The cockpit and its bubble canopy give the pilot unobstructed forward and upward vision, and greatly improved vision over the side and to the rear. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G's - nine times the force of gravity - which exceeds the capability of other current fighter aircraft.

The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength. These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. In designing the F-16, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F-15 and F-111 were selected. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft.

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