Forum: F-16 Design & Construction

Does the block 52+ variant differ in length compared to the first few blocks (15/25/30)? According to the versions section here, the length does not change. However, after looking the specs for 52+ from other websites, I noticed that the lengths weren't the exact same.

Are the different websites measuring from different points on the aircraft or are the f-16.net specs inaccurate, meaning that maybe 52+ really is longer?

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Are you noticing the engine length?

The PW engine nozzle is longer than the GE. You can see in most photos that the GE nozzle does not extend past the horizontal stabs, where the PW nozzle does.

So; PW Blocks 5-25, 32, 42, 52, 52+ will have a longer nozzle than the GE Blocks 30, 40, 50 or 60. This will make the jet look longer even though it isn't. The tip of the vertical tail still extends past both PW/GE nozzles, so from pitot tube to the tip tail, the length is almost the same for all. Wink

Hope it helps...

Keep 'em flyin'
TEG Thumb

I hear a bar bet coming. Good info. Nice trivia.

Thanks, that helps a lot.

I still have one small question though. You said the length from the vertical tail tip to the pitot tube is "almost" the same for all variants. Any idea how much shorter or longer an F-16 C from blks 5 to 52 can get?

I don't think much of anything. Maybe a few inches?

The basic design hasn't changed, and GD/LM hasn't changed the basic design for the structure other than making it stronger. Stronger tends to add weight, but not much length.

Even the engines have stayed almost identical over the years as far as dimensions; besides weight... (Due to durability/reliability enhancements)

Then again most of us tend to get a bit heaver with maturity, but gain reliability as well Wink

Keep 'em flyin' Thumb

TEG

That really clears things up. Thanks for the help, fatty. Razz

xenon333 wrote:

That really clears things up. Thanks for the help, fatty. Razz

Is a Block 52 fatter than a Block 5? Or more mature, capable, and durable?

Block 52 is more mature, capable, and durable, but it's also a lot fatter. I guess you can't have one without the other. Razz

If your going pitot to back of tail as if a plumb line was dropped from top back tip of tail wouldn't they all be the same length? and is that the official length or do they go from pitot to back of engine? A good bar bet would be pitot to back of engine because when you go out to measure you can dilate or contract the nozzle a few inches to fit your side of the bet!

Apparently they're not all the exact same length. I think what TEG was trying to say is that the distance from the pitot to the vertical tail tip might be a couple inches smaller or larger depending on the block number of the C/D variant.

vegasdave901 wrote:

A good bar bet would be pitot to back of engine because when you go out to measure you can dilate or contract the nozzle a few inches to fit your side of the bet!

True; Depending on the position of the nozzle (open/closed) the nozzle length of both engine types does change.

Another factor is engine temperature. A hot engine is longer than a cold one. Ever wonder why the front mount of the engine is a roller in a track? When you look closely at hardware in the turbines, and augmentor sections, the expansion factor is very evident in the overall design.

xenon333 wrote:

Apparently they're not all the exact same length. I think what TEG was trying to say is that the distance from the pitot to the vertical tail tip might be a couple inches smaller or larger depending on the block number of the C/D variant.

Yes; that is what I was getting at.

Keep 'em flyin' Thumb

TEG

I think there is a slight height difference between the blk 32s and older versus the blk 40s and newer due to the landing gear. I'd say around 4-6 inches or so. I can't remember height requirement at the rear for pulling a motor on the 30s but I do know that you don't require a jack under the nose like you do on the 40s and newer although that may have more to do with weight.

TimmayMan wrote:

I think there is a slight height difference between the blk 32s and older versus the blk 40s and newer due to the landing gear. I'd say around 4-6 inches or so. I can't remember height requirement at the rear for pulling a motor on the 30s but I do know that you don't require a jack under the nose like you do on the 40s and newer although that may have more to do with weight.

Correct, but more with height than weight.

The stance of the gear is higher, but the engine R&I (Removal & Installation) trailer still has extension limits. By jacking the nose up, it lowers the engine to the reach of the R&I trailer.

The amount of gear installed on the aircraft can greatly affect this as well. No canopy, no seat, no gun, and you're pretty much screwed if you want to remove the engine. Not enough weight. Jacking the nose won't cause the jet to pivot, it only causes lift on the nose. Lack of planning means the engine has stays put until the jet comes back together more.

Forum: F-16 Design & Construction

Variant lengths