General Dynamics F-16XL

The General Dynamics F-16XL is a derivative of the F-16 Fighting Falcon with a cranked-arrow delta wing. It entered the United States Air Force's (USAF) Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) competition in 1981 but lost to the F-15E Strike Eagle. The two prototypes were shelved until being turned over to NASA for additional aeronautical research in 1988. Both aircraft were fully retired in 2009 and stored at Edwards Air Force Base; one of the two aircraft has since been placed on display.

Development

SCAMP

thumb|left|The SCAMP design team in late 1977, starting left: Harry Hillaker, Andrew Lewis, Kenny Barnes, Jim Gordon

Shortly after winning the lightweight fighter program, General Dynamics Fort Worth began investigating possible derivatives with the goal of enhancing both air-to-air and air-to-ground mission capabilities while retaining parts commonality with the . Under the leadership of Harry Hillaker (designer of the original ), the Supersonic Cruise and Maneuver Prototype (SCAMP) project was started. Several wing designs were considered, including one using a forward-swept wing, but the large "cranked-arrow" wing (similar to that of the Saab 35 Draken) was pursued due to its higher lift-to-drag ratio at supersonic speeds.

The company worked closely with NASA's Langley Research Center and invested significant R&D funds for wind tunnel testing. Over several years the design was refined which led to the final design by late 1980.

Enhanced Tactical Fighter competition

thumb|F-16XL and a conventional F-16

In 1980, the USAF signed on as a partner, providing the fuselages of the third