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According to officials, six Thunderbirds had flown for jet training, but only five returned.
An F-16 fighter plane of the US Air Force crashed in America on Thursday. The pilot ejected safely a few seconds before the accident, saving his life.
The accident occurred at around 10:45 am local time in a desert in the city of Trona in Southern California. The plane fell about three kilometers from Trona Airport. The airport manager said that military aircraft often fly in this area.
In the video posted on social media, it was seen that the plane was falling rapidly and the pilot came out with the help of a parachute. As soon as the plane hit the ground, there was a big explosion and black smoke filled the sky.
F-16 cost Rs 1.70 thousand crore
According to Air Force data of 2021, the cost of one F-16 Fighting Falcon is approximately $ 18.8 million (about Rs 1.70 thousand crore). This aircraft belonged to the Thunderbirds squadron. The team operates out of Nellis Air Force Base near Las Vegas and is known worldwide for its air shows and dangerous stunts.
The Thunderbirds team said the pilot successfully ejected from the aircraft during a training mission. The pilot suffered minor injuries and was admitted to hospital.
The local fire brigade department said that only the pilot was present at the spot and there is no threat to the surrounding area from the fire.
The reason for the crash is not clear yet
According to officials, six Thunderbirds jets had taken off for training in the morning, but only five returned. According to initial information, the plane fell near China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station. This region is often used for military training.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon plays a special role in the Thunderbirds’ air shows and training missions. According to the Air Force’s 57th Wing Public Affairs Office, the investigation into the accident is ongoing and more information will be shared after the investigation of the crash site is completed.
More than 25 countries use F-16
The F-16 is America’s powerful fighter jet, which was developed by General Dynamics in the 1970s. Now it is manufactured by American defense company Lockheed Martin. More than 25 countries including Pakistan use F-16.
The F-16 flew for the first time on February 2, 1974. It was renamed “Fighting Falcon” on 21 July 1980. Since 1976, more than 4,600 F-16 jets have been manufactured for different countries.
The speed of F-16 is 2414 kilometers per hour. Its range is up to 4220 kilometers. It has advanced radar system. Besides, it is equipped with advanced weapons.
This fighter jet is capable of air-to-air combat. It can reach a height of about 50 thousand feet in a minute. F-16 is a fourth generation fighter aircraft. It can fly even in bad weather.
America wants to sell F-16 to India
America has been trying to sell F-16 jets to India since 2000, but India refused to buy them. One reason for this is their presence in Pakistan.
Actually, this fighter aircraft has been with Pakistan since the 1980s. India is unhappy with this deal between America and Pakistan. Therefore till date India has not purchased F-16 fighter jet from America.
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