The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon was conceived from a USAF requirement for a new lightweight, low-cost air superiority fighter. The first production F-16A made its maiden flight on the 7th August 1979. Although designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, during the evaluation programme the F-16 proved it had the makings of an excellent air-to-ground warplane. The first operational unit was 'combat ready' in October 1980 which was the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) at Hill AFB in Utah. General Dynamics sold their company's aircraft production facilities to Lockheed Martin in 1996 and the Lockheed Martin F-16 now serves with over 18 countries around the world.