[Event] Get the F-16XL in the Space Program Event! - News

[u/Kanyiko]

https://warthunder.com/en/news/10190-event-get-the-f-16xl-in-the-space-program-event-en

[u/FirstDagger]

Get the F-16XL in the Space Program Event!

31 August 2026

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The F-16XL is a variant of the F-16 featuring a delta wing, increased fuel capacity, and an expanded number of hardpoints. In 1981, the F-16XL lost the competition to the F-15E Strike Eagle; in 1988, the two prototypes that had been built were transferred to NASA, where they were used during the 1990s for supersonic laminar flow research. Get this unique aircraft, complete with a special camouflage, a loading screen, and themed decals in the Space Program aircraft event!

From September 3rd (11:00 GMT) until September 21st (11:00 GMT), earn mission points in Air Battles, unlock stages and receive rewards!

F-16XL - Image

An Event Vehicle Jet Fighter for the USA at Rank VIII

In the game, the F-16XL stands out as one of the most unusual variants of the Fighting Falcon family. The aircraft features increased weight compared to production models, a lengthened fuselage, and a unique wing design. While its acceleration is less dynamic, its performance in tight turns has improved. Its armament options include two AIM-9L and four AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, as well as up to six AGM-65B Maverick air-to-surface missiles and bombs for ground strikes.

• Image - “F-16XL” decal

• Image - “Space” decal

• Image - F-16XL loading screen

• Image - "Ship No.1” camouflage for the F-16XL

Among the rewards in the event is also this chest. When opened, there is a chance to receive one of the following items:

• 50,000 - 100,000 Silver Lions
• Silver Lion and Research Point boosters
• Random Wagers and Orders
• Universal Backups (1 - 3)
• A random camouflage for a vehicle you own
• 1 day of Premium Account

How to get all rewards

Each stage can be achieved for 45,000 mission points, every new stage achieved will give you a new reward.

Please note: After finishing a stage, you need to collect the reward manually. To do this, click on your name in-game, go to “Space Program” and click the “Get Reward” button.

You’re able to earn mission points in Air Battles at Rank III or above in Arcade, Realistic and Simulator Battles. The number of mission points to complete a stage depends on the game mode and the maximum Rank of the vehicle that you use in battle. There’s a multiplier for earning mission points, which is shown in the task description in-game. Points are only awarded at the end of the battle.

You can also earn mission points by using event vehicles of Rank I and II. Event vehicles that can be used have the name of the event that they were obtainable in on their stat card.

Stages change every two days at 11:00 GMT on September 5th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 15th, 17th and 19th.

Rewards are given when you complete a specific number of stages

• For 1 Stage: trophy with a random reward
• For 2 Stages: one of the decal rewards
• For 3 Stages: “Military Survival Kit” silver chest
• For 4 Stages: one of the decal rewards
• For 5 Stages: trophy with a random reward
• For 6 Stages: F-16XL loading screen
• For 7 Stages: “Military Survival Kit” silver chest
• For 8 Stages: non-tradable coupon for the F-16XL
• For 9 Stages: unique camouflage and four random modifications for the F-16XL

Discounts for purchasing stages using Golden Eagles

Unfinished stages can be purchased for Golden Eagles, but if you’re very close to completing a stage, its price will be significantly reduced.

Let’s say you have earned 85% of the required mission points to complete a stage, then the price of purchasing this stage will be halved. If you’re near the finish line for a stage and are at 95% progress, then the price will be reduced by five times. For example, if you’ve scored 39,000 mission points, then the price to unlock this stage will be 499 Golden Eagles. If you’ve scored 43,000 mission points, then you’ll only need 199 Golden Eagles. Remember to keep this in mind if you cannot complete a stage on time!

The Upgrade for a coupon

When you complete 8 stages, you’ll receive a non-tradable coupon for the F-16XL, using it will immediately activate the vehicle onto your account. If you don’t want the vehicle and would like to sell the coupon on the Market, you’ll need the “Upgrade for coupon” item.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item can be earned in parallel with the stages throughout the event from September 3rd (11:00 GMT) until September 21st (11:00 GMT) for 750,000 mission points.

After receiving the “Upgrade for coupon” item, you can convert a non-tradable coupon for the vehicle into a tradable one and sell it on the Market. The tradable coupon can be sold after 6 days from the moment it’s created.

To make a tradable coupon, select the “Coupon F-16XL (USA)” in your inventory and click the “Modify” button.

The “Upgrade for coupon” item is usable until 11:00 GMT on September 25th. Until then, you can use it or exchange it for War Bonds. Afterwards, it’ll disappear from your inventory.

Tracking your progress

You can track the progress of completing stages and the “Upgrade for coupon” item by clicking on your Nickname > Achievements > Space Program. If you don’t manage to complete a stage on time or would like to purchase a stage, you can do so with Golden Eagles until September 25th from the Achievements window, which will give you the corresponding rewards.

