F-16.net

Hi all.

I've heard that there is a problem with flying the F-16 without any missiles on the wingtip launching rails (the wing will begin to flutter), and that's why we always see the F-16 with either the AIM-9 or AIM-120 on the wingtips, even when they aren't needed.

My question is, what happens after these missiles have been fired (in a mission or a "live" training sortie)? Are there any special procedures for flying withoout the missiles on the wingtips?

Thanks.

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That's interesting. I have never heard that theory before and I have often seen Dutch / Belgian F-16 with empty rails. I am afraid I cannot answer your question but would like to add that the F-16 normally always carries (at least) one dummy missile in peace time. this 'missile' had a head made of lead so that is shows up on radar. The F-16's radar profile is small and then chance is that an F-16 might nog be properly recognised on radar if it the radar signature is not increased.

The wingtip missiles help reduce flutter. Nothing special is accomplished after a missile fires. Just standard procedure to have something on the wing tips to increase structural life of the wing.
Chickenlegs

Elite 1K Joined: May 10, 2005 Posts: 1090 Status: Offline

Quote:

and that's why we always see the F-16 with either the AIM-9 or AIM-120 on the wingtips, even when they aren't needed.

I don't know about "always"

Here's a few pix of some vipers returning from flight sans wingtip missiles

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ ... 020009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ ... bab006.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v477/ ... bab009.jpg

Now, there is obviously a bunch of stuff under the wings to keep it from "fluttering I guess.

The Viper Demos are flown without anything on the wings....tanks, racks or missiles.

In demos they usually use a smokewinder, a Sidewinder dummy that produces smoke, and they put it on the wingtip rails.

Elite 1K Joined: May 26, 2005 Posts: 1136

I don't think the USAF F-16 demo uses smokewinders, and I KNOW the Thunderbirds don't. I'm going to see the F-16 Demo at an airshow today (along with the Blue Angels!), I'll report back. Oh how I wish I had a decent digital camera.

I saw Viper West at an airshow recently and I don't think that they used smokewinders during their demonstration. I have pics of it on my cell phone, if I can figure out how to get it on the computer I'll post it.

Newbie Joined: Dec 29, 2003 Posts: 15 Status: Offline

I have never seen a USAF Viper Demo (either solo or the Tunderbirds) with smokewinders. Smokewinders are, however, a very common thing on Viper Demos with the european air forces (Belgium, Netherlands, etc).

Picture of West Coast Demo Viper at Tuscon, AZ 2005

The USAF does not use the Smokewinder on the Viper. They always fly the Demo's with clean tips. See Pictures...

The only time you see Smokewinders on a US Viper is when Lockheed Martin has leased a bird from the military for practice before an international Lockheed Martin flown demo. This picture is from McEntire ANGB where Lockheed has leased this aircraft from the military and the Lockheed Demo Pilot was practicing for the Paris Airshow.

Elite 1K Joined: May 26, 2005 Posts: 1136

Yep, the wingtips on the F-16 were clean. Great show, if a little windy.

Total bunk. The jet flys just fine without missiles on 1 and 9. In fact they are the primary missiles to be fired in combat, sta 1 first. The 120s go out there to dampen some roll rate and they have a better view from there too. We don't have to have them there and the East Coast demo flies clean as you can see in the pics. Of course the T-birds do also. There was even a cap developed to cover the wing tip if no launcher was installed. The USAF never bought it but I think the IAF may have.

Newbie Joined: Jul 07, 2005 Posts: 19 Status: Offline

To answer the original question, there isn't a problem with having no missile on 1 & 9. I see planes flying frequently without missiles installed there. However, there is a problem without having a launcher rail of some sort on those stations though. It is a Red X in the aircraft forms if wingtip launchers are removed. I don't think the Viper has a problem flying without them installed, but as mentioned before, the electronic connections are exposed, and a cap of some sort would be needed to protect against moisture and the elements. A bare launcher solves this problem. Also gives the windshield washer guys a good place to hang on when they're asking the weapons guys advice like this. Wink

There was a cap developed but not bought by the USAF. I have seen IDF jets fly, ferry, to Israel without rails. Just a good healthy covering of duct tape.

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Forum: F-16 Procedures

What happens after missiles from wingtip rails launched?