F-16XL

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.

Ace Squadrons and Pilots

 * Amsel (ACZ)


 * Dichter (ACZ)


 * OADF 32nd TFS Element 1 "Wizard" (ACZ)


 * Biel (ACX)

Armaments

 * Gun / 1x 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Cannon


 * Standard Missiles / AIM-9M Sidewinder


 * XAGM / AGM-65G Maverick(AC5/ACZ/ACX)


 * BDSP / JP223 Anti Runway Submunitions(ACZ/ACX)


 * SAAM / AIM-7F Sparrow (ACZ/ACX)

Ace Combat 5/Zero

 * Speed: 66


 * Defense: 61


 * Mobility: 52


 * Stability: 64


 * Air-to-Air: 34


 * Air-to-Ground: 80