Posted on 06/12/2015 6:52:17 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
FORT WORTH --- Lockheed Martin recently completed 25,000 hours of simulated flight time on an F-16C Block 50 aircraft, demonstrating the safety and durability of the F-16 well beyond the aircraft’s original design service life of 8,000 Equivalent Flight Hours (EFH). Further testing is being conducted to identify a definitive, safe flight hour limit for the aircraft.
The F-16 Full Scale Durability Test (FSDT) applies stress to the aircraft’s structure to represent actual aircraft usage and identify potential fatigue issues. FSDT results will be used to help design and verify Service Life Extension Program (SLEP) structural modifications for the U.S. Air Force and to support F-16 service life certification to 12,000 EFH. The SLEP aims to extend the service life of up to 300 F-16C/D Block 40-50 aircraft.
The SLEP and related avionics upgrades to the Air Force’s F-16C/D fleet can safely and effectively augment the current fighter force structure as U.S. and allied combat air fleets recapitalize with F-35 Lightning IIs.
“This testing milestone clearly demonstrates that F-16s with SLEP modifications can be safely operated longer than anyone previously thought possible,” said Rod McLean, vice president and general manager of the F-16/F-22 Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin. “Enhanced F-16V capabilities—an option for both upgrades and new production aircraft—means that F-16s will remain relevant well into the future. This should provide additional confidence to current F-16 operators and potential new F-16 customers.”
For more than 40 years, the F-16 has proven itself as the world’s most capable 4th Generation multi-role fighter, serving as the workhorse of the fighter fleet for 28 customers around the world. The F-16V, the latest F-16 configuration, includes numerous enhancements designed to keep the F-16 at the forefront of international security.
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I think they were still on C/D blocks when we left General Dynamics back in 1992.
The F-35, like the C-17 and the F-111 before it, will eventually become a valuable asset. But the service life of the F-16 will end up being extended several times before they all are replaced. Too bad the USAF couldn't have funded upgrading the Viper's radar to AESA as originally intended.
Sort of like Jimmy Stewart and the “Reindeer” test aircraft.”It was just fine and then,poof, “
No bias here though, I helped build them for 12 years.
That lifespan is reduced somewhat when the aircraft is used in the close air support role, particularly when it's real close. 
That picture makes me think its Thud II ....the series...... seriously I like the F16. CAS from those guys in the F16 saved my bacon once. Good all round utility combat aircraft.... my opinion.
CAS from anything from AD1 Spads to F16 lawn darts is a good thing, and the whole point of the exercise is to save the bacon of guys on the ground. The former A10 wrencher in thefamily will admit that a F16 can indeed do a pretty fair job of CAS, IF it has a LANTIRN pod on board...and, once it dumps all it's 20mm, can go back upstairs and pull overhead cover for those still working downstairs. The only big downside is loiter time.
I was always real fond of B57 *Cranberry* Canberras. They had the fuel aboard to stick around for hours.
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