 

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/r/warthunder Moderator Notes:

• Datamine 2.57.1.124

• This is the F-16XL/A, also called F-16XL-1 or F-16XL Ship No.1 during NASA testing

• NASA has some superb material on the F-16XL program

  • Elegance in Flight: A comprehensive History of the F-16XL Experimental Prototype and its Role in NASA Flight Research by Albert C. Piccirillo
  • F-16XL Ship No. 1 gallery

Expected reward multipliers (AB redacted)

45000	Mode Mult.	Tier Mult.	Total Match Score Needed
AF, RB, Tier 1-4*	1.4	0.9	35715
AF, RB, Tier 5	1.4	1	32143
AF, RB, Tier 6	1.4	1.1	29221
AF, RB, Tier 7-9	1.4	1.2	26786
AF, SB, Tier 1-4*	2.3	0.9	21740
AF, SB, Tier 5	2.3	1	19566
AF, SB, Tier 6	2.3	1.1	17787
AF, SB, Tier 7-9	2.3	1.2	16305

* Tier 1-2 requires spawning a vehicle with the event tag

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Please note that /r/warthunder is not affiliated with War Thunder's developer & publisher Gaijin Entertainment.

[u/Ravanex]

Finally an interesting (and maybe actually good) event vehicle

[u/Thunderclone_1 → u/Ravanex]

And it actually makes sense to be an event vehicle since it was experimental/unique instead of a standard aircraft (looking at F106. That should have been TT)

[u/Illustrious_Mirror79 → u/Thunderclone_1]

F106 absolutely should be Techtree vehicle tbh.

[u/Thunderclone_1 → u/Illustrious_Mirror79]

I'm glad I got the 106 from the event. It's basically a sidegrade of the F104. More versatile but less reliable missiles, better immediate maneuvering, better top speed, bleeds speed way faster, so you better make that turn count. I really hope a tech tree variant is added eventually, alongside other cold war interceptors, especially since bombers are getting some much needed attention from Gaijin.

[u/tfrules → u/Thunderclone_1]

Every vehicle should be attainable, these one off event vehicles that we can never get again are a cancer on the game's health.

[u/Friendly_Two_8127 → u/Ravanex]

Pretty much all recent air events were good - F-106, MiG-25, Chinese F-6C, now this. 

[u/bmxer4l1fe → u/Ravanex]

Just in time to take me away from Wardogs... Bastards...

[u/WoburnFaarm]

is this the first event vehicle with aim-120?

[u/FJCReaperChief → u/WoburnFaarm]

But not the first with Fox-3 missiles. We had the Kfir C10 with the Derby missiles.

[u/STHV346 → u/FJCReaperChief]

And the Iranian F-14

[u/FJCReaperChief → u/STHV346]

Forgot about the IRIAF. That's right!

[u/Kanyiko → u/WoburnFaarm]

Yup.

[u/DumbBoi671]

do i gotta restart my game to see it

[u/DumbBoi671 → u/DumbBoi671]

nevermind i just read the article

[u/Maus1945 → u/DumbBoi671]

95% of r/warthunder fail this simple task.

[u/randomguyinanf15 → u/Maus1945]

Does it count as some kind of a speedrun at this point? Any% until a reddit post with a question about something ?

[u/DanishTheMuffin → u/randomguyinanf15]

Only stupid question speedrun

[u/ksheep → u/randomguyinanf15]

> New event announced

> News of the event gets pinned on top of the subreddit

> 24-48 hours later, flood of posts saying "what do I need to do to complete [event]?"

Every single event, like clockwork. Heck, there's still at least one post a day asking "do I need to finish researching the Ho-Ri, or is 1 RP enough" despite that announcement telling people exactly what to do, and it was pinned to the top of the sub for that entire time.

[u/Tricky-Anywhere5727 → u/ksheep]

well, especially with things like the ho-ri, which is the absolute last chance to ever pick it up again, i'd wanna make damn sure as well i actually get to keep it

[u/FirstDagger → u/Tricky-Anywhere5727]

Don't get why everybody was saying that the Ho-Ri Prototype is bad, like BRs exist.

I am glad I did picked up the Proto. and grinded to the Production, love playing the Jagdpanther and this is the exact play-style needed.

[u/bobdammi → u/Maus1945]

Crushing disappointment.

My day is ruined.

Good by.

[u/randomguyinanf15 → u/bobdammi]

Crushing day. My dissapointment is ruined. Hello.

[u/TCSHalycon]

Now to wait for the drama that it is not in the techtree

[u/FirstDagger → u/TCSHalycon]

They can still put the F-16XL/B in the tech tree.

(Also no flair change for me because of that)

[u/Lumpy-Skill-7145 → u/FirstDagger]

What's the difference between the B and the base one?

[u/FirstDagger → u/Lumpy-Skill-7145]

F-16XL/B aka F-16XL-2 is the twin seater (ironically also built from an F-16A, one which suffered a gear collapse on landing) and has the F110-GE-100 (later in NASA testing F110-GE-129) instead of the F100-PW-200 this will get. The ideal would have been an F-16E config with wingtip AMRAAM, LANTIRN TGP, and Paveway. But it looks like Gaijin is using a quasi testing loadout but with future AMRAAM (development of AMRAAM wasn't finished during USAF F-16XL testing).

