NF-16D Vista
One-off F-16 whose flight computers can imitate the handling of almost any other aircraft.
- Variable stability
- Simulates other aircraft
- Two-seat testbed
- Autonomy test platform
Specification
- Origin
- United States
- Manufacturer
- General Dynamics
- Role
- Trainer
- Generation
- 4
- Introduced
- 1992
- Combat type
- Air
- Spawn code
- f16vista
On the server
The NF-16D VISTA is a single modified two seat F-16 that first flew in 1992. VISTA stands for Variable stability In flight Simulator Test Aircraft, and that is exactly what it does: its flight control computers can be reprogrammed to make the aircraft respond like a different type, so test pilots can evaluate an aircraft that has not been built yet while actually in the air. It later carried thrust vectoring for high angle of attack research and was redesignated X-62A for autonomy and machine flown combat trials. On MCS the VISTA is a curiosity and a training aid. It handles like a clean two seat Falcon with unusually crisp responses, has a rear seat for an instructor, and carries the distinctive orange, white and blue test scheme. It is not built as a weapons platform. Recommended for training flights, handling comparisons and players who like test aircraft.