During the first phase of the AFTI/ F- 16 program, which began in 1983, the aircraft demonstrated voice-actuated commands, helmet-mounted sights, flat turns, and selective fuselage pointing using forward-mounted canards and a triplex digital flight control computer system. A relatively low-cost testbed, it evaluated the feasability of advanced, intergrated-sensor, avionics, and flight control technologies. The aircraft-an F- 16A Fighting Falcon (Serial #75-0750)-underwent numerous modifications. The tests demonstrated technologies to improve navigation and the pilot's ability to find and destroy enemy ground targets day or night, including adverse weather.
The testbed aircraft, seen here in flight over the desert at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, was called the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) F- 16. Air Force participated in a joint program to integrate and demonstrate new avionics technologies to improve close air support capabilities in next-generation aircraft. During the 1980s and 1990s, NASA and the U.S. The white objects visible on the wing racks represent practice bomb dispensers, used in weapon tests. Dummy Sidewinder air-to-air missles are attached to the wing tips. The AFTI F- 16 flying at high angle of attack, shown in the final configuration and paint finish.