A-16 for Styrene Junkyard Build

Ed S · March 22, 2008, 03:11:09 PM

OK. I'm in. Here is what I'm starting with.

An old YF-16 hulk, a set of F-8 tailplanes, some sheet styrene and various pieces and parts.

Ed

Brian da Basher · March 22, 2008, 03:27:59 PM

It's great to have you join the group build Ed! I'm intrigued by what you've got planned here but it sure looks like it's gonna have one hefty load-out!

Brian da Basher

Eddie M. · March 22, 2008, 03:48:49 PM

Good to see you jump into the deep end.

Looking forward to seeing your progress.

Ed S · March 23, 2008, 08:24:33 PM

Back Story

Following the CAS Eval flyoff with the A-10, F-16 and A-7F, the AF realized that although the A-10 won the flyoff, there was still a need for a close support and battlefield interdiction a/c that had higher speed than the A-10 but was also more manuverable than the F-16 or A-7F. As a result of this, GD at the request of the USAF developed the A-16. Using the basic fuselage of the F-16, GD added a new aft wing of about 10 degree forward sweep and greater span that was optimized for manuverability in the 300-400 knot range. This coupled with the new canards made the A-16 highly agile for the CAS/BAI mission. Since offensive A-A capability wasn't needed, the smaller YF-16 radar and nose was kept on the A-16. The longer wing was stressed to allow higher weapons loads than the F-16. The larger wing also held more fuel which increased endurance. Although the slowest of the F-16 family, the A-16 was also the most manuverable at speeds under 500 knots. Once it entered service, the A-16 showed its capability during Desert Storm and a number of other conflicts around the world. It quickly became popular with many NATO nations along with the F-16 fighter version. Eventually, the A-16 made up about 30% of the total sales of the F-16 and its variants.

Here's what it looks like so far. The fuselage has been through the paint stripping process (a couple hours in a plastic bag soaking in oven cleaner) and the new wings have been cut to shape. This picture shows the general configuration.

Ed

lancer · March 24, 2008, 08:10:17 AM

Wow!! That is amazing Ed. Has gotta be one of the mose radical departures from the standard f16 planform I have ever seen. If the salute smiley was still available (HINT HINT!!) I would be using it rithr about now. I can't wait to see how this beauty turns out!.

John Howling Mouse · March 24, 2008, 09:06:29 AM

Whoa! Now, that is striking. More, more!

Brian da Basher · March 24, 2008, 01:11:45 PM

I really like the shape of those wings Ed! Gives this bird a very predatory look.

Brian da Basher

ysi_maniac · March 24, 2008, 01:24:04 PM

Utterly COOL

bttb

Ed S · April 04, 2008, 08:23:32 PM

Latest update on the A-16. The work so far has been on small things and there hasn't been much to photograph. I have finished shaping the wings and scribing in the control surfaces. Next step is to attach them to the fuselage. Hope to have that completed this weekend. I will be at Anniston tomorrow for their show.

I did mark the scribed lines with pencil just to make them stand out for the photo.

Ed

Captain Canada · April 04, 2008, 10:02:07 PM

Right on ! She's coming along quick ! Any tips on getting the leading/ trailing edges down on that sheet styrene ?

Ed S · April 05, 2008, 08:00:46 PM

Quote from: Captain Canada on April 04, 2008, 10:02:07 PM
Right on ! She's coming along quick ! Any tips on getting the leading/ trailing edges down on that sheet styrene ?

Power tools. Actually, I use a Dremel with a sanding disk a/o drum for the rough shaping. Then I finish it with files and sandpaper down to about 400 grit.

Ed

Ed S · April 11, 2008, 08:32:37 PM

Lastest update on the build. I've been busy with a number of projects lately, but I have found some time to work on this one. Here are some pictures.

This picture shows the wings attached to the fuselage. You can also see where I used some.010 inch strip styrene to fill in and blend the new wing with the fuselage.

After a little filler and sanding, this shows the model with a primer coat (Tamiya rattle can surface primer). I've got a couple small areas that need further filler and sanding. I'll attach the canards later, probably after the model is painted and finished. No sense breaking them off during the construction phase. I also need to drill holes for the pylons and missile rails. I still haven't decided on camo and markings. Too many good options.

Ed

jeff3385 · April 12, 2008, 12:27:45 PM

Great looking build, Ed. It it going to be a "tail sitter" with the wings so far back? Or will is have outriggers like the U-2 on the wingtips... maybe with little bitty SPATS even.

John Howling Mouse · April 12, 2008, 01:25:22 PM

What a fantastic concept, Ed!

Ed S · April 12, 2008, 05:44:42 PM

Quote from: jeff3385 on April 12, 2008, 12:27:45 PM
Great looking build, Ed. It it going to be a "tail sitter" with the wings so far back? Or will is have outriggers like the U-2 on the wingtips... maybe with little bitty SPATS even.

Good point. I am building it gear up, so it won't be a problem for the model. But I guess for the "real" bird, the MLG might have to be moved aft to correct any aft CG problem.

Ed