[pfflier]

That is mostly true and that is why I continue to argue that fighter drones will not be all that effective. The pilot will be in the cockpit for a long time to come.

I am biased about the F-16, I helped build them and their various AISs.

The plane has stunned everybody that has come up against it. It is a national defense treasure.

[Sparky1776]

“I am biased about the F-16”

Me too - was in the 388 TFW when it became the 1st combat ready F-16 Wing back in 1979.

[USNBandit]

The F-16 and the F-18 were both sold as cheap alternatives to more expensive aircraft. We are very lucky that both of them were physically big enough to develop into the platforms those stripped down aircraft were intended to avoid. Both programs have been very successful.