Flying qualities and performance of the F-16B airplane

Operation Desert Storm illustrated the need for sophisticated military aircraft capable of performing both the power projection and air superiority missions. The F-16 was used extensively to perform self escorted, strike missions in heavily defended areas with good success. However, the airplane demonstrated several shortfalls in capability which affected mission execution and success. These problems prompted further investigation into aircraft deficiencies and modifications which could make the F-16 more successful in the strike fighter mission. A limited, qualitative evaluation of the F-16B airplane for the strike fighter mission was conducted. For the purposes of this test, the performance difference between the F-16A and F-16B were negligible. The evaluation consisted of 2 hours of ground testing and 4 flights totaling 4.0 hours conducted at Edwards Air Force Base. The airplane was tested in a low drag, fighter escort configuration and a high drag strike configuration. Of the deficiencies found, several were particularly significant and should be corrected in future design modifications. The FlOO-PW-200 engine has restricted afterburner (AB) operating envelope limitations and was a major deficiency. Loss of rudder authority, angle of attack (ADA) limitations and limited roll performance at high AGA were all major deficiencies designed into the flight control laws to avoid the aircraft tendency to loose directional stability and depart at high AOA. The F-16 demonstrated excellent potential for future use as a low cost strike fighter aircraft and will be satisfactory upon correction of the major deficiencies. Addition of an axisymmetric thrust vectoring nozzle as installed on the FlOO-PW-229 engine has the potential to correct all aircraft deficiencies.