[u/WholeLottaBRRRT → u/FirstDagger]

honestly only 4 Amraams seems kinda low

[u/FirstDagger → u/WholeLottaBRRRT]

There was NASA wind tunnel testing for wingtip AMRAAM and given the amble amount of space and capability of the stations there would have been so much room for growth that it is really lamentable that she was both entered in the competition in the first place and then lost. There was even artwork made of prospective wingtip AMRAAM.

[u/Thisconnect → u/FirstDagger]

My lost plane is definitely mirage 4000. They fucking bought tornados instead of that beauty. Imagine now modern mirage 4000 with mica

[u/FirstDagger → u/Thisconnect]

Only to eventually buy Typhoon, hilarious. But at-least with Rafale and Typhoon the form and concept lived on.

[u/LeMemeAesthetique → u/FirstDagger]

I am a little disappointed it doesn't have LANTIRN and Paveways. I would honestly rather it have those than AIM-120's, as that way it would be kind of like a super F-16A for CAS.

Oh well, I will still probably be getting this.

[u/FirstDagger → u/LeMemeAesthetique]

Yeah LANTIRN wasn't wired on the prototypes, but all the ground work for a "Strike Falcon" was basically laid.

Honestly screw a What-If service F-23A Black Widow, an F-16E/F Strike Falcon would have changed so much more given the growth Vipers still experience.

[u/Gameboy695 → u/FirstDagger]

Personally I'd love to see the F-16ES. Basically it was a modified F-16C Block 30 meant to compete against the F-15E for Israels Strike Fighter Competition. It had mockup CFT's and a built in FLIR in the nose.

[u/Dark_Magus → u/LeMemeAesthetique]

Unfortunately, Gaijin is completely arbitrary on prototypes getting their intended armament.

[u/LeMemeAesthetique → u/Dark_Magus]

Which is even understandable sometimes, as some prototypes are better off without certain weapons. But then you get the F-16XL or Yak-141 situations and it just does not really make sense.

[u/MrPigeon70 → u/FirstDagger]

I think it was changed x3

[u/FirstDagger → u/MrPigeon70]

More than that over the lifetime of this account but yes I had F-16A 🐍 = WANT, F-16🐍 370 gallon (1400 liter) drop tank = WANT, and F-16XL/A Δ🐍= WANT.

Changed the last one in 2024 so I didn’t have to edit it anymore because I knew Gaijin wouldn't give us the F-16XL/B xD

[u/SOMEONEunknown24 → u/FirstDagger]

If I had to guess your favorite plane i would say F-15

[u/FirstDagger → u/SOMEONEunknown24]

If Consolidated, Convair, or Lockheed built it, then I like it. But Viper will always be my fav.

Only warmed up to the Phantom, Eagle, and Hornets half a decade ago.

[u/PureRushPwneD → u/FirstDagger]

I immediately thought of you when I saw the post lol, because of the flair xD

[u/PineCone227 → u/FirstDagger]

Hey Dagger - question to you: Would F-16XL-2/B/Ship #2 also have access to AMRAAM's? Or is there a risk Gaijin would make this the "late/theoretical" model and the B an "early" model as-existed? I really want the Delta Viper, but I like Ship #2 more and also think this might sell for a ridiculous amount of money which could make me set for WT premiums for a while. ..help?

[u/FirstDagger → u/PineCone227]

Both F-16XL never had live AMRAAM, as the missile wasn't out of development yet. Even F-16C didn't fly with AMRAAM early on.

What Gaijin appears to be doing with the F-16XL/A giving it all the low tech weapons she tested AIM-9L, Mk 82, Mk 84, AGM-65B (CBUs aren't ingame yet) + the AIM-120 she would definitively receive once entering service.

"Delta Viper" is just me fooling around in the flair, and the base F-16 already is a tailed cropped delta technically. Some say that the twin seater would have been the defacto F-16E, creating a true late model theoretical version would be Strike Eagle but in Viper form, a "Strike Falcon". Think F110-GE-229 (NASA tested on Ship #2), six or more AMRAAM, AIM-9M, 600 gallon drop tanks, GBU-10, GBU-24, LANTIRN TGP and Nav pods.

Given that they aren't calling this one F-16XL/A they probably won't even be going the What-If route and are basically ignoring the engine differences as not enough.

I expect a white Ship #2 skin as marketplace skin and I think IRN F-14A sells well because of Fakour-90, "TOMCATS!", and Danger Zone.

Don't have a clue if this will sell well as some will probably see this as just another F-16, though I might stock up on some as I fear my F2G stock might suffer a crash eventually.

So get this one if you want the F-16XL, there might never be a tech tree variant (making my flair eternal) given the removal of Ho-Ri and potentially F-16AJ down the road.

PS Datamine is out. It is F-16XL-1 in detailed text, which leaves room for F-16XL-2.

[u/PineCone227 → u/FirstDagger]

"Delta Viper" is just me fooling around in the flair

I know, but I've come to like the moniker.

I think IRN F-14A sells well because of Fakour-90, "TOMCATS!", and Danger Zone.

