LMTAS F-16D Block 50 'Fighting Falcon'
Exclusive Test Report
Equipment in the tested two-seat coupe F-16D included the 29,000-lb
class Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine.
* driver's seat height adjuster
* alloy wheels
* anti-lock brakes
* air-conditioning
* power canopy
* power lock
* heated power mirrors
* fog lights
* cruise control
* anti-theft device and keyless entry system
* stereo cassette sound system with graphic equalizer
* dual air-bags
* Goodyear Eagle GS-C P245/50ZR 16 tires
* folding rear seatback
* clearcoat paint
Major options in the tested the aircraft were leather upholstery
and CD-player.
Overview
The emphasis is on sporty performance, but with no sacrifice in
luxury and comfort. The well-integrated combination of superb
performance, comfort and reliability makes the LMTAS F-16 our
highest-rated aircraft ever.
Acceleration
The smooth and refined 29,000-lb accelerates with authority.
Zero-to-600 knots takes 17.8 seconds. Engine response starts
slowly, then builds up rapidly. Strong accelration was most
apparent at speeds well above the legal limit.
Economy
The F-16 is very stingy on fuel. Expect about 0.98mpg overall on
JP-4. The maximum ferry range is 2450 miles with maximum external
fuel.
Routine handling
Hard cornering on the taxi-track did sometimes challenge the
aircraft. Even at moderate speeds, it skated to the side as its
tires struggled to maintain grip. It plowed again ahead strongly,
the suddenly shifted into a tail slide. (The '96 model has larger
tires and wheels, which should help.)
Braking
The antiskid brakes help to stop the F-16 commendably short and
straight in all our braking tests. There is also an arresting hook
for use in emergency. An optional drag chute is available and
decreases stopping distances for short field operations, poor
braking conditions, and emergencies. It also reduces brake
wear.
Access
It helps to be young and supple and we missed the convenient steps
like some competitors have.
Climate system
The fully automatic climate-control system unobtrusively maintains
the chosen temperature. Ample air from numerous ducts. Defogging
and defrosting worked well, as did the heated mirrors, once you
figured out the cryptic labels on the buttons.
Controls and displays
Cockpit controls and displays still serve the basic F-16
'hands-on/head-up' philosophy, i.e., the pilot can perform normal
functions without lowering or turning his head or removing his
hands from the throttle and side-stick controller. Minor complaints
concern the position of the cruise-control lever (too close to the
bomb release lever) and the radio (not particularly
user-friendly).
Noise
Rattles and squeaks, engine drone, and wind hum from the forebody
strakes add up to a noisy flight. However, if you turn on the
standard radio equipment at full blast, you have no hindrance of it
at all.
Seating
The 30-degree inclined seat with raised heel rests is comfortable,
even when you want to make 16-hour transoceanic ferry flights on
holiday-trips. However, the weak side support and fairly slippery
leather upholstery forces the pilot to struggle to stay in position
when making tight turns.
Flight
The electronically controlled suspension offers two settings. Even
in the Touring mode, the softer one of the two, the flight won't
let you forget you're in a fighter. In Dog-fight mode, the ride
worsens, becoming harder and more jittery.
Trunk
Only one weekend bag, because resonator duct for the optional Bose
sound system takes up almost half the trunk space. However, folding
the rear seat expands the trunk space. A covered bin behind the
back seat and a tiny glove compartiment can hold small
objects.
Safety
Many inherent safety features are incorporated :
Cockpit :
-Situation awareness aids - head-up display, up-front controls,
hands-on controls,
integrated display formats, bubble canopy, ground proximity
warning
- Integrated caution/warning system
- ACES II Ejection Seat
Engine :
- Proximate splitter
- Jet fuel starter-assisted airstart
Aircraft Systems :
- Extensive built-in self-test and fault reporting
- Antiskid brakes
- Emergency arresting hook
- Optional drag chute
On top of that there are Highly Redundant Systems (HRS) and the
airframe has a rugged structure able to fly home after extensive
in-flight damage.
Dealer Preparations and Options
A complete array of air to air weapons is available to clear up
pesky traffic jams. Generous chaff and flare dispensers are also
provided when you're in a hurry and not in the mood to deal with
other drivers.
Predicted reliability
The F-16 has enjoyed an excellent reliability record
