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 Lockheed Martin completed the first phase of flight testing for the new F-16 conformal fuel tanks, or CFTs, in August at Eglin AFB, Florida. Testing, which involved loads, flutter, and stability and control, was conducted on an F-16 beginning in March. A total of twenty-four test flights and sixty-five flight test hours were completed. A shipset of two CFTs provide 440 US gallons, or approximately 3,000 pounds, of additional fuel for the F-16, which can significantly extend mission range, time on station, or time engaged in combat. This range/persistence enhancement is valuable for countries that do not have tankers for aerial refueling. For countries that do have tankers, the conformals can reduce the tanker offload demand and extend the fighter’s penetration distance. CFTs also increase the F-16’s payload flexibility. For medium range air-to-surface missions, CFTs can eliminate the need for wing tanks. |
