General Dynamics X-62 VISTA

X-62 VISTA
The General Dynamics VISTA/MATV NF-16D
Role Experimental aircraft
Manufacturer General Dynamics
(later Lockheed Martin) and
Calspan
First flight April 1992[1]
Primary user United States Air Force
Number built 1
Developed from General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics X-62 VISTA ("Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft")[2] is an experimental aircraft, derived from the F-16D Fighting Falcon, which was modified as a joint venture between General Dynamics and Calspan for use by the United States Air Force (USAF). Originally designated NF-16D, the aircraft was redesignated X-62A in June 2021 as part of an upgrade to a Skyborg, with System for Autonomous Control of Simulation (SACS).[3]

The X-62A remains on the curriculum of the Air Force Test Pilot School as a practice aircraft for test pilots.[3]

  1. ^ Simonsen, Erik (2016). A Complete History of U.S. Combat Aircraft Fly-Off Competitions. Forest Lake, MN: Specialty Press. p. 159. ISBN 978-1-58007-227-4.
  2. ^ Thuloweit, Kenji (20 March 2019). "New VISTA paint scheme gets artist's approval". Robins Air Force Base. Retrieved 24 December 2021.
  3. ^ a b Casem, Giancarlo (30 July 2021). "NF-16D VISTA becomes X-62A, paves way for Skyborg autonomous flight tests". DVIDS. Retrieved 24 December 2021.

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