DK - F-16 demonstration flight 'solo display'

Saithan

Experienced member
Denmark Correspondent
Messages
8,092
Reactions
21 18,639
Nation of residence
Denmark
Nation of origin
Turkey

F-16 demonstration flight 'solo display'​

During the next month's time, the Air Force will train demonstration flying with F-16 fighter jets. Here you can read when it takes place and get a better idea of why the pilots train demonstration flying.
August 17, 2021 - Kl. 09.28

F-16 fighter jets painted in Dannebrog's colors.

F-16 fighter jets painted in Dannebrog's colors. Photo: Rune Dyrholm / The Armed Forces

By: Fighter Wing Skrydstrup

We have all looked up at the sky and enjoyed the sight and sound of an F-16 being pushed to the limit in a bold display where its maneuverability is showcased. This article will give you a brief insight into what goes on before and during an F-16 demo, seen from the demo pilot MUN´'s side.

Why so much training?
During daily training and retraining, the pilots practice using an F-16 as a fighter aircraft with a focus on weapon delivery, survival and optimal utilization of several aircraft simultaneously. In short, the pilots are performing the tasks that the F-16 is expected to be used for, ”explains MUN.

The maneuvers in an F-16 demo, on the other hand, are not something the pilot usually trains and not at low altitude at all.

“An F-16 demo is an established program where the aircraft's maneuverability is displayed at low altitude, with high G-load and speed. If the pilot makes a mistake, or something goes wrong with the plane, there is only a very short time available before the ground gets VERY close. This is an unfamiliar situation for an F-16 pilot, which is why training and lots of training are necessary and a prerequisite for a safe and beautiful show to be carried out, ”he points out.

How to prepare for a demo?
“Before each demo, the pilot reviews the program intensively from the aerodrome's layout and characteristics to the runway direction, wind direction and cloud cover. All elements that play a significant role and influence the maneuvers that can be performed. In addition to the mental preparation, the pilot also reviews the program's maneuver with arm movements and walking around the room, ”explains the demo pilot.

What is it like to sit in the plane during a demo?
"A full afterburner is selected, and the light aircraft accelerates violently, and only a few seconds later you are airborne and the landing gear is pulled up quickly so that they are not destroyed by the speed. Shortly after, the nose of the plane is pulled upwards, with everything it can pull. Then you are up and running, ”says MUN.

“For eight minutes, you are constantly under maneuvering, and most of the time with a G-influence lies between four to five G and more than eight G in the big turns towards the track. All muscles are tensed and breathing is focused while the G-suit squeezes the air out of you in turns to help keep you conscious. While this is happening, each maneuver should sit in the closet as otherwise it will not look good. The next maneuver is already ready in the memory, while hanging upside down. The body is thrown around incessantly. After the last maneuver is well over, the landing is made. You are back in normal surroundings again. The body is soaked with sweat, the heart is pumping out there and breathing is returning to normal. There are taxis left, and a good workout is well over, and you are more ready for the final show! Maybe 100,000 are watching,

[] -F16-DANNEBROG2-2021- [ARTICLE] .jpg

The Dannebrog F16 is one of the F-16 aircraft used for demonstration flight training. Photo: Rune Dyrholm / The Armed Forces
If the weather allows it, Fighter Wing Skrydstrup trains demo flying on the following days:

Skrydstrup Airport
  • On August 18 at 1000 or 1300.
  • On September 1 at 1000.
  • On September 15 at 1000.
  • On October 11 at 1000 or 1300.
Karup Airport
  • On August 17 at 1027 and at 1300
  • On August 25 at 1027 and at 1300
  • On September 13 at 1027 and at 1300
Aalborg Airport
  • On September 8 at 1020 and 1300.
  • On October 1 at 1020 and 1300.

 
Top Bottom