Falcon BMS 4.38 Start Guide for the F-16 Viper.
Introduction to the F-16 Viper in Falcon BMS 4.38
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, also known as the “Viper” among pilots, is a versatile, multi-role fighter jet that has served air forces around the world since the late 1970s. With its powerful engine, lightweight design, and highly responsive fly-by-wire controls, the F-16 is a favorite in both real-world operations and flight simulators like Falcon BMS 4.38.
Falcon BMS (Benchmark Sims) has elevated the legacy Falcon 4.0 simulation into a deep, systems-rich experience. BMS 4.38 introduces refined cockpits, avionics, and multiple Viper Block variants each with distinct capabilities and limitations.
F-16 Viper Variants in Falcon BMS 4.38
Below are the most commonly featured and flyable F-16 Blocks in Falcon BMS 4.38:
| Block | Engine | Thrust (Max) | Weight (Empty / Max) | Notable Features | Differences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Block 30 | GE F110-GE-100 | ~28,984 lbf | 18,000 lbs / 42,000 lbs | Early glass cockpit | Limited precision targeting capabilities |
| Block 40 | GE F110-GE-100 | ~28,984 lbf | Similar to Block 30 | LANTIRN pod support | NVG compatible, ground attack optimized |
| Block 50/52 | F110-GE-129 / F100-PW-229 | ~29,000–29,100 lbf | ~19,200 lbs / 42,300 lbs | Advanced avionics | HTS pod for SEAD, modern weapons |
| Block 50+/52+ | Same as above | Same | Slightly heavier with CFTs (optional) | Data link, JHMCS, GPS weapons support | Smart bomb & AGM-154 JSOW capable |
| KF-16 (ROKAF) | F100-PW-229 | ~29,100 lbf | Similar to Block 52 | Localized variant | Some unique avionics and payload options |
NOTE: Thrust, weight, and exact performance may vary slightly in sim depending on loadout and external tanks.
Weapon Loadout Options in BMS 4.38
If the variant allows, the following are commonly available across most F-16 blocks in Falcon BMS:
Air-to-Air Weapons
- AIM-9M / AIM-9X Sidewinder (IR-guided)
- AIM-120B/C AMRAAM (Active radar)
- Python 4/5 (for Israel-based theaters)
Air-to-Ground Munitions
- Mk-82 / Mk-84 dumb bombs
- CBU-87/97/103/105 cluster bombs
- GBU-10/12/24/31/38 (Laser/GPS guided)
- AGM-65D/G Maverick (IR guided)
- AGM-88 HARM (SEAD)
- AGM-154 JSOW (if supported)
Electronic/Support Pods
| Pod | Use | Station |
|---|---|---|
| LANTIRN (AAQ-13/AAQ-14) | Terrain-following & laser designation | Usually Sta 5L/5R |
| HTS Pod | HARM Targeting System for SEAD | Sta 5R |
| SNIPER XR | Long-range laser targeting pod | Sta 5L or 5R |
| ECM Pod (ALQ-131/184) | Electronic countermeasures | Centerline or Sta 6 |
| Fuel Tanks (370gal / 300gal) | Extended range | Wing / centerline |
| JHMCS | Helmet cueing system (Block 50+ only) | Internal |
Simplified F-16 Startup Procedure.
(Based on BMS 4.38 Manual)
New to Falcon BMS 4.38 then here is a abbreviated start procedure to get you in the air as fast as possible. I have a more indepth checklist which is both below and available in a PDF downloadable format to put into your Kneepad if you wish.
Falcon BMS START PROCEEDURE.
Step-by-Step Cold & Dark Startup
- Battery ON
- Left console, FLCS power panel.
- Main Power: MAIN PWR → MAIN
- JFS Start
- Move JFS switch → START 1
- Wait for RPM to rise (~20%) and FTIT to stabilize.
- Idle Detent
- Move throttle past detent to IDLE.
- Observe RPM rising toward 60-70%.
- Main Generator ON
- GEN switch → MAIN PWR
- Avionics Master ON
- EPU Auto
- Set EPU switch to ARM
- ENG Feed to Norm
- Check FLCS BIT
- Automatically runs. Confirm FLCS OK light.
- INS Alignment
- Set knob to STOR HDG for fast align (or NAV for full align)
- Wait 3–8 minutes depending on mode
- Set Radios, DED Pages, MFDs
- Master Arm → OFF
- Until taxi or ready for combat
✅ You’re now ready for taxi and final systems check.
Detailed F-16 Falcon Start Procedure.
📥 Downloadable PDF Checklist
F-16C Startup Checklist for Falcon BMS 4.38
📝 Includes:
- Cold & dark startup flow
- INS modes explained
- Pod install guidance
- Avionics & armament prep
👉 Falcon BMS 4.38 Complete Startup Procedure.PDF CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD!
