An engineering marvel, the F-16 Fighting Falcon can fly at Mach 2 speeds above 50,000 feet while being able to withstand 9 Gs. The fly-by-wire control system is activated by a sidestick and enables F-16 pilots to turn the airplane on a dime. Its capabilities as an air-to-air fighter as well as an air-to-surface attack platform have made it a favorite among Air Force squadrons worldwide. Since its first introduction in 1979, Lockheed Martin has delivered thousands of F16s of various models. Regardless of the configuration, the loud roar of the single F-16 engine emanates fear in the enemy and excitement in airshow spectators.