F-16 flies at Red Flag-Alaska with Edwards-tested upgrades Published May 14, 2007 By Senior Airman Jason Hernandez 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Edwards pilots and flight test engineers recently returned from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, where they had the opportunity to participate in Red Flag-Alaska -- a 10-day air combat training exercise. Red Flag-Alaska featured Eielson F-16's with new M4.1 software tested at Edwards in 2005. "It was an opportunity for our flight test engineers to gain exposure in how the F-16 operates in a combat environment and the pilots' opportunity for some excellent air-to-air training as well as evaluate how the 'new' F-16 is performing," said Capt. Ryan Sweazey, chief of weapons and training for the 416th Fight Test Squadron here. Edwards pilots and flight test engineers participated as augmentees to the 18th Fighter Squadron in the exercise, Captain Sweazey said. It was a unique opportunity because it was Eielson's first chance to employ the newest version of the F-16 in a large force exercise environment. "As flight test engineers, we got to sit in the back seat of the cockpit," said 1st Lt. Mike Fiandt, a flight test engineer for the 416th FLTS. "The best part of going up there is seeing it all come together as a complete picture of how the whole system is employed. (At Edwards), we might see parts of a system fly, but we don't really get to see how it works. The pilots at Eielson demonstrated how they actually use it." Edwards pilots and engineers also provided insight into the operation of the newer software versions while Eielson provided the most current tactical employment methods, Captain Sweazey said. The M4.1 software is a huge increase of capability for the F-16, said Maj. Chris Spinelli, assistant director of operations for the 416th FLTS. "One big increase for the M4.1 is the Link-16 system," Major Spinelli said. "The Link-16 can share information from aircraft to aircraft and also interface with ground stations. It can also link up with a feed from the Federal Aviation Administration to see what they see." In addition to the software, some hardware was also upgraded in the F-16, Major Spinelli said. "Color multifunction displays and a joint-mounted helmet cueing system were integrated into the cockpit," he said. "Also, a new modular computer system has replaced the old fire control computer. The guys in Alaska just recently had their jets upgraded with these modifications." The new helmet presents the same information that is normally seen on the heads up display, Major Spinelli said. This allows the pilot to look in any direction and see important information. It also helps with weapons targeting. "There can sometimes be too much information for the pilot to handle while flying the aircraft," Major Spinelli said. "There is a whole new science to displaying information to the pilot more efficiently." He said the M4.1 software performed extremely well in the exercise. "It's a testament to the testing that goes on here at Edwards and also testing at Nellis and Eglin Air Force bases," Major Spinelli said. "The whole set up was a huge enhancement."