| General Dynamics F-16 VISTA | ||
|---|---|---|
| ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Test Aircraft | |
| Crew | 2 | |
| Passengers | ||
| First flight | ||
| Entered service | Never | |
| Manufacturer | General Dynamics (later Lockheed Martin ) | |
| Produced | 1 | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 14.8 m | |
| Wingspan | 9.8 m | |
| Height | 4.8 m | |
| Wing area | 28 m² | |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 8273 kg | |
| Loaded | 12003 kg | |
| Maximum takeoff | 19187 kg | |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | General Electric F110 | |
| Power (each) 1x |
14,590 lbf (64.9 kN) dry thrust, 23,770 lbf (105.7 kN) with afterburner |
|
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 2414 km/h | |
| Cruising speed | ||
| Range | 5200 km | |
| Ceiling | 15240 m | |
| Rate of climb | 250 m/s | |
The General Dynamics F-16 VISTA ("Variable stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft"), is an experimental variant of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon.
It is equipped with a multi-axis thrust vectoring nozzle, to provide optimal control in post-stall situations. The F-16 VISTA is a supermaneuverable aircraft, able to fly at a Angle of Attack, which is higher than on aircraft with conventional control surfaces.
The F-16 VISTA was succesfully tested, but the thrust vectoring nozzle was never installed into in-service F-16 Fighting Falcons.
The F-16 VISTA is not operational, but it is used by the US Air Force´s Test pilot school.