Old Viper Tester Posted February 5, 2019 Share Posted February 5, 2019 (edited) F-16XL-1, 75-0749, arrives at Edwards AFB to begin the combined test program and competition with the F-15E in the Derivative/Dual-Role Fighter Competition. The XL had accomplished several flights at General Dynamics Fort Worth to demonstrate basic airworthiness before being delivered to Edwards by GD test pilot Jim McKinney. 18 July 1982. That's a gun butt in the background (right). Never did find out why an 8th Tac Fighter Wing aircraft was used to escort the XL, or if it continued on to South Korea or went back to Fort Worth. The entry stairs are unique to General Dynamics and had two different configurations corresponding to single-seat and two-seat F-16s. The AMRAAMs are just shapes with no upper wings/fins. As the XLs never had missile launchers installed, the AMRAAM shapes were bolted to the fuselage. Preparing to swing her around and push her into the maintenance hangar for acceptance inspection. Thanks for looking, Sven Edited February 10, 2019 by Old Viper Tester 25 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whiskey Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Perfect Sven, thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaddad Posted February 6, 2019 Share Posted February 6, 2019 Keith your posts are always interesting & useful & most appreciated, keep them coming, cheers, spad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted February 13, 2019 Share Posted February 13, 2019 Wow! Beautiful shots, one and all! Thanks, Sven! Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Giorgio N Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 Great pictures once again, thanks for sharing ! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Agent K Posted February 15, 2019 Share Posted February 15, 2019 Superb photos. I like to think of myself as a knowledgable aviation type, but I'd never realised the XL proposed the underwing/body blend recessed AIM7's! Every day is a school day! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red Dot Posted February 25, 2019 Share Posted February 25, 2019 I've finally got time for a photo catch-up. These are great pictures Sven. Don't the AMRAAMs look odd without a pylon? It makes you wonder if it would have worked in practice. Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Viper Tester Posted February 25, 2019 Author Share Posted February 25, 2019 6 hours ago, Red Dot said: Don't the AMRAAMs look odd without a pylon? It makes you wonder if it would have worked in practice. The theory was that production launchers would eject the AMRAAM, much like the AIM-7s on F-4s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robert Posted February 27, 2019 Share Posted February 27, 2019 Such a lovely looking aircraft. Great shots again Sven. Robert Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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