This 53-second video taken in 1982 shows an F-16 undergoing pre-flight checkout of its control surfaces. The aircraft was used for the Advanced Fighter Technology Integration (AFTI) project at Dryden Flight Research Center (now Armstrong).
The AFTI F-16 project was a joint NASA/USAF effort evaluating advanced digital flight controls, automated maneuvering, voice-activated controls, sensors, and close-air support attack systems on a modified F-16. Research and test results could be applied to existing or future aircraft.
Originally conceived to explore flight control technology as well as various maneuvering concepts, the AFTI project was flown at Edwards Air Force Base. This F-16 was one of the original six F-16A airplanes that was modified extensively to study the feasibility of advanced technologies. It demonstrated the operational value of voice command and automated ground collision avoidance systems, an automated maneuvering system for all aspects of air and ground combat, an automated threat avoidance and terrain following system, and a night vision helmet with a dual forward-looking infrared capability that was pointed by movement of the pilot's head. All of these systems served to reduce the pilot's workload in the demanding and dangerous role of close-air support. These systems would help ensure that a pilot was more effective in a first pass over a low-level target in a battle area.
One of the most important technology spinoffs from the AFTI project was the incorporation of an Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS) on all commercial airliner traffic. This system, derived from the AFTI ground collision avoidance system (GCAS) has been installed on all commercial aircraft.
