The General-Dynamics F16 Falcon is an American single-engine, multi-role light fighter. Work on the F-16 project began in 1971 at General Dynamics, entering the competition for a light multi-role fighter for the US Air Force. The YF-16 prototype flew for the first time on February 2, 1974.

An important technical breakthrough was the use of an electronic fly-by-wire control system, which made it possible to reduce the wing and tail area, thus reducing the aircraft's weight. The F-16 was the first fighter in the world to use such a system.

The early versions were made of aluminum alloys, but over time they gave way to composites.