F-16 into the future

Vocabulary: armed, head-up display (HUD), digital flight-control system (DFCS), high-order language, backup, gate array, target, beef-up, external stores, penetration, to validate.

Exercises:

1. Read the text and mark out the main logical parts of the text.

2. Answer the questions:

1. What's the goal of the new programs for the F-16?

2. What will be the most noticable changes for the F-16 pilot?

3. What is the digital flight-control system (DFCS) based on?

4. What are the weapon developments for the F-16?

5. What performance and handling characteristics does F-16XL exhibit?

3. Make a summary in English.

4. Retell the text in English.

Planned and funded programs are on the point of making the F-16 one of the most extensively developed aircraft of modern times. The type is part-way through a complete revision of its avionics; it is the first fighter in 20 years to be offered with alternative engines and, it will be available in a highly modified configuration with vastly improved performance. The goal¹ is a heavily armed, long-range fighter, but one which has not sacrificed² the remarkable agility³ of the original.

The cockpit will be the most noticeable change for the F-16 pilot. It features two Sperry multi-function displays, capable of controlling all current and future systems and displaying flight, radar and system data, with an "up-front" control panel. It also features an improved GEC Avionics head-up display (HUD).

The next major change to the basic aircraft will be the introduction of a digital flight-control system (DFCS) which, like the interim HUD, was developed from equipment used in the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (APTI) F-16 program.

The DFCS is based on the specially developed Bendix computer, and should be the first digital fly-by-wire system based on a high-order language - Jovial J73 - to enter service. It is quadruplex⁴ and is designed to “fail-operational-squared” standards: it is intended to remain fully operational following any two consecutive failures. To protect against an unforeseen failure in the software-something which could, in theory, simultaneously “crash” all four channels - the computer includes a quadruplex “digital backup”. This takes the form of a separate set of control software, written in isolation from the primary system but permanently installed in the same processor. Thanks to the use of very large-scale integration and advanced gate arrays, it has been possible to pack the DFCS computer into a single standard rack.

Compared with the current F-16 AFCS, a first-generation analogue system, the DFCS is expected to offer greater mean time between failure (the target is 2,150 hr) and better post-failure performance. In the F-16, it is also very significant that the DFCS occupies one-third of the space of its analogue predecessor.

One of the major weapon developments for the F-16C/D and subsequent variants is the Hughes Aircraft Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air-Missile, mounted on the first inboard pylon on the left wing of a USAF F-16. The radar has the capability of providing the data link function which this missile uses for mid course guidance, before its active radar terminal homing takes over⁵.

The empty weight of the F-16 has tended to increase steadily since the first F-16A; the larger tailplane, the structural beef-up and the F110 engine have all made their contributions. The UCAF is considering a further growth of the F110 and F100 engines, to restore the fight performance of the F-16 and improve the performance of the heavy F-15E. The program may take shape this year.

Externally, the F-16F is unlikely to differ significantly from the XL prototypes. For instance, there will be a small change to the trailing-edge thickness profile. Neither are any major changes expected in the internal design of the carbon-fibre-skinned wing.

The prototype aircraft had made more than 600 flights and have continued to exhibit remarkable performance and handling characteristics. One F-16XL has demonstrated full rolls at l00kt (185km/h), at a 30° angle of attack, while carrying external stores. The aircraft appears to handle slightly better with external stores than it does clean, because the well distributed mass of the stores tends to stabilize it. Range and penetration speed improvements attributable to lower airframe drag and the elimination⁶ of external fuel tanks in most missions, continue to be validated by flight tests.

3200 знаков.

Notes:

1. goal – цель

2. to sacrifice – жертвовать

3. agility – подвижность

4. quadruplex – четырехкратный, учетверенный

5. to take over – сменить(ся)

6. elimination – устранение

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