Lockheed Martin is awaiting funding to complete modification of the F-16 Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft (VISTA) with thrust vectoring. The US Air Force's VISTA/ F-16, operated by Calspan Flight Research and re-engined with a Pratt & Whitney F100-229, is to be fitted with P&W's axisymmetric thrust-vectoring pitch/yaw balanced-beam nozzle. Lockheed Martin has flight tested the aircraft with the -229 engine and a larger, modular common inlet duct. Plans call for full-envelope thrust vectoring to be integrated with the VISTA/F-16's variable-stability flight-control system to provide a "unique tool" for simulating a wide range of aircraft in flight.
Source: Flight International
