F-16 Durability Testing: 25,000 Hours and Counting

[Techy]

Simulated test flight hours triple that of F-16 design service life certification

An F-16 undergoes durability testing in Lockheed Martin’s Full Scale Durability Test (FSDT) facility in Fort Worth, Texas, where the fighter recently completed more than 25,000 hours of simulated flight time. Video: Lockheed Martin

FORT WORTH, Texas, June 11, 2015– Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) recently completed 25,000 hours of simulated flight time on an F-16C Block 50 aircraft, demonstrating the safety and durability of the F-16 well beyond the aircraft’s original design service life of 8,000 Equivalent Flight Hours (EFH). Further testing is being conducted to identify a definitive, safe flight hour limit for the aircraft.

The F-16 Full Scale Durability Test (FSDT) applies stress to the aircraft’s structure to represent actual aircraft usage and identify potential fatigue issues. FSDT results will be used to help design and verify Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) structural modifications for the U.S. Air Force and to support F-16 service life certification to 12,000 EFH. The SLEP aims to extend the service life of up to 300 F-16C/D Block 40-50 aircraft.

The SLEP and related avionics upgrades to the Air Force’s F-16C/D fleet can safely and effectively augment the current fighter force structure as U.S. and allied combat air fleets recapitalize with F-35 Lightning IIs.

“This testing milestone clearly demonstrates that F-16s with SLEP modifications can be safely operated longer than anyone previously thought possible,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the F-16/F-22 Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “Enhanced F-16V capabilities—an option for both upgrades and new production aircraft—means that F-16s will remain relevant well into the future. This should provide additional confidence to current F-16 operators and potential new F-16 customers.”

For more than 40 years, the F-16 has proven itself as the world’s most capable 4th Generation multi-role fighter, serving as the workhorse of the fighter fleet for 28 customers around the world. The F-16V, the latest F-16 configuration, includes numerous enhancements designed to keep the F-16 at the forefront of international security.

F-16 Durability Testing: 25,000 Hours and Counting · Lockheed Martin

 

[Gufi]

F-16V

The F-16V is the latest in F-16 evolution. Leveraging 40 years of experience, the F-16V includes enhancements such as an AESA Radar, advanced architecture, new center display and the latest in certified weaponry. This improves pilot situational awareness and provides customers increased operational capability. The F-16V is an option for new production jets and current fleet upgrades. The Taiwan government selected the F-16V configuration for its 145 Block 20 F-16 A/B aircraft.

Over all how will this affect Pakistan and its fleet? @Horus @Windjammer @Penguin
And do you think we will go for the new version upgrades if they are offered

 

[Goenitz]

thats the quality of west machines.... in a conference a speaker narrated one incident that a US company ordered 40 million transistors and tolerance was one mal piece in one million...
the jap shipped back 3,99,99,960 (-40) transistors plus a small packet of 40 transistors with statement:
"we don't know why you have ordered 40 nonfunctional transistors"

the head to tail tolerance of f-16 is 1 mm.. whereas of mirages is 40 mm...
you cannot fit one part of miraj to other miraj as it is rubbed, grinned, milled for just that manufactured plane..

 

[mkg00179504]

Again it proves why F 16 is the best fighter jet ever. No modern jet comes close to its record be it in combat , safety , maintenance or anything. I met a pilot at hill airforce base and asked him about F16. His words were "it's like you asking for a Camry and you get a corvette" .

 

[MastanKhan]

thats the quality of west machines.... in a conference a speaker narrated one incident that a US company ordered 40 million transistors and tolerance was one mal piece in one million...
the jap shipped back 3,99,99,960 (-40) transistors plus a small packet of 40 transistors with statement:
"we don't know why you have ordered 40 nonfunctional transistors"

the head to tail tolerance of f-16 is 1 mm.. whereas of mirages is 40 mm...
you cannot fit one part of miraj to other miraj as it is rubbed, grinned, milled for just that manufactured plane..

A mega U S manufacturer ordered ignition switched from Toyota at 7% failure-----. Toyota supposedly handed over 7 per 100 seperately as defective items.

 

[black-hawk_101]

I think that PAF should look towards ordering more F-16s Block-52s like another 32+ of them.

 

[Sinnerman108]

A mega U S manufacturer ordered ignition switched from Toyota at 7% failure-----. Toyota supposedly handed over 7 per 100 seperately as defective items.

Haaaahaaaaaaaa

That made my day !

but 7% seriously is a bit too high these days

 

[Windjammer]

It's a beggars belief that the F-16, which first flew in early 70s, is still evolving after over 40 years in service and with new weapons and technologies, it can still hold more than it's own against anything out there.
From onset it pioneered many design features with GD engineers blending wings into the fuselage rather than just being stuck on, FBW, Bubble canopy, Pilot sitting in a reclined position and off course LERX.
Even in PAF service, despite all the sanctions and embargoes, the F-16 fleet achieved 100,000 incident free flying hours, no mean feat by any standards specially considering a single engine machine. Suffice to say that no doubt the newer versions of the Viper will still be flying 25+ years from now.

 

[Donatello]

It's a beggars belief that the F-16, which first flew in early 70s, is still evolving after over 40 years in service and with new weapons and technologies, it can still hold more than it's own against anything out there.
From onset it pioneered many design features with GD engineers blending wings into the fuselage rather than just being stuck on, FBW, Bubble canopy, Pilot sitting in a reclined position and off course LERX.
Even in PAF service, despite all the sanctions and embargoes, the F-16 fleet achieved 100,000 incident free flying hours, no mean feat by any standards specially considering a single engine machine. Suffice to say that no doubt the newer versions of the Viper will still be flying 25+ years from now.

Windy,

What was the time period for the 100,000 incident free hours? Because i believe we recently lost a F-16, one from the original 40 unit Peace Gate order.

 

[[Bregs]]

F 16 is without doubt most successful fighter sold and used all over the world with amazing safety records too

 

[Donatello]

F 16 is without doubt most successful fighter sold and used all over the world with amazing safety records too

Are you sure you're an Indian?

 

[Super Falcon]

Its time to get over it think future twon engine jets are order of the day countries like indonesia ordering twin eng SU 30 why pakistan cant handle it is just mental block once we get over it we forget F 16

 

[-------]

Its time to get over it think future twon engine jets are order of the day countries like indonesia ordering twin eng SU 30 why pakistan cant handle it is just mental block once we get over it we forget F 16

Why? your potential enemy is only next door.

 

[bilalshaw]

F-16 Viper could be a non-Stealth F-35.

 

[Max Pain]

F-16 Viper could be a non-Stealth F-35.

Bshaw toonay bhi pdf mai account bna liya