General Dynamics NF-16A AFTI

The US. .Air Force used this highly modified fighter for more than 20 years to test new ideas in flight control, electronic targeting, and cockpit design. A one-of-a-kind aircraft, the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) F-16 made more than 700 flights in 10 different research programs between 1978 and 2000.

AFTI F-16 programs developed targeting lasers and computers, and new autopilot and ground-avoidance systems which allowed pilots to fly faster and lower while seeking and attacking targets. Other AFTI advances included digital flight controls, a voice-activated maneuvering system that allowed the pilot to "point" the aircraft in unusual flight attitudes, and touch-sensitive cockpit displays. The aircraft's last project tested new technology that reduced the F-35 Lightning II’s weight and increased its maneuverability.

One of the AFTI program's most significant achievements was the first-ever use of all-electric "power by wire" flight controls, with no hydraulic or mechanical backups to move the aircraft's control surfaces. This milestone won the AFTI team the 2000 Aerospace Industry Award for Engineering, Maintenance, and Modification.

In 2001 the AFTI F-16 was retired and transferred to the museum.

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Cockpit360 Images

View the NF-16A AFTI Cockpit

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