experimental
one or two
GE F110-GE129
1 x 29,000 lbs.
22,000 lbs.
48,000 lbs.
1 - 20 mm
15,000 lbs.
54' 2"
34' 3"
600 mph
1,500 mph
60,000 fpm
50,000 feet
2,850
miles
7/3/82
Two F-16XL aircraft were built to explore the ability of supersonic cruise without the use
of an afterburner combined with acceptable maneuverability, takeoff and landing characteristics.
The unique "crank-arrow" wing allows for low supersonic
wave drag plus excellent handling throughout the performance range.
The wings of the F-16 were replaced by the crank-arrow design with approximately 20%
more total area than that of the standard aircraft.
Space-age light weight building materials helped keep the weight down, although, even with them,
the F-16XL is nearly 3,000 lbs. heavier than the standard aircraft.
Other modifications included a 4.6 foot addition to the
fuselage, removal of the ventral fins to improve ground clearance, and three
degrees of positive incidence added to the tail section. Fuel load was up over
80%, maximum payload nearly doubled and range improved by 40%. A total of
27 hard points were on the aircraft.
The F-16XL had 11% less drag during sub-sonic flight and 25% less drag in supersonic flight than
the standard aircraft. Low altitude flight at high speeds is said to be much smoother.
NASA had been using the F-16XL for testing the
effects of boundary layer pressures, distribution and improving laminar air
flow, while flying at supersonic speeds. The aircraft was equipped with strips of
tubing along the wing edges for pressure test measurements.
Although a successful design, the USAF has opted for more standard design aircraft over the F-16XL to save
expenses.
F-16XL
F-16XL from Parkjets Plans built by Hans Joachim.
Wingspan is 30". A Himax 2015-4100 with gearing at 4.4:1 is used for power.
The F-16 XL is a rarely modeled aircraft. We don't know of any other examples except the ones found on this page. If you do, please email us.
F-16XL
The F-16 XL built by Hans Joachim.
F-16XL
F-16XL built by Electric Eye of RC Groups.
F-16XL
The F-16XL from Flying Styro. Wingspan is 23” and length is 27”.
You can use a Versa 55 EDF or Speed 400 pusher prop for propulsion.
F-16XL
F-16XL built by unknown.
We received the following email with the above picture: "The F-16XL is a one-off scratch built model by a New Zealand modeler (don't know name). Length: 80", wingspan: 53"; weight (unknown); fiberglass and foam; for
ducted fan (or turbine conversion). Noteworthy because he built the proper "stretch" into the fuselage as was done with the full scale F-16XL. Overall a very nicely done scale model of the F-16XL. Regards, Mike"
General Dynamics F-16XL
