From The Archives: F-16XL Laminar Testing

Aviation Week's October 23, 1995 cover showcased the General Dynamics F-16XL during its historic first flight on October 13. 

The aircraft featured a specialized large suction panel mounted on its left wing, demonstrating that laminar airflow could be achieved at supersonic speeds while requiring only moderate suction levels—a significant advancement in aerodynamic technology.

The test series was intended to play an important role in the design of a U.S. high-speed civil transport. 

The flight took place from NASA’s Dryden Flight Research Center (now the Armstrong Flight Research Center) with NASA research pilot Dana Purifoy at the controls. 

A derivative of the F-16 Fighting Falcon with a cranked-arrow delta wing, the F-16XL lost the U.S. Air Force's Enhanced Tactical Fighter competition in 1981 to the F-15E Strike Eagle. 

The two prototypes were donated to NASA for aeronautical research in 1988 and retired in 2009. Carla Thomas/NASA photo.

Read the cover story on page 42. 

Read the full issue dated October 23 1995 | Aviation Week

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