F-16XL

F-16XL
- Cranked-wing Attacker -

Origin: (Real World)
United States of America

Games Featured In:
Ace Combat 5: The Unsung War
Ace Combat Zero: The Belkan War
Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception

Operators:
"A World With No Boundaries"
Aurelian Air Force
Belkan Air Force
Leasath Air Force
Osean Air Defense Force
Ustian Air Force
Yuktobanian Air Force

Ace Squadron Pilots:
Amsel / BAF (ACZ)
Dichter / BAF (ACZ)
Wizard Squadron / OADF-AWWNB (ACZ)
Biel / LAF (ACX)

Variants:
F-16XA Sakerfalcon (AC3)

Armament: (Special Weapons)
Gun / 1x 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Cannon
Standard Missiles / AIM-9M Sidewinder
XAGM / AGM-65G Maverick(AC5/ACZ/ACX)
BDSP / JP223 Bomblet Dispenser (ACZ/ACX)
SAAM / AIM-7M Sparrow (ACZ/ACX)

Ace Combat 5 Stats:
Speed: 66
Mobility: 52
Stability: 64
Defense: 61
Air-to-Air: 34
Air-to-Ground: 80

Ace Combat Zero Stats:
Speed: 66
Defense: 61
Mobility: 52
Stability: 64
Air-to-Air: 34
Air-to-Ground: 80

Background:
The F-16XL was conceived as an alternative strike aircraft to complement the F-16 Falcon in the 1980s. 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 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 manoeuvrability 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.

SOURCE:
Ace Combat Series (In Game Data)
Book "Aircraft of the World" Author: Claudio Muller - Publisher: Muze Inc. (© 1995 - 2007)
Global Security: F-16XL (Look Near the bottom)

ACCREDITATION:
Original Article By: AeroAceX01