Fly-by-wire?

[vneandbeyond]

Just wondering......was the F-16 fighting falcon the first fly by wire aircraft? If not, which was it?

Also the F-14, Tornado and F111 have sweep wings. Could this have any commercial applications? ie I know we don't crusie supersonic, but would it provide better aerodynamics closer to the speed of sound?

I am also interested to hear how the HUDS on the the NG are going? Is there any other "cool" military technology that may come our way in the not to distant future?

Cheers.

[ovum]

Not sure if the F-16 was the first aircraft to be FBW but it was definitely the first FBW fighter put into service.

[404 Titan]

The F111 has Fly - by - wire. It was developed in the sixties.

[ovum]

Hmmm, I thought the F111 only had FBW engine controls?...