![]() In long range missions, the use of CFT dramatically increases the operational radius of the aircraft, since it enables the aircraft to fly a long range strike mission, with full weapon’s load, and engage in air combat when external (370 Gal) fuel tanks are dropped. This allows doubling the F-16’s primary weapon capacity and flying with two, rather than one, types of large weapons in a balanced configuration. For medium range air-to-surface missions, CFTs can eliminate the need for wing tanks. Israel, for example placed a special significance to the operational flexibility of its new F-16I, derived from the added range and endurance provided by the CFT. “A set of CFTs carries 50 percent more fuel than the centerline external fuel tank, but has only 12 percent of the drag.” The CFTs are designed for the full F-16 flight envelope – up to 9 g’s, maximum angle of attack and sideslip and maximum roll rate. Air Force project pilot for CFT testing at Eglin. “The CFTs have very little adverse effect on the F-16’s renowned performance,” said Maj. The CFTs are built to Lockheed Martin’s specification, by IAI as a sole source, as part of the Peace Marble V program offsets. A complete set can be removed or replaced within two hours. When fitted with CFT the aircraft retains almost the full handling qualities, flight limits, and signature. The tanks have neglible effect on the aircraft agility, at subsonic speed, However, at supersonic speed, the drag is increased proportionally to the increase in speed. Range increase is on the order of twenty to forty percent, depending on the stores configuration and mission profile. The extra fuel increases range, loiter time, and combat persistence as well as reduces the demand for tanker support.
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