Forum: F-16 Simulators

Hi Guys,

This is with the Sp3 version of Falcon4.

I find it curious that the Falcon F16 doesn't behave similar to a propeller aircraft when reducing the power setting on the throttle.

On a prop plane that is trimmed for level flight at a particular airspeed, the aircraft descends to maintain airspeed when the power is reduced. But the F16 seems to maintain level flight for a long time, when power is reduced, but the airspeed decreases immediately.

I wonder if it is because of the FLCS or whether this is intrinsic behaviour of jet aircraft with "relaxed static stability"?

Or is it just a short-coming of the sim's flight model ?

Mike

F-16.net Sponsor

I believe it's the FLCS, but that's only a guess. I think if you reduce the power, it increases the AOA to keep the jet flying level, so you would get reduction in airspeed, but no immediate loss of altitude.

With a propeller aircraft that induced drag decreases immediately with the relaxing of the throttle, too. That has implications on the lift generated.

I believe (and someone who worked on the aircraft should correct me if I'm wrong) that the F-16 FLCS uses a g-command system--that is, force/deflection on the stick is translated to a given g-load rather than a control surface deflection. And with hands off the stick, the aircraft will try to maintain a constant 1 g. Pull the power off and the aircraft stays level.

"Conventional" (ie, non-FBW) are speed-stable; pull off power and the aircraft will eventually stabilize in a descent at the previous trimmed airspeed.

Forum: F-16 Simulators

Falcon4 F16 flight model