Forum: F-16 News

We received a comment on one of our pages that NASA is retiring the F-16XLs with the single seater being put on a pole and the two seater being scrapped. Scrapped?!? is there not museum that would take this machine? Is there any one on this board who can make a difference here before it's too late? Does NASA decide the fate of these aircraft?

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Damn shame to see such a fine bird recycled into tin cans! Hopefully the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum (http://www.nasm.si.edu/) or SOMEBODY will rescue that F-16XL before its too late (I know Geogen would be devastated if they destroyed that prototype)!

I know a few folks down at NASA … heck I met Gordon Fullerton the other day! Not Worthy

I’ll ask around and see what’s up?
Last I heard there was talk of flying one of them again; however I heard they were in poor shape.
NASA has a block 50 now, maybe all is well!

Thanks for the laugh, FD.

So what if they make an XL kabob on a post somewhere, the fools will never get it right!! lol. Mad

I actually understand and accept why XL was never pushed by LM, as it would have killed JSF. Nothing more nothing less.

As to a future 'Super Viper' however.. now that can be an entirely different flock of birds, light years ahead of even the mighty XL. So no worries eh!

Respects to those XL program guys and gals..

Geogen,
As an XL program veteran, my thanks for your appreciation of the airplane and our efforts. But, even though the XL was a great airplane in its day, it could never have performed as well as the F-35 in today's environment. External carriage would have seen to that. The basic airframe had some RCS reduction technology, but could not approach F-35 in that respect either.

So I say, move on and hope suitable display venues can be found for both airplanes.

VarkVet wrote:

NASA has a block 50 now, maybe all is well!

Anybody know what tail # Question

Boman wrote:

VarkVet wrote:

NASA has a block 50 now, maybe all is well!

Anybody know what tail # Question

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/research/index.html

It's an old Shaw jet.

Ah - 90-0840

Thanks Cheers

geogen wrote:

I actually understand and accept why XL was never pushed by LM, as it would have killed JSF. Nothing more nothing less.

Actually, the JSF wasn't even thought about when the XL was being flight tested.

The XL was actually a General Dynamics bird, not LM. In 1984, the XL lost the Enhanced Tactical Fighter contract to the F-15E, which was a replacement program for the 'Vark.

The X-35, which was the forerunner to the JSF didn't fly until LM had taken over GD's aviation operation.

I hope that the AF could get one of the XL's to display at Wright-Pat. Either that, or the Smithsonian. It was such an interesting plane, and one that I believe the public would like to see.

It'd be a d@mn shame to see them turn it into razor blades or soda cans. I mean, I know these are troubled economic times and all, but for godsakes, we're not hurting that badly.

Geogen wrote:

Thanks for the laugh, FD.

Hey no problem,glad you got a chuckle out of that (I liked your "XL Kabob remark). Very Happy

Geogen wrote:

I actually understand and accept why XL was never pushed by LM, as it would have killed JSF. Nothing more nothing less

I'm not sure about beating the vaunted F-35, but an F-16XL would definitely give a Eurofighter or a Dassault Rafale a run for it's money in my opinion! We all have our personal favorite aircraft and the XL was a sweet design. Probably would be capable of supercruise (ESPECIALLY with the monster engines the F-22 and F-35 have with plenty of thrust to spare). I still hope someone save's that extra F-16XL besides the one slated to be a gate guard.

I think you have a better chance in seeing God if you think that jet will be scrapped.

Like I said I’ll ask around … however, I feel the issue is that numerous organizations (AF Museum, Edwards, NASA, etc) are fighting for this platform!

In my opinion it would look good right next to that A-10B @ the Edwards museum!

Then again … if you go to the http://www.nasa.gov/centers/dryden/home/index.html you will see that some of the testing with XL is still classified. Someone may not want it sitting out in the open!

I had the opportunity to see an XL come into Nellis during a Red Flag back in 82 or 83 … I’ts one of those jets that they put straight into a secure Hangar upon landing!

Quote:

VarkVet In my opinion it would look good right next to that A-10B @ the Edwards museum!

That would look great. Here's hoping. Smile

I agree with VarkVet. We're talking 1 of 2 here not some production-line jet they made thousands of. I hope we're not the only ones recognizing the significance of this jet.

No gentlemen your not the only ones who realize the significance of this aircraft. Losing it would be like destroying an XB-70 Valkyrie. Someone SHOULD step up and see to it she has a resting place worthy of her contributions to the aviation world. Smithsonian, or Wright Pat would be to excellent options. Of course i would'nt rule out Edwards plane patch either.
I only wish I had the connections or $$$ to see to it she remains a big part of our history, and not just in photos, but somewhere i could take my grandkids to and point at with pride.
SAVE THE XL!! Varkvet, please get in touch with your contacts down at NASA and ask them for their assistance. I'm tired of seeing OUR history turned into razor blades and staples. Just my Two Cents

Forum: F-16 News

F-16XL's being retired (one being scrapped)