I actually don't believe we are in the earlier stages of development anymore.

More like the mid stages.

We are at the 3rd generation F16's right now and the factors with the big gains have now been exploited. Basically, only small refinements are now left.

Also remember that we started with a good head start. When the F18's were all still using teardrop shaped mast we were already using true wingshaped masts (now also the standard on modern F18's). I also seem to remember the F16's had carbon foils as standard before the F18 class went that way.

In rig development we are quite close to the F18's thanks to Glaser and Goodall.

Over the last 3 years we have made the next step in hullshapes with the Aussie Blade being the first shortly followed by the Viper and then last year by the Falcon. I haven't seen the Aquaraptor in the flesh yet but it is unthinkable that it uses a different setup in this respect. The designers has had to much exposure to the other designs to not have factored in the development embodied in them.

Stephen (Tornado-Alive) and others are spinning so fast that they mainly confuse themselves.

Truly, the F16 has passed beyond the "early stages" (Taipan, first version Stealth, Bimare Javelin)


Wouter