Meet the main reward in the Workhorse vehicle event! This is an early variant of the F-16A multirole fighter of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. This is the first time we’ve had an F-16 variant as an event vehicle, so if you haven’t had the opportunity to try one yet, now’s the perfect time!

Vehicle History

F-16A fighters entered service with the Royal Netherlands Air Force in 1979 as part of a large-scale program to replace the aging F-104G Starfighter and NF-5 Freedom Fighter aircraft. The choice was made in favor of the American aircraft in May 1975 following comparative trials, where the F-16 demonstrated superiority in key parameters for the Dutch Air Force: maneuverability, fuel efficiency, combat load, and low maintenance costs. The Netherlands’ decision was part of a larger European order, which was soon joined by Belgium, Denmark, and Norway.

A key condition of the contract was the participation of local industry. Production of all Dutch F-16s was carried out by Fokker Aircraft. The first two aircraft — a single-seat F-16A Block 1 and a two-seat F-16B Block 1 — were completed in May 1979 and delivered to Leeuwarden Air Base on June 6th. The total order ultimately amounted to 213 aircraft, including 177 F-16As and 36 F-16Bs of all variants, the last batch of which was delivered in February 1992.

The Block 5 modification was one of the first stages of modernization. The first production F-16 Block 5s arrived in the summer of 1980 to the 322nd and 323rd Squadrons at Leeuwarden Air Base and were upgraded numerous times in subsequent years of service.

Introducing the Dutch F-16A Block 5!

Say hello to a new Royal Netherlands Air Force aircraft in the French aviation tree, which can be yours completely free! Meet the main reward in the Workhorse vehicle event that started today: the legendary F-16 in one of its early modifications. It’s fast and agile, primed for close combat, frantic assaults, and epic maneuvers! Let’s take a look.

The F-16A Block 5 is one of the first production versions of the formidable US multirole fighter, with production established in the Netherlands, among other places. This Flying Dutchman possesses all the performance characteristics that make the F-16 so beloved: a top speed of nearly Mach 2, excellent maneuverability, and most importantly, superb acceleration and a climb rate of over 300 meters per second.

For aerial combat, you’ll have access to AIM-9P IR-guided missiles and AIM-9L all-aspect IR-guided missiles (this model did not have advanced ARH homing). The Dutchman also looks quite impressive in its ground-attack configuration! There are up to nineteen 500 lb bombs, up to four large 2000 lb bombs, up to 114 rockets, and AGM-65B Maverick missiles for precision ground attack, making this F-16 a great addition to high rank ground lineups. There’s also a wide array of electronic equipment, typical to the early F-16 series. A decent AN/APG-66 radar, RWR, and 60 flares for defending against enemy missiles, as well as a ballistic computer for bombs and missiles.

That’s it for this one! The F-16A Block 5 will be a well-balanced, comfortable jet that will fit right in with France’s top-tier lineups. While long-range dogfights aren’t its forte, this light, fast, and fierce fighter will shine in close combat and mixed combat! You can get the F-16A Block 5 completely free simply by playing the game and completing tasks in the Workhorse vehicle event, which started today. Click the link below for more information!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.

Click here to find out more details about the Workhorse event

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