Re: F-16A vs F-16C Maneuverability
Posted: 31 Oct 2022, 19:39
I am guessing the 220 A chart is for 20,000lbs. Since the Block 15 is nearly physically identical to the Block 42: same engine, and same sized wing. Only real difference is it not having the larger vertical tail base and bulged main gear doors as a consequence of the 42's higher MGTOW. So drop 2,000lb and max Instantaneous Turn Rate goes up. Also the FWS-188 chart for 15,000ft is at 19.8dps and 20,875lbs, subtract the 875lbs and you are probably now at the 20.1 of the Block 15-1-1. So a 20,000lbs F-16, regardless of the motor, will all have a relatively similar max Instantaneous Turn Rate because that metric is more of a factor of lift than thrust.
Also the Block 15 is still flying with a few hundred pounds more fuel than the 42. Square them both off for 50% and everything slightly increases even more in favor of the Block 15.
Getting back to topic A vs C. The A will have a lighter nose and better Instantaneous Turn/Radius up against its limiter than the C, meaning it will also perform better at slower speeds. Yet, the C (Block 30 BI as my example) will have greater acceleration/climb/Ps-sustained turns- bleed less energy than the A. I guess that having all those vs only giving up a few degrees of Instantaneous turn/slow speed is the deal breaker? Just my own observations here.
I found this and it echoes similar to the pilot testimony that Basher posted.
Also the Block 15 is still flying with a few hundred pounds more fuel than the 42. Square them both off for 50% and everything slightly increases even more in favor of the Block 15.
Getting back to topic A vs C. The A will have a lighter nose and better Instantaneous Turn/Radius up against its limiter than the C, meaning it will also perform better at slower speeds. Yet, the C (Block 30 BI as my example) will have greater acceleration/climb/Ps-sustained turns- bleed less energy than the A. I guess that having all those vs only giving up a few degrees of Instantaneous turn/slow speed is the deal breaker? Just my own observations here.
I found this and it echoes similar to the pilot testimony that Basher posted.