The Lightweight Fighter Program: A Successful Approach to Fighter Technology Transition (Case Studies)

This case study outlines the development of the Lightweight Fighter programme, including the development, technology and flight test history of the YF-16 and YF-17. The streamlined and highly successful Lightweight Fighter programme effectively used "experimental prototypes" to introduce a set of new and advanced technologies to fighter aircraft, and serves as an excellent example of technology management, risk reduction in the development process, and acquisition philosophy.