Andrew Chaplin wrote:


And those of us who had to do aircraft recognition testing cursed the wonks
who came up with it -- it took too long to write it down when you were doing
a/c recce.

Well, GD wanted to use "Falcon" in 1977, but Dassault were already
making a bizjet with that name. By dithering, the penpushers
effectively ruined any chance of the name sticking, as it was in service
and referred to as "F-16" for too long. Only a strong name would have
stood any chance of displacing the general acceptance of "F-16", and
"Fighting Falcon" isn't strong enough. "Viper" stood a chance, but
wasn't supported.

Even today I don't see the F-16 referred to by name - any name. Hornets
are usually Hornets and not F-18's. Eagles can be F-15's or Eagles.
But I don't see F-16's referred to as Falcons and never Fighting Falcons
outside of reference books.