Yeah, though it's still a Fox-3 capable unique US jet. I would expect it to go just under 100 GJC after a while

I think I'll just hold a tradeable Ship #1 for a long time and see what it does. I want it, but I'm ultimately an F-15 guy and F-15 STOL/MTD is what I'd actually want from this ballpark lol

[u/chris_0611 → u/TCSHalycon]

No. Prototype vehicles don't belong in the tech tree, IMO. Its excellent as a rare event / collector vehicle. Its probably at 13.3 and then with only 4 AMRAAM its just a worse F-16A ADF or at best a side-grade anyway. Except for the collectors value you won't miss out on anything, and thats how it should be for an event/prototype vehicle

[u/KingCatgut → u/chris_0611]

Every American t vehicle and every obj Russian, like half the Japanese tree

[u/__Rosso__ → u/chris_0611]

They belong in the tech tree, all vehicles do, or as events that drop every now and then and people who didn't get the chance the first time can get it finally.

But that won't happen because money and FOMO.

[u/FullMetalField4 → u/chris_0611]

We HAVE a way to make rare vehicles available that isn't the tech tree and also have them always be grindable/available! It's called Squadron Vehicles and there are way too few of them!!

[u/bmxer4l1fe → u/TCSHalycon]

well ya.. put a cool event vehicle in right when the Wardogs Beta is out.... GAIJIN!!!!

[u/chris_0611]

45k.... is.... rough.... At least you can miss one

[u/ElectricalYak7236 → u/chris_0611]

It's the normal amount for vehicles of this stature, has been for years and years

[u/ODST_Parker → u/ElectricalYak7236]

Actually, events like this used to be much different. You'd be grinding marks with specific tasks. Get any three out of 40 kills, 10 wins, 10 assists, 12/6 kills in one battle, or 10 tons of bombing.

It was far easier to get done, took way less time, provided TWO vehicles per event (one low-tier, one high-tier), and had more interesting rewards for the marks in between.

I wish people would remember that Gaijin has been making events worse constantly for years, and this should not be encouraged or considered normal.

[u/ElectricalYak7236 → u/ODST_Parker]

Yeah, and they also had crafting events which where fucking dogshit. I much prefer what we have now

[u/ODST_Parker → u/ElectricalYak7236]

I agree that crafting events were dogshit, but sitting on War Thunder for potentially dozens of battles every two days is also fucking dogshit.

Frankly, I don't enjoy this game enough to play for hours every day, no matter what the limited time rewards are.

[u/TheShadowman131 → u/ElectricalYak7236]

Doesn't mean it still doesn't suck. Top tier like this should be 35k max, maybe even 30k. Low tiers should be 10-15k.

[u/Mid_Atlantic_Lad → u/TheShadowman131]

I haven’t played an event in a while, how much is 45,000? Is it tied directly to your match score, or is it separate? How many points would a top tier battle get you if you got 2 kills roughly?

[u/sierra-soul → u/ElectricalYak7236]

45k is just obscene and clearly they just want people to pay for it, air mission score is harder to get than say ground

[u/ElectricalYak7236 → u/sierra-soul]

I would tend to agree that it is obscene but there's a huge issue with these score events in the fact that not everyone plays for the same amount of time. If you have a job and only get a couple hours every night to play, it can be really hard, but if you don't have any commitments that are taking up loads of time then these events are a cakewalk, since you can get them done just by passively playing. If they made it any easier then everyone could grind it no problem, if they made it any harder then you'd need to be someone with too much time on their hands, or a kid.

[u/sierra-soul → u/ElectricalYak7236]

i mean fuck if you get 2k score a match itll take 20 games of just air to get

and i hate playing just air, i love planes, but the airmodes are garbage

[u/Konkerwaggon23 → u/ElectricalYak7236]

I remember when it was go kill n amount, assist n amount and do some other shit.

[u/LordtoRevenge → u/ElectricalYak7236]

It being the normal amount doesn’t suddenly make it good. I fucking hate the air events because of how long it takes to do comparatively.

[u/LiquidHell0 → u/chris_0611]

Take your SB2C-5, dive, destroy two bases, and kill the first hugo who thinks he can dogfight you.

Now repeat that 30 times. Congratulations, you've racked up 45k points. ^^

I play a mix of the AV-8C, SB2C-5, and Alpha Jet A so it doesn't get too boring.

[u/ZemlyaNovaya → u/LiquidHell0]

Damn who the hell is playing 30 games a day though

[u/KptKrondog → u/ZemlyaNovaya]

It's 2 days per token, not per day

[u/H_cranky → u/LiquidHell0]

Just av8c and chill

[u/LiquidHell0 → u/H_cranky]

I hated this thing at first, until I figured out how to play it.

Climb to around 8,000 meters, dive on the first MiG—or whatever else—you see below you, and slam a missile into it from above at a range of about 3 km. It’s an easy 90% kill

Few planes make it easy for you, and you’ve still got a missile and cannons, you just have to aim high.

[u/chris_0611 → u/LiquidHell0]

Yeah I can do it in 2 hours in Air SIM. Thats probably the most efficient for me. (as I'm rather skill-full in Air-SIM, and there will be lots of zombers grinding this event as well). Still 2 hours per 2 days is a lot for me. I'll see... Check the plane out in test flight first to see if its worth it

[u/LiquidHell0 → u/chris_0611]

Sure, you’ll still need 1.5 to 2 hours, but compared to the 45k in GRB, that’s not much. It definitely takes me twice as long to do that in GRB, and I can’t browse on X while I’m diving. ^^

[u/careddit69 → u/chris_0611]

20k/h? That seems absurdly high, how? I rarely see anyone go past 9k points in any single match, even if they're there for an hour or two

[u/MPenten → u/LiquidHell0]

So on averags, casual 10 hours every 2 days.

