The F-16 "Fighting Falcon" is a supersonic fighter for air combat and ground attack. Given its extraordinary maneuverability, its advanced aerodynamic features and its capacity to withstand accelerations up to 9Gs, it is considered to be one of the best and most modern aircraft in the world.
In real operations, Air Defense involves the shooting down of the enemy aircraft by employing the available armament. This armament operates with a certain "envelope": with the target placed in front of the aircraft, at a given distance, etc.
A more maneuverable plane has a much greater chance of shooting down its adversary without being shot down itself. The munitions of the 20mm cannon, with a shooting cadence of 6000 shots per minute, the missiles, the radar and the shoot computer make the F-16 a fearsome weaponry system. The advanced control system, the avionics, the self-protection systems and, in a general way, the advanced technology of its construction, are further reasons that  contribute to the fact that the F-16 is considered an excellent aircraft for air combat.
The Portuguese Air Force (POAF) bought 20 of such airplanes, 17 of which being single-seaters and the remaining 3 two-seaters. These aircraft were attributed to Squadron 201 "Falc�es" (Falcons), of the Monte Real Air Base - BA5.

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