|
 F-16s configured with conformal fuel tanks, CFTs, completed twenty-one months of development flight testing last November at Eglin AFB, Florida. The tests, conducted by Lockheed Martin together with the 40th FTS at the Air Armament Center of Eglin, cleared the CFT for the F-16 flight envelope—nine g’s, maximum angle of attack and sideslip, and maximum roll rate. They also demonstrated fuel system functional operation, air refueling and passed loads, flutter, stability and control, and vibration tests. CFTs are external fuel reservoirs attached on the upper surface of the F-16’s fuselage, with the tank’s lower surface conforming to the aircraft shape. They significantly increase the F-16’s unrefueled mission radius. The first production CFTs are being delivered to the Hellenic Air Force. |
