F-16XL

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F-16XL

NASA F-16XL-2 testbed

ORIGIN: (Real World) United States of America

GAMES FEATURED IN: Ace Combat 05: The Unsung Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception

OPERATORS: "A World With No Boundaries" Aurelian Air Force Belkan Air Force Leasath Air Force Osean Air Defense Force Ustian Air Force Yuktobanian Air Force

ACE SQUADRONS/PILOT: Amsel (ACZ) Dichter (ACZ) Wizard Squadron (ACZ) Biel (ACX)

VARIANTS: F-16XA

WEAPONS: Gun / 20mm M61A1 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)

ACE COMBAT 5 STATS: Speed: 66 Mobility: 52 Stability: 64 Defense: 61 Air-to-Air: 34 Air-to-Ground: 80

ACE COMBAT ZERO STATS: Speed: 66 Defense: 61 Mobility: 52 Stability: 64 Air-to-Air: 34 Air-to-Ground: 80

REAL-LIFE BIO: The F-16XL was conceived as an alternative strike aircraft to complement the F-16 Falcon in the 1980’s. 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 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.

Source: based on info from "Aircraft of the World" printed materials

Book Information: Title: "Aircraft of the World" Author: Claudio Muller Publisher: Muze Inc. (© 1995 - 2007)

Addition Source Global Security: F-16XL (Look Near the bottom)