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Enthusiast Joined: Jan 21, 2008 Posts: 55 Status: Offline

I'm familiar enough with the F16 C and D to know the C is single- and D is dual-seats but are they used for different missions or is the D used for pilot check out? When a new pilot gets to the unit does he/she sit the D before moving to the C? And if so, is there a specific name for a pilot that is checked out in the C? In the Army, we have Pilots and Pilots-In-Command. We have to be a PIC to be in charge of the aircraft and the other pilot. Is it something along that line?

Thanks, Mike

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Elite 1K Joined: Jan 31, 2004 Posts: 1533 Status: Offline

With the exception of maybe unrefueled combat radius (the D carries a little less internal gas 'cause of the 2nd cockpit), both models are fully combat-capable. In fact, the Viper that notched the first official AMRAAM kill was a D model (90-0778). In some configs (like the F-16I) the backseat is a dedicated cockpit for a WSO, kinda like how the F-15E is arranged.

If 2 guys or gals are in a D, the front seat is usually the one in command unless control is transferred to the back seat. The backseat has identical controls except its throttle only goes to MIL power.

Don't know 'bout front seat names but I've heard the aft occupant sometimes referred to as GIB: Guy (or Gal) In Back, Back Seat Driver, Mother-In-Law, Ballast, The Map Reader/Folder, etc. etc. Wink

There are obviously others, derogatory or otherwise.

You'll also hear posters on the board sometimes refer to the D model as: Family Model, Sedan, Grocery Getter, and others.

Out here at Luke, the instructor sits in the back and the student in the front.

Enthusiast Joined: Jan 21, 2008 Posts: 55 Status: Offline

Makes sense. So do the pilots have annual evaluations like we do? If so, does the evaluator sit back seat? How does it work when a new pilot gets to a unit? Are they evaluated? We've got a readiness level that you have to move up in a new unit. RL3-only base tasks with an evaluator, RL2 base tasks, RL1 fully mission qualified.

Thanks, Mike

Rusty,

Sounds like you want to move over to the "GO FAST WORLD"?

Check out Air Force Instruction 11 - series ... all your questions and more will be answered.

And No, you cant do a negative G gun Jinks with a fighter, @ least your not supposed to Laughing

Enthusiast Joined: Jan 21, 2008 Posts: 55 Status: Offline

'Go fast world'? No thanks (no offense:) the day you hover one of those, I'll think about it, though...
I will check out the AF Instr 11 series. Thanks

Our guys called the D-model "the tub". FYI, in the Navy the F-18E and the F-18F are used for different missions with the aft seat in the F used for a WSO, or NFO, or whatever they call 'em over there. Apparently the F is not just a two-seat E.

Enthusiast Joined: Jan 21, 2008 Posts: 55 Status: Offline

That's a heck of a resume, Sixer

SixerViper wrote:

Our guys called the D-model "the tub". FYI, in the Navy the F-18E and the F-18F are used for different missions with the aft seat in the F used for a WSO, or NFO, or whatever they call 'em over there. Apparently the F is not just a two-seat E.

Can you alaborate furthermore on this matter? Because thats new information

I always called my pilot "Nose Gunner". (They were rarely happy about that Smile

)

Elite 1K Joined: Jan 31, 2004 Posts: 1533 Status: Offline

Roscoe...you can always have your gunners wear a set of NVGs and have 'em act as your backup NAV/FLIR pod.... Laughing

general_samkari wrote:

Can you alaborate furthermore on this matter? Because thats new information

I believe he meant the F is not a two-seat trainer version of the E. The F has a "missionized" aft cockpit, much like the "night attack" D-model Hornet.

Elite 1K Joined: Jan 31, 2004 Posts: 1533 Status: Offline

Am I understanding this right?. ALL F-18Fs have missionized aft seats? (including the Fs at Lemoore and Oceana?) Confused

Rusty, where and what do you fly?

sweetpete wrote:

Rusty, where and what do you fly?

Ditto, I am curious, too. He said "in the Army" ... I am not familiar with the terms he used for my Army... Pilot, PIC... Rolling Eyes

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C vs. D