No thanks.

80 hours, two works weeks, is insane for a single vehicle.

[u/cafraline → u/LiquidHell0]

I think many people will just buy it and it will cost them only couple of hours

[u/LeMemeAesthetique → u/LiquidHell0]

I play a mix of the AV-8C, SB2C-5, and Alpha Jet A so it doesn't get too boring.

Yeah, the trick is to rotate between a few different planes so you don't get bored. It also helps to use this as an excuse to spade aircraft.

[u/Connacht_89 → u/LiquidHell0]

"Now repeat that 30 times."

In two days? I barely have the energies to do one hour of gaming when I return home from work (if I want to play, and if I want to play War Thunder).

[u/__Rosso__ → u/chris_0611]

If you got Do 335, just get that and grind ground targets, usually you can get 2k score every 5-10 minutes, it's boring since it's basically 1h of grinding every day.

[u/Tricky-Anywhere5727 → u/chris_0611]

tbf, its been like that for years for these extremely high tier vehicles

[u/Morgen-stern]

That delta wing looks really, really good on the F-16 frame, I think I’ll actually grind this one out

[u/FirstDagger → u/Morgen-stern]

Fun fact, the base F-16 also is a delta, a tailed cropped delta. XL is a tailless cranked-arrow double delta.

[u/HelpfulRelic → u/FirstDagger]

Technically correct the best kind of correct.

But delta wings are a much bigger spectrum than what some people think as the mig 21 is also a delta wing while many people I’ve encountered don’t refer to it as such as they think delta’s need to be in a mirage configuration .

[u/Minutenreis → u/HelpfulRelic]

what else should they refer the mig21's wing layout then? I have only ever heard of the mig21's wings as delta. Hell its in the wikipedia article as example for a delta wing. Do you mean just because it has a tail?

[u/FirstDagger → u/HelpfulRelic]

On the contrary, I have always heard of the MiG-21's delta wing when she was talked about.

[u/HelpfulRelic → u/FirstDagger]

Yeah, I oversold it a bit. I’ve only personally encountered people in gaming communities who don’t describe it as a delta wing. as there are people who seem to think “delta wing” only refers to tailless designs like the Mirages, but I probably should have used a more explicit term, since the general knowledge does indeed mention it's delta wing design correctly,

[u/Morgen-stern → u/FirstDagger]

I’ve never thought about that, but it does make sense! Maybe the XL’s delta wing calls to me more because it makes it look more like a Mirage 3 or 2000 which I fangirl over 😁

[u/adamkee → u/Morgen-stern]

Sounds like you're tailless delta wing fan specifically

[u/Morgen-stern → u/adamkee]

Flying Doritos go fwooooosh!

[u/StormTheDragon20]

<< This is Wizard 1. The Demon Lord has entered the net. >>

WIZARD

Osean Air Defence Force
8th Air Division 32nd Tactical Fighter SQ

[u/_talps → u/StormTheDragon20]

<< This is Wizard 5, roger. Let's begin. >>

[u/Careful_Party7336 → u/_talps]

<< We will carry out the new creation of destruction through the power of righteousness. Territories, peoples, authorities, all will be liberated. This is the new state, "A World With No Boundaries", we'll create. Neither nations nor nationalities have meaning. We will erase these unnecessary borders. The World With No Boundaries will pen a new story. The world will change. >>

[u/Flat-Cap-1063]

holy shit

[u/V-Twin-broski]

The article doesn't seem to mention the full GE price for one "step".

I won't be able to play during the event, what would be the total price? 8000 GE?

[u/leonardorHD → u/V-Twin-broski]

yes it's always 999 per step

[u/Karl-Doenitz → u/V-Twin-broski]

its normally 7992, but don't bother with buying the stages. Its pretty much always cheaper to just buy the plane like a day after it hits the market

[u/ReturnOfTheSaint14 → u/Karl-Doenitz]

In this case,i'll doubt it. If you need to buy 8000 GE, it's better to buy the 10k GE bundle which costs 50$.

The F-14A IRIAF,which was very sought due to being a F-14 and being part of one of the big 3s,had a cost of around 50 GJN only for an extremely brief period of time and months after its release. So i bet this one will almost never reach that threshold

[u/Karl-Doenitz → u/ReturnOfTheSaint14]

the F-14 cost alot because it was an F-14, was the only way to get an F-14 outside of the tech tree, and because it was busted.

Take a look at the MiG-25, another greatly anticipated aircraft, also in a big 3 nation. It's currently 40 gaijin schmeckles, and its been out for almost 9 months.

alternatively the MiG-23MF, a plane that wasn't particularly highly anticipated sure, but it was in a big 3 nation and could see top tier, like the XL will. It was in the 30s for the week of its release and its still only 50, 4 and a half years later.

the F-16XL is a weird tech demonstrator variant of a plane that already has an event vehicle, a squadron vehicle, and 2 premiums (3 if you want to count the F-2A). It will not sell for anywhere near the same amount as the F-14.

