The first flight of the F-16 occurred on January 20, 1974. The first flight was unplanned when the YF-16 prototype became airborn during a fast taxi test.

This date marks a significant milestone in the history of military aviation, as the F-16 Fighting Falcon has become one of the most widely used and versatile fighter aircraft in the world.

The F-16 was developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) and has been a crucial part of the air forces of many nations since its introduction. Over the years, it has undergone various upgrades and modifications to maintain its relevance and effectiveness in modern air combat scenarios.

The newest variant, the F-16 Block 70 jets, are manufactured in Greenville, South Carolina, are a testament to advanced engineering and technology. With a current backlog of 135 jets, the production line is for years to come in service. More than 4,588 airframes are built in 50 years.

Photos Rob Vogelaar