F-16XL
From AceWiki
F-16XL
| Aircraft Role: | Attacker |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer: | Lockheed Martin |
| Real-World Origin: | U.S.A. |
| AC Installments: | Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War, Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War, Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception |
| Primary Operator: | Osea |
| Secondary Operator(s): | Aurelia, Belka, Leasath, Ustio, and Yuktobania |
| Plane Variants: | F-16C Fighting Falcon F-16C Block 60 F-16XA Sakerfalcon F-16XF Gyrfalcon |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
The F-16XL was conceived as an alternative strike aircraft to complement the F-16C Fighting Falcon in the 1980s. It was submitted as a proposal for the ETF (Enhanced Tactical Fighter) program. Only 2 prototypes were built, one single-seat and one two-seat designated F-16XL-1 and F-16XL-2 respectively. The type lost to the much cheaper, faster, more durable, and more conventional F-15E Strike Eagle, however. The types were originally built to test the practicality of composite wing skins and both first flew in 1982 (the single-seater in July and the two-seater in October). After the type completed its test program, both were stored until one was passed to NASA in 1989. The F-16XL’s service designations would have been F-16E (single-seat) and F-16F (two-seat). The large “Cranked-Arrow” double-delta wing, which identified the –XL from its brethren, had an impressive 6 hardpoints under each wing in addition to the 2 wingtip hardpoints and fuselage hardpoints. The “Cranked-Arrow” wing also allowed more fuel to be carried increasing the Falcon’s already good range and the increased lift allowed for a much shorter takeoff roll. The large delta did hinder maneuverability at low speeds, however at higher speeds the –XL could turn almost as fast as the F-16C. Both prototypes are now in NASA service.
[edit] Ace Squadrons and Pilots
Amsel (ACZ)
Dichter (ACZ)
OADF 32nd TFS Element 1 "Wizard" (ACZ)
Biel (ACX)
[edit] Weapons
Gun / 20mmM61A1 Vulcan Cannon
Standard Missiles / AIM-9M Sidewinder
XAGM / AGM-65G Maverick(AC5/ACZ/ACX)
BDSP / JP223 Bomblet Dispenser (ACZ/ACX)
SAAM / AIM-7M Sparrow (ACZ/ACX)
[edit] Ace Combat 5/Zero Stats
Speed: 66
Defense: 61
Mobility: 52
Stability: 64
Air-to-Air: 34
Air-to-Ground: 80
[edit] Sources
"Aircraft of the World" by: Claudio Muller Publisher: Muze Inc. (© 1995 - 2007)
Global Security: F-16XL
