The new BAE Systems F-16
The new BAE Systems F-16
Looks like BAE Systems got the South Korean F-16 upgrade programme. Fort Worth will never be the same.
When I see BAE and LockMart swinging at each other I have no idea who to cheer for.
When I see BAE and LockMart swinging at each other I have no idea who to cheer for.
And the LM program (CAPES) is looking wobbly because the USAF may not be able to afford it. In any event they were trying for a Stone Soup approach where non-U.S. customers would chip in on R&D. No MLU-type giveaway deals this time around.
Interesting note - BAE program boss is an old GDFW F-16 guy who bailed not long after LM came in and buried all the sexy Super F-16 designs, because they made Porky Pig look... well, like Porky Pig.
Interesting note - BAE program boss is an old GDFW F-16 guy who bailed not long after LM came in and buried all the sexy Super F-16 designs, because they made Porky Pig look... well, like Porky Pig.
Try this, plus the diverterless supersonic inlet and chevronned stealth nozzle, and an option for a half-new engine (CFM56-7 core + scaled F414 LP system). Proposed in 1994-95, but not proceeded with.
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Leon - that was the F-16XL, which was begun in 1977 as the F-16 SCAMP (Supersonic Cruise and Maneuver Prototype). In 1980 the USAF joined General Dynamics in the program, and donated the 3rd & 5th production F-16 airframes for conversion (these were the only F-16XLs ever built).
In March 1981 the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111. General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted what became the F-15E. In February 1984, the USAF awarded the ETF contract to McDonnell Douglas. The two F-16XLs were returned to the Air Force and placed in storage at Edwards Air Force Base, Mojave, California.
This ended the F-16XL program (although NASA used them from 1988-1999 for research flights).
Lockheed bought GD in 1993, so the F-16XL was a dead program 9 years before the events LO was referring to. Note that McDonnell Douglas was bought by Boeing in 1997.
In 1995 this was proposed, for production starting in ~2010 (note the lack of a vertical stabilizer). F-16 Versions - F-16X :: F-16.net
In March 1981 the USAF announced the Enhanced Tactical Fighter program to procure a replacement for the F-111. General Dynamics submitted the F-16XL, while McDonnell Douglas submitted what became the F-15E. In February 1984, the USAF awarded the ETF contract to McDonnell Douglas. The two F-16XLs were returned to the Air Force and placed in storage at Edwards Air Force Base, Mojave, California.
This ended the F-16XL program (although NASA used them from 1988-1999 for research flights).
Lockheed bought GD in 1993, so the F-16XL was a dead program 9 years before the events LO was referring to. Note that McDonnell Douglas was bought by Boeing in 1997.
In 1995 this was proposed, for production starting in ~2010 (note the lack of a vertical stabilizer). F-16 Versions - F-16X :: F-16.net