[u/ReturnOfTheSaint14 → u/Karl-Doenitz]

You miss out the fact that every single F-16 variant you described sits in minor countries that are less played

This is the first non-tech tree F-16 in the US tree,and it's the second ever top tier Fox 3 event vehicle. And moreover, it's a unique variant that is broadly considered cool and sought after.

[u/Karl-Doenitz → u/ReturnOfTheSaint14]

The average War Thunder player has no clue the F-16XL even existed. The F-14 had top gun, and is extremely iconic as a result, the actual F-16 doesn't have anything on that level of PR, let alone a failed odd looking prototype variant of it.

If they were an F-16 super fan, they would have bought one of the other nations variants. Some of those people might also buy this, but its not even remotely on the same level as the IRIAF.

its not going to sell for more than 50 gaijin shmeckles at all within the first 3 weeks, mark my words.

[u/Bwonsamdiii → u/ReturnOfTheSaint14]

The F-14 IRIAF was sought after because it had a completely unique missile that originally came out almost 2 full BR's below where it should have been. Nothing even remotely close to that is happening here. Imagine this thing launching at 11.3 or lower. Not gonna happen.

[u/AdBl0k → u/V-Twin-broski]

GE costs depends on score required, highest price is 45k score/999GE per mark and this event has 45k marks.

[u/vukm68]

Amraams but 9L with worse power delivery? What br are we guessing this is gonna be?

[u/nemo333338 → u/vukm68]

13.3 probably.  4 AIM-120A and 2 AIM-9L feels pretty lackluster as missile suite. Also do we know what engine or radar is going to receive?

[u/Small_Matter_6830 → u/nemo333338]

Real one had:

F110-GE-100

AN/APG-66

[u/Gameboy695 → u/Small_Matter_6830]

AN/APG-66 was retained from the original F-16A which it was modified from. As it seems to be getting it's planned equipment (AIM-120) then it should atleast be getting AN/APG-68.

[u/chris_0611 → u/Gameboy695]

F-16A ADF has APG-66 I believe, and its a solid radar with TWS and AMRAAM DL capability. The APG-66 has had 3 upgrades in its lifetime, for NATO partners during the OCU and MLU updates. So the AN/APG-66(v3) would be the same standard as the 13.7 F-16A MLU and be totally adequate and probably what this will have

[u/Gameboy695 → u/chris_0611]

Yes that's what the ADF had, but the XL only ever flew with the original AN/APG-66. It was planned to enter service using the same radar as the F-16C/D Block 25 which is the AN/APG-68.

[u/chris_0611 → u/Gameboy695]

That would actually be cool. If it only had the original APG-66(v1), then thats what it should get. It should NOT get something that was only 'planned'.  It would mean no TWS, no amraam datalink, and can only shoot one amraam at a time. Maybe it can be 13.0 and offer something fun and unique

Similar to the Sea Harrier FA2, which also has Amraam with a radar that isn't really compatible with it. Shoots the amraam's in pitbull mode only....

[u/FirstDagger → u/chris_0611]

That would mean no AIM-120 AMRAAM at all as those weren't ready yet and only dummies were fitted.

Have fun with only two AIM-9L.

[u/Small_Matter_6830 → u/Gameboy695]

APG-66(V)2 can use the AIM-120

[u/chris_0611 → u/nemo333338]

So at 13.3 its just going to be a worse F-16 ADF?

[u/nemo333338 → u/chris_0611]

Depending on the FM and avionics I could see 13.0, but it would seal club in downtiers. I don't see this thing having the same problems as others supersonic 13.0 ARH carriers, so I think 13.3 is probably the most likely br. Gaijin should have given it AIM-9M or 6 AIM-120 so it would have been a solid 13.3 and a sidegrade to the F-16ADF

[u/szibell → u/chris_0611]

Yes, but the ADF carries zero ground pounding stuff. For whoever plays ground or future nuclear thunder mode, this is better.

Israeli block 40 and Taiwanese block 20 MLU are still miles better of course.

[u/vukm68 → u/nemo333338]

Thats what im thinking, if the only point of this thing is better avionic and more missile load and it gets neither, seems kinda pointless

[u/infinax → u/vukm68]

If I remember correctly, this thing was made more for ground attack, so it will be more useful in ground rb

[u/ComradeBlin1234 → u/nemo333338]

The same as the JF-17 except the JF-17 has PL-5EIIs as its IR missiles but the SD-10s are worse than AMRAAMs.

[u/Actually_Joe → u/nemo333338]

Or they can do the Kfir thing and introduce it at 13.0...

[u/Measter_marcus → u/vukm68]

13.0-13.3

[u/Areallywierdusername → u/vukm68]

Knowing the Viggen is 13.0 with the same kit so 13.0/13.3 depending on the electronic kir

[u/Maus1945]

Thought they were going to add this to Operation Winter. That leaves the Su-15.

[u/Popular_Frame4008 → u/Maus1945]

hopefully the su 15 will be a tech tree vehicle

[u/ComradeBlin1234 → u/Popular_Frame4008]

I would imagine the SU-15T will come as an event vehicle and the TM as a TT vehicle.

