F-16 MATV

bloodsucker SG

I dunno whether this topic has been posted here b4, but since I can't be bothered looking through every single page, I might as well start one here.

Well, just to give u all a rough idea, the F-16 MATV, which stands for Multi Axis Thrust Vectoring, is a programme by General Dynamics back in the 1990s that attempted to place a thrust vectoring engine into an F-16.

To give u an idea into how maneuvrable it is, look at this vid from youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZQDwRKHCSQ

I really think that they should have carried on with the production of this, cos if RSAF were to own such an aircraft, it would dramatically increase its capabilities. Other aircraft that has such thrust vectoring include the F/A-22, the Su-37 and Mig-29 OVT etc. I just think that if RSAF were to actually own these planes, it would seriously deter any potential enemies from even flying anywhere near us. So what do ya guys think?

tankee1981 SG

The plane which you have seen in the video clip is a test plane and not a production version of the F-16. Thus we will not be able to buy it.

Secondly if we are to modify our existing F-16s then it will not be cost effective at all as we will be the only AF in the world doing so. The cost will be astronomical.

spartan_6 SG

The F-15MTS is also fitted with thrust vectoring but like e F-16MATV it is only for testing both never enter production

16/f/lonely SG

Heard that the nose can point at a different angle from the axis it is travelling, pretty cool.

wonderamazement SG

the nose?

16/f/lonely SG

the nose?

Yep. Apparently the aircraft can point its nose away from the direction of flight and still fly straight.

Not sure if the F-16 MATV can do that, but the F-15MTS can.

Shotgun SG

All aircraft can point their nose away from the flight path.

In normal aircraft, once the airspeed has decreased too much, and the angle of attack (angle diff between nose and flight path) is too big, conventional flight control surfaces no longer respond well.

Typically, aircraft handling will feel more sluggish, and if not corrected, will result in total loss of control to the aircraft. For the F-16, it has a tendency to stall with its nose bobbing up and down.

Thrust vectoring comes in when conventional flight control surfaces fail, and extends the limit of flight control greatly at post-stall conditions. Eg, typically below 120kts the F-16 would be very very sluggish and unmanueverable, but with thrust vectoring, or MATV in its case, I'd still be able to pitch and roll.

tankfanatic SG

i know one conventional aircraft that can do that trick....rafale..pointing its nose 45 degree left or right .....its the canard plus the fbw.