I thought this was cool to watch. I was surprised by the agility and visibility.

Very cool. Thanks

Man, he was off the deck fast!

Thought you might like to read about the guy whose ideas inspired the aircraft


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(military_strategist)


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(military_strategist)

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kevbo,

It's even faster and more maneuverable if it's flown while blasting Queen over a Walkman.

quote:

Originally posted by Kevbo:
Thought you might like to read about the guy whose ideas inspired the aircraft


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(military_strategist)

John Boyd was a genius, and where we get the idea of the OODA Loop

My BIL was an F16 pilot and IP for 25 years. As an IP he flew almost every day. Eventually those G Forces start to wear on these pilots.

Used to work at Buckley AFB, was treated almost daily to a mini airshow, F16s,F35s,T38s,Typhoons, C17s, Guppy’s. Used to sit near the runaway and eat lunch while they were taking off and landing. Was very cool.

quote:

Originally posted by Kevbo:
Thought you might like to read about the guy whose ideas inspired the aircraft


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(military_strategist)

Read his biography. John Boyd

Its an amazing read.

Andrew

Several years ago friend and I were going to a restaurant across the street from Ellington Field. Just as we got out of the car, 3 F-16s flew right over our head. We didn't hear them until they flew over. Scared the crap out of us.

My dad was one of the design team at Pratt and Whitney for the F-100 engine in the F-16 and F-15.
I remember him taking me to see one "run-to-failre" at 110% rated thrust in a test rack, I was probably 5 or 6. I only remember that it was loud.

quote:

Originally posted by Kevbo:
Thought you might like to read about the guy whose ideas inspired the aircraft


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/...(military_strategist)

Thank you for the link (although it's incorrect. It goes to a page that asks "are you looking for John Boyd (military strategist)? Your link is missing the closing parenthesis).

In any case, it breaks my preconception that all government projects are done by committee. I'm sure there probably was a committee but he was the big dog.

I'm also impressed that he seemed more of a theorist having just a few missions at the end of the Korean war and was that of a wing man. He's a practical genius.

As important as Boyd’s OODA Loop is, it’s arguable that his E-M theory (Energy-Maneuverability) may be more important; it became the standard for world fighter aircraft design. He and his “Fighter Mafia” in the Pentagon, are directly responsible for the development of two fighter aircraft, the F-16 and the FA-18. Of the two, Boyd wanted the F-16 for the Air Force, he wanted a single pipe and a high E-M ratio, he got that with the Viper.

His theories on Maneuver Warfare led to his collaboration with the USMC which produced a new tactics manual. Interestingly, that USMC Tactics Manual, like Sun Tsu’s “Art of War” was widely distributed in the business and government world for its universal applicability. He also collaborated with SecDef Cheney on the invasion strategy for Desert Storm, which produced the “Left Hook Strategy” employed so successfully by Tommy Franks.

I’ve read his biography too. Twice. Highly recommended. It’s appalling that many more Marine Corps officers paid their respects at his services at Arlington than Air Force. He broke some eggs in his creations.

Wow ... that was super cool to watch, especially on the 'tubes full screen !

The F-16 is the culmination of a number of studies and vocal positions by a handful of aircraft designers, military theorists and politicians called the 'Fighter Mafia'. Previous airplane generations had always succeeded the prior generation going faster and higher, while stuffing as much technology as possible. The mixed performance by the F-4 against the Mig-21 and the questionable tactics that the USAF were using in Vietnam, reinforced their position.

The 'Fighter Mafia' argued that a fighter need only be highly maneuverable, nimble and have a very high thrust-to-weight ratio; everything was excessive. Multi-role mission development were to be avoided, thus they were quite vocal in their disappointment with the large and expensive F-14 and F-15. Cost considerations forced both the USAF and USN to take seriously their proposals, which eventually became the F-16 and F/A-18.

Fantastic book -- it's one of those on my "keeper" shelf.

quote:

Originally posted by LastCubScout:
It's even faster and more maneuverable if it's flown while blasting Queen over a Walkman.

Like racing a Cessna through Snake Canyon?

quote:

Originally posted by LastCubScout:
It's even faster and more maneuverable if it's flown while blasting Queen over a Walkman.

Meh...let's see it hover.

Not exactly a hover, but an F16 can fly low and slow..