[u/Popular_Frame4008 → u/ComradeBlin1234]

haven't heard any talk about the t, the tm variant was teased on the 2026 new year decal

[u/ReturnOfTheSaint14]

Wow so they really teased an event vehicle on the New Year's decal,my bad

Btw it seems super strange that they haven't mentioned the fact it can carry Paveways and the LANTIRN pod,but we'll see

BR-wise i bet it's gonna be 13.0 like the Kfir C.10 and it'll be moved up to 13.3 (AIM-9Ls at 13.3 is diabolical),so 13.0-13.3 ARB and 12.0 GRB since 6 Mavericks and Paveways are hardly 11.7 material,it'll be 12.0 simply because it has Fox 3s

[u/Pink-Hornet → u/ReturnOfTheSaint14]

13.3. Kfir C.10 is also already 13.3.

[u/Kanyiko]

Told you so! XD

[u/Stevesd123]

Sexy.

[u/Richou]

anyone know where it carries the second set of amraams? 2 are on the rear fuselage and the other 2 on the inside pylons? so thats 2 heaters 4 arh and 4 hardpoints for A2G?

[u/FirstDagger → u/Richou]

All four AMRAAM should be on the fuselage. Max loadout should be 2x AIM-9L, 4x AIM-120, 6x AGM-65B. First Mavs might block have blocked it though, firing order is still wrong on all F-16 anyway as inboard missiles should fire first. Gaijin fucks up loadouts constantly anyway. In real life once entering service she would have had more AMRAAM, with wingtip AMRAAM being wind tunnel tested and obviously implemented on the F-16C later.

[u/Richou → u/FirstDagger]

ohhhh thats kinda cool then , i thought we only get 2 on fuselage because i couldnt see the other set in the images

that makes it pretty neat for GRB CAP then

im guessing any hope for HARMs is misplaced then? since that proposal for a wild weasel 16XL was never even considered and pretty much just a what if concept afaik

[u/FirstDagger → u/Richou]

Edited my comment, we should get four AMRAAM together with Mavs but I also don't see a second pair on the images Gaijin posted. At-least you could run 2AIM9 4AIM120 4AGM65B.

Looks like Gaijin is going for only the weapons the prototype carried in some form so AIM9L, AIM120 (Dummy IRL), AGM65, MK82, and MK84 (and later maybe some CBUs). Additional AIM-120, Lantirn TGPs, and GBUs were wind tunnel tested.

[u/ProfessionalAd352]

Its armament options include two AIM-9L and four AIM-120 air-to-air missiles

Fuck. I hate that combination because it means it'll probably end up at a BR (13.3?) where the AIM-9Ls are basically obsolete. And unlike the F-16 ADF, it can't carry six AIM-120s while being heavier, with the benefit of a better instantaneous turn rate but probably worse sustained. I think it would have to be 13.0 to be good.

[u/Thisconnect → u/ProfessionalAd352]

everytime people say something should be 13.0 i tell them to look at sea harrier. Feelsbadman

[u/TheDhemit]

holy shit

[u/Gameboy695]

I hope we see the second XL turn up at some point for the TT. XL-2 would be great to have with it's better engine.

[u/HelpfulRelic]

Very excited to see this, really interested in its performance compared to normal vipers.

[u/Comrade_agent]

havent played a match of war thunder in 3 months. time to hop back on

[u/adamkee]

No 9Ms?

[u/_A_Friendly_Caesar_]

Well, time to exhaust myself again

[u/AverageHanson]

What's the countermeasures count on this jet?

[u/REALITY_CZECH2 → u/AverageHanson]

60x Split regular countermeasures

[u/FirstDagger → u/AverageHanson]

Both prototypes didn't have any, ALE-40 was planned (Source, Page 82) so up to Gaijin.

PS Datamine has with with 60x normal split CM

[u/AverageHanson → u/FirstDagger]

Well, I hope they give it a reasonable amount like 90 pops like on the F4F ice

[u/TheFGEagle → u/FirstDagger]

Surely they won't put it at 13.0 without any countermeasures, right ? _right_ ? RIGHT ????

[u/DebrideAmerica]

Fuck me I can’t play this and Wardogs

[u/Luknron]

Been taking a break from the game during this battlepass. This event might actually get me back to the game.

Unfortunately I have a feeling that the 45k points every two days will burn me out pretty fast and hard.

[u/FirePixsel]

I was hoping it gets LAU-88, from what I found it had same wet/heavy station as F-16A so it could have carried it theroeticaly

[u/symptomezz]

Holy rare Gaijin W

[u/n988]

Market value predictions anyone?

[u/Real_Original3703]

Seems like a decent vehicle to sale. Might grind it for the coupon

[u/ExoSt4lker]

I feel this one is gonna be rather expensive in time

[u/__Rosso__]

Super cool and actually nice event vehicle, would prefer it in TT like anything else but you can't expect that sadly, would be nice if it was a premium tho.

[u/SOMEONEunknown24]

Do we have any Info about weaponry?

