soft cover, 212 pages, apparently no ISBNs in Japan.
Japanese text, English captions, drawings, color and black and white photos. Excellent color reproduction but text is useless unless you can read Japanese. Soft cover, 160 pages, apparently no ISBNs in Japan.
Japanese text, English captions, drawings, color and black and white photos. This book covers the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, and F/A-18 Hornet in addition to the F-16. Excellent color reproduction but text is useless unless you can read Japanese. 20 color and 48 B&W pages devoted to the F-16. Soft cover, 192 pages, apparently no ISBNs in Japan.
Japanese text, English captions, drawings, color and black and white photos. Excellent color reproduction but text is useless unless you can read Japanese. Soft cover, 160 pages, apparently no ISBNs in Japan.
Japanese text, English captions, drawings, color and black and white photos Excellent color reproduction but text is useless unless you can read Japanese. Soft cover, 144 pages, apparently no ISBNs in Japan.
A smaller, softbound book but still filled with excellent color photographs, many of which are the subject of various kit markings. 64 pages of color. Soft cover, ISBN 0-7110-1812-X
A hardback book full of color photographs, including a few detail shots. An excellent study of F-16 markings and color schemes. 128 pages of color. Hard cover, ISBN 0-517-05874-X
Another hardback book full of color photographs of F-16 from all nations. Again, 128 pages of color. Hard cover, ISBN 1-85532-236-6
Noted SR-71 pilot Brian Shul spends a summer with the USAF Thunderbirds, and documents the experience in photographs and text. Full of color photograhs, many of which were taken while flying in formation with the Thunderbirds. Text includes interviews with the Thunderbird pilots and crew, the writing is as good as the photography. 154 pages of color and text. Hard cover, ISBN 0-929823-13-3 (Shul also did a similar book on the USN Blue Angels entitled "A Portrait of Gold")
Full of color photographs, an excellent study of F-16 markings and color schemes. 112 pages of color with extensive captions. Soft cover, ISBN 1-85310-361-6
Photographer Agostinelli flew with several F-16 Guard and Reserve units, and Aviano's 31st FW, to produce the outstanding photographs in this book. Full of color photographs, an excellent study of F-16 markings and color schemes. 160 pages of color with extensive text and captions. Soft cover, ISBN 88-88459-03-0
Squadron published a series of "Colors and Markings" books for literally dozens of aircraft, but never covered the F-16. While this book isn't part of the "C&M" series it is a thorough look at the variety of schemes worn by Vipers around the world. USAF coverage includes operational markings (including combat markings and special "nose art") as well as Aggressor markings and the Thunderbirds. European coverage includes operational markings, colorful anniversary markings, and lots of Tiger Meet schemes. Similar chaters cover Middle Eastern, Asian and South American air forces. All photographs are in color, eight pages of color profiles and drawings. 64 pages of color with extensive text and captions. Soft cover, ISBN 0-89747-510-0
Contains every serial number of every aircraft and helicopter in every military branch in both the United States and Canada. A Tail Spotter's dream. From The Aviation Hobby Shop (TAHS) - in Great Britian, of course. Soft cover, 288 pages, ISBN 0-907108-39-1
Computer Simulations
(and related books)
An F-16 flight simulation program, not as accurate as Falcon 4.0 but the system requirements were a lot less demanding, the learning curve not as steep, and it offered network play with Novalogic's companion sims for the MiG-29 and F-22.
Considered by many to be the benchmark in PC military flight sims, Falcon 4.0 has survived a bug-filled initial release, a year of official patches, having the source code leaked on the internet, and a cult-like community of hex editors and programmers bent on improving the game far beyond what the initial release ever hoped to be. Yes, it is entertainment but the manual and the simulation itself contain a wealth of information on what it is like to fly an F-16.
After years of improvements and additions from third-party patches, Lead Pursuit/Graphsim Entertainment assembled many of these updates into one commercially released product. For more information check out Lead Pursuit
Allows you to fly an F-16 as an add-on aircraft for Microsoft Flight Simulator, versions 2002 and 2004 (and presumably FS-X) and Microsoft Combat Simulator 3. Includes versions depicting 20+ liveries, including several Tiger Meet, Aggressor, Thunderbirds, and operational squadrons. Also includes a KC-10 tanker (with F-16 wingman) for in-flight refueling simulation. For more information check out Lago Online
This book is a companion to the F-16 PC-based simulator, Falcon 4.0 (above). It is basically a restructured manual from the game, with some added information. It is also about the closest the average person will get to seeing the contents of a real F-16 Dash 1 flight manual. Filled with (black and white) screen shots, illustrations, photographs and instructions on how to fly the simulation. Soft cover, 346 pages, ISBN 7615-0108-8
This book was part of a package with the vintage F-16 PC-based simulator, Falcon 3.0. While not specific to the F-16, the book covers Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM) Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) techniques, and is full of drawings and photos to illustrate the ACM concepts described in the text. Bonanni was an F-16 instructor pilot and consulted on the Falcon 3.0 and Falcon 4.0 simulations. Soft cover, 165 pages, no ISBN listed.