Note: All LetsFlyVFR Downloadable Manuals and Checklists are downloaded directly from LETsFLYVFR.com and not any external links are used.
✅ Falcon BMS 4.38
F-16C Viper Cold & Dark Startup Checklist.
For Simulator Use Only – LETSFLYVFR.com
POWER & SYSTEMS INITIALIZATION
| Step | Action | Panel/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Battery – ON | Left console (FLCS Power) |
| 2 | MAIN PWR – MAIN | Right eyebrow switch |
| 3 | AVIONICS MASTER – OFF | Keep OFF for now |
| 4 | Comms Panel – UHF to Both | Optional, for ground ATC |
ENGINE START SEQUENCE
| Step | Action | Panel/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | JFS Start – START 1 | Left console (Engine start panel) |
| 6 | Monitor RPM & FTIT | Wait for ~20% RPM, FTIT should rise then stabilize |
| 7 | Throttle to IDLE (past detent) | Use SHIFT + Home if needed |
| 8 | Engine RPM → Climb to ~60% | Monitor stable engine behavior |
| 9 | FLCS BIT – Auto Runs | Confirm 5 FLCS test lights momentarily |
| 10 | FLCS Status – Check | “FLCS” light out = OK |
ELECTRICAL & EPU SYSTEM
| Step | Action | Panel/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 11 | Main Gen – ON | Engine Panel |
| 12 | STBY Gen – ON | Engine Panel (optional) |
| 13 | EPU – ARM | EPU control panel |
| 14 | EPU Fuel Switch – NORM | Ensure not set to OFF |
| 15 | ENG Feed – NORM | Left Console |
AVIONICS & SENSORS
| Step | Action | Panel/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | AVIONICS MASTER – ON | After stable engine/gen |
| 17 | INS Mode – STOR HDG / NAV | Left console (INS panel) |
| 18 | Wait for INS ALIGN | STOR HDG: 3-4 mins / NAV: 8+ mins |
| 19 | Enter Lat/Long if needed | DED → LIST → 6 INS |
| 20 | Set MFDs | FCR, HSD, SMS, TGP etc. |
| 21 | Set Radar Altimeter – ON | Left side panel |
| 22 | Oxygen – Supply ON | Life support panel |
COMM & SYSTEM CONFIG
| Step | Action | Panel/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | Set UHF/VHF Frequencies | DED: COMM 1 & 2 |
| 24 | Set IFF to STBY | LIST → 4 IFF |
| 25 | Set Master Arm – OFF | Right eyebrow panel |
| 26 | Set Laser Code (if needed) | DED TGP page (if carrying laser-guided weapons) |
| 27 | Load DTC if available | LIST → 0 DTE |
FINAL ITEMS (Pre-Taxi)
| Step | Action | Panel/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 28 | Canopy – Close & Lock | Right side panel |
| 29 | Seat – ARM | Right console |
| 30 | Parking Brake – Set | Left console |
| 31 | Exterior Lights – As Required | Taxi / Formation / Anti-collision |
| 32 | INS Knob – NAV | Only after alignment complete |
| 33 | Check Flight Controls | Move stick & rudder – confirm response |
| 34 | Trim Set | Nose slightly down, wings level |
| 35 | Ready for Taxi | Contact tower / ground as needed |
Optional Pod / Payload Checks
- HTS Pod – Mounted Right Intake (Sta 5R) for SEAD
- LANTIRN / SNIPER Pod – Left Intake (Sta 5L) for TGP
- ECM Pod – Centerline or wing
- Fuel Tanks – Optional 370gal (wing) or 300gal (center)
- JHMCS – Automatic if selected loadout
🛡️ Checklist Designed by LETSFLYVFR.com – For Simulator Training Use Only
Final Thoughts
The F-16 Viper in Falcon BMS 4.38 is a powerful and realistic platform for flight sim enthusiasts ready to experience tactical air combat. Whether you’re learning to start cold and dark or configuring advanced strike packages, this guide and checklist will help you master the basics and build real confidence in the virtual cockpit.
Practice makes perfect. Once the startup becomes second nature, you’ll spend less time on the ground and more time flying missions, defending airspace, and dominating the campaign.
For more guides, downloads, and voice-assisted Lua mods for your flight simulators, check out LETSFLYVFR.com.
Author
Brendon McAliece (Aka Gunnie) is a military veteran with 23 years working on Jet Fighters, their weapons systems and ejection seat/module systems as well as munitions and R&D. Involved with flight simulation since the 1980s, he has flown LSA aircraft and all the major flight simulators over the years.
He is an Australian expat who has lived in Malaysia, UK, Saudi Arabia and now in Thailand. He is a multi-lingual blogger who loves to share his life experiences here on LetsFlyVFR.com and DreamingGuitar.com, with his lifestyle and Travel experiences Blog plus his Dreaming Coffee website.
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