F-16A Block 1, 5,10, 15 vs F-16C Block 30 turn radius

Hello all,


The early F-16A models (block 1-15) are substantially lighter than the F-16C models. Generally from what I have read, the early Block 5,10 A model weighed in at around 15,300lbs. While the F-16C Block 30 (big mouth) seems to weigh around 17,800lbs if not more. I know that the big mouth Block 30 has a better sustained turn rate; but I am wondering just how much of a TURN RADIUS advantage did the original A model have over the Block 30 since it is over 2,000lbs lighter?

There is a USAF Thunderbird promo video from the mid 1980's (www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5tmKRXLKZQ), and the moderator says at 11:50 minute mark that the F-16A minimum radius 9G turn is "slightly over 3 and a half football fields." I do not have any turn rate charts for the F-16A, but I was figuring it to be around 1100-1200 ft. While the F-16C block 30 chart (at sea level) generally has it at slightly under 1400ft. Can anyone shed light on to the F-16A turn radius advantage over the other heavier C models?

I think I saw the performance chart somewhere around internet. Have you given a try to search?

I have a chart for a Block 15 F-16A at 5K (2 Aim-9 + 1/2 internal fuel), but I tend to question its validity. Unfortunately, the actual USAF T.O. F-16A -1-1 is still considered classified. So I do not know the actual numbers. And that is most likely the reason why any USAF Viper pilots have not commented on this thread. But I figured I would post this question none the less.

What I liked about the original F-16A Blocks is that they were LIGHT. Yes, they were not as capable as the newer Block 40/50/60; but I always liked the original versions the most (probably because of the more austere focus on dog-fighting).

Back in the day the Blk 30 (both big and small mouth) and Blk 40 were known as "Lead Nose Vipers" when flying against Blk 15s in similar configuration dogfighting. And yes I know they could haul more iron and had better avionics but once they hit the merge the Blk 15 had a distinct advantage.