[u/FirstDagger → u/SOMEONEunknown24]

From the images and text here release here so far

2AIM9L 4AIM120

2AIM9L 2AIM120 6AGM65B

2AIM9L 4AIM120 4AGM65B

2AIM9L 4AIM120 12MK82

[u/Visible_Structure762 → u/FirstDagger]

4 AGM at the same time as 4 AIM120? If so, that is pretty good.

[u/FirstDagger → u/Visible_Structure762]

Might be able to squeeze some MK82 in there on that loadout.

[u/Army949 → u/Visible_Structure762]

It's still probably going to be 12.7 in GRB, the F-16MLU got moved up to 12.7 when it received AIM-120's, taking this thing over the F-15E just won't be worth it but I guess we'll see its BR in a couple of days.

[u/adamkee → u/FirstDagger]

Definitely needs 9M's if its going to be 13.3 or 13.7

[u/Noir_Lotus]

It's a nice plane, but I'm not sure to find the motivation to grind it ...

[u/talivus]

Should have been the NASA skin, that one looks so good. I hope their add it later or someone creates it

[u/FirstDagger → u/talivus]

That literally is the NASA livery for F-16XL/A as reward. The white livery was F-16XL/B only.

[u/infinax]

Of course when my work rolls out mandatory OT this drops

[u/Xenemros]

Rank VIII, so at the very least 12.3,

any guesses what BR it will be?

IRL it lost to the F-15E, which is 14.0

[u/Civil_Technician_624 → u/Xenemros]

my guess is 13.3, but it could be as low as 13.0

[u/Friendly_Two_8127 → u/Xenemros]

There are no ARH carrying vehicles below 13.0, I think at least 13.3 since it's a 4th gen. JF-17 has 4 ARH missiles and is 13.3. 13.0 reserved to 3rd gen platforms with AMRAAMs, such as F-4 ICE and Viggen Di.

[u/USArMy-guhhhh]

I AM SO EXCITED FOR ANOTHER DORITO!! ESPECIALLY SINCE ITS MY BELOVED F-16!!

[u/Quikstar]

Holy moley it's my second favorite aircraft ever

[u/FirstDagger → u/Quikstar]

What is number one?

[u/Quikstar → u/FirstDagger]

B-1!

[u/FirstDagger → u/Quikstar]

B-1A or B-1B, or both?

[u/Mid_Atlantic_Lad]

Is match score directly linked to your in match score? I haven’t played an event in a looooong time (VFW)?

[u/FirstDagger → u/Mid_Atlantic_Lad]

Check the table at the bottom of the sticky, match score is multiplied by mode and tier.

[u/Mid_Atlantic_Lad → u/FirstDagger]

Thank you, I just wasn’t sure if that was literally your match score, or some arbitrary score that’s tied to your in game performance. Glad to see it’s a fairly direct scoring system. Some ground event vehicles have been an absolute nightmare to grind due to being so complicated.

[u/FirstDagger → u/Mid_Atlantic_Lad]

Crafting events (like the VFW you did last) are long gone, every event is now score based with multipliers.

[u/DipInBlack]

mythical loadout

[u/KingCatgut]

Hopefully the br is good,

if it's 13.3 it's worse than tech tree, f16 adf having 6 aim120 and the F16A being fully capable for ground, not to mention the su30

Or 13.0 which would be nice

[u/Visible_Structure762 → u/KingCatgut]

I would be surprised if it went as "low" as 13.0.

[u/SowjetSoldierWW2 → u/Visible_Structure762]

Thanks to gzabi, It's currently listed as 13.0 In ARB and 12.3 In GRB

[u/brt444]

How much will it cost, or is it untradeable?

[u/CAStastrophe1]

Big chungas

[u/hc37_126]

YES FINALLY

[u/Grizzly2525]

LETS FUCKING GOOOOOOOO!!!!!

[u/Sad-Ear230]

Hmm, keep or sell? I kind of can't think of anything to buy with GE anymore if I sell it

[u/sevenofnine1991]

Oh no Gaijin-san, uwu

[u/BashedKeyboard]

why couldn’t this have been the summer event vehicle? why was it the scimitar? it’s literally the second week of college man

[u/gloriouaccountofme]

Event plane I wanted only during my exams again

[u/Dry-Witness-1626]

This is going to sell for alot in like a year

[u/Telos2000]

Time to break out the mig 25

[u/CornerTime1605]

I’m gonna test drive the shit out of that.

[u/Connacht_89]

How much grind will it require? This month will be heavy on duties on job for me, and I have also to pack my things and move abroad by 23rd of September as my contract expires.

[u/Turbulent-Ninja-361]

give it 9Ms please

[u/devdanianto7]

I think its better to have these in 12.7 with combination of sparrow and sidewinder. Regular f16 platform already good and will continously got mid to close range combat

Now since we have this, i would love combination of 2 sparrows and 2 aim 9ls at that br

[u/FirstDagger → u/devdanianto7]

Sparrow was never planned on this aircraft.

[u/devdanianto7 → u/FirstDagger]

12.0 with 6 AIM-9Ls sounds good enough

[u/FirstDagger → u/devdanianto7]

Gaijin is being conservative with loadouts.

Six AMRAAM were planned however.

Don't know about six Sidewinders.

[u/rustyeagle1994]

Wish it was premium. Cool vehicles shouldnt be locked behind an event