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by nols 4648 days ago
I don't know how much bigger that payload will be. Assuming the components to turn it into a UAV weigh 0 lbs, you're talking about a ~160 lb pilot in a 26,000 lb jet.
2 comments

In case you ever see my reply: I was thinking that the F-16 is much larger and more powerful than a typical UAV, so it's built to carry more ordinance. But, I know next to nothing about the different military jet versions. I've since read in other comments that the F-16 was primarily a fighter-intercepter and not a fighter-bomber, so I guess it carries guns and air-to-air missiles rather than heavy bombs.
You are forgetting about all the life support systems that no longer need to be included / maintained. Oxygen tanks, ejector seat, etc.