Falcon fights on

摘要

The F-35A was originally intended to reach an initial operating capability with the USAF around the end of the first quarter of 2013, but delays have forced the service to plan on extending the life of its F-16s. In an effort to cover a shortfall in combat aircraft caused by planned retirements and the F-35 delay, the air force aims to upgrade at least 300 F-16 Block 40/42 and 50/52 aircraft to sustain their combat capability and ensure the airframe remains structurally sound. The first Block 40 and 42 aircraft were delivered in 1989-90.