F-16A

The F-16A Fighting Falcon, also known to its crews as the Viper, is the multirole fighter for the NATO faction. Its counterpart is the PACT MiG-29.

In-Game Description
The F-16A is a jack of all trades, master of none. It lacks the SARH missiles found on air superiority fighters and also lacks the Anti-Tank Missiles found on Close Air Support planes. However, it slightly overlaps with the capabilities of each, sporting heatseeking AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles for short-medium air-to-air combat as well as Mk 84 1000-lb bombs. (With the Bomber Loadout, these become Mk 82 500-lb bombs.) It can also carry an AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missile when the SEAD Loadout is bought.

As such, the F-16 is best for pilots who are unsure of what their immediate role should be, or for pilots who are capable of using the F-16 effectively in both air-to-air and air-to-ground situations. They can defend friendly assets from attackers, spar with MiGs, and with some skill even surprise and eliminate an Su-27. At the same time, they can still attack FOBs and stand a chance against AAA thanks to their bombs, although their fragile health means they are unlikely to survive a run-in with the latter. Simply put, the F-16A can do anything with the right mindset and the right pilot.

Combat History
The original F-16A came into service in 1978 as a light fighter to supplement the F-15, and has seen numerous deployments around the globe with dozens of foreign users. Alongside the F-15, it is still being produced today in new Blocks as the F-16C, and boasts one of the longest production runs for an aircraft in history.

Skins
There are currently 5 skins available for the F-16A: Default, Lizard Aggressor, Desert Aggressor, Aerobatics, and Spectre.
 * Default: A grey monotone skin with a black nose available to all players.
 * Lizard Aggressor: A green and brown three-color disruptive camouflage skin with a black nose available to Patreon supporters of the Captain tier and higher.
 * Desert Aggressor: A tan and brown two-color disruptive camouflage skin with a black nose available to Patreon supporters of the Colonel tier and higher.
 * Aerobatics: A red, white, and blue livery skin based on the USAF Thunderbirds available to Patreon supporters of the Thunderbird tier and higher.
 * Spectre: A black monotone skin available to Patreon supporters of any tier who have been subscribers for three months or more.