F-16 AFTI in flight

This 27-second movie clip shows the F-16 Advanced Fighter Technology Integration aircraft in formation flight with another F-16. Note the lower forward-mounted canards just behind the engine intake, which in a dogfight, would be used for "selective fuselage pointing" to quickly acquire and target the opponent.

The AFTI (Advanced Fighter Technology Integration) /F-16 program was a joint NASA/USAF effort evaluating advanced digital flight controls, automated maneuvering, voice-activated controls, sensors, and close-air support attack systems on a modified F-16. Research and test results could be applied to existing or future aircraft.

Originally conceived as a program to explore flight control technology as well as various maneuvering concepts, this program was flown at Edwards Air Force Base. This flight research aircraft was one of the original six F-16A airplanes that was modified extensively to study the feasibility of advanced technologies. For instance, it demonstrated the operational value of voice command and automated ground collision avoidance systems, an automated maneuvering system for all aspects of air and ground combat, an automated threat avoidance and terrain following system, and a night vision helmet with a dual forward-looking infrared capability that was pointed by movement of the pilot's head. All of these systems served to reduce the pilot's workload in the demanding and dangerous role of close-air support. These systems would help ensure that a pilot was more effective in his first pass over a low-level target in a battle area.

One of the most important technology spinoffs from the AFTI program was the incorporation of an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) on all commercial airliner traffic. This system, derived from the AFTI ground collision avoidance system is currently being installed on all commercial aircraft.

   Last Modified: December 9, 2001
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