Evaluation and analysis of the F-16B flight control system

The F-16 was the first tactical aircraft to incorporate a "fly-by-wire" flight control system. This concept provided unprecedented flexibility and capability to control system designers; unfortunately, it also brought many unforeseen problems. In 1987, the author enjoyed the privilege of flying the F-16 for the purposes of gathering quantitative data and forming qualitative opinion. The conclusions presented in this thesis are based on that data and analysis of the flight control system. Several unique characteristics were uncovered during the evaluation, as were several serious problems. The general conclusion is that the designers of the F-16 oversimplified and probably misunderstood the intricacies of the interface between the pilot and airplane. Fly-by-wire flight controls will undoubtedly be the standard for tactical aircraft of the future; however, our understanding of the complex man/machine synergism is critical to their successful development.