Lockheed Martin is to resume flight testing of conformal fuel tanks (CFTs) on the F-16 next month following installation of the first functional set of tanks. Testing of aerodynamic shapes was completed in August, after 24 flights totalling 65h. The shape has been refined since conformal tanks were first demonstrated on the F-16 in 1994, and flying qualities are "essentially unchanged" when CFTs are fitted, the company says. Together the tanks hold 1,360kg (3,000lb) of fuel, extending range or letting the F-16 carry additional weapons in place of underwing tanks. Greek Block 50-Pluses and Israel's Block 50-Plus-based F-16s will be the first delivered with CFTs.
Source: Flight International