The F-16 is not a Lockheed plane, which why it's so popular. Lockheed planes are expensive and high maintenance. The FB-111, B1B (8% readiness rate), OV-102 (sp

The F-16 is not a Lockheed plane, which why it's so popular. Lockheed planes are expensive and high maintenance. The FB-111, B1B (8% readiness rate), OV-102 (space shuttle, 40% of which failed), and of course the F-35. EDIT: Guess it's a bait-and-swtich -- LM got their hands on the F16 somehow: https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2619834/air-force-opens-new-f-16-production-line-for-foreign-military-sales/ https://www.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/2619834/air-... The manufacturer makes a big difference, even if the design is the same. For example, the F-111 (later the EF-111), built by GD and Grumman was a reliable, low maintenance plane. On the other hand, the FB-111 built by Lockheed was a maintenance hog with a 30% readiness rating, even with extensive cannibalization of parts.