EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif -- The first flight of the Advanced Flight Technology Integrator (AFTI) F-111 took place. The AFTI program was a joint Air Force/NASA effort to explore the concept of a Mission Adaptive Wing (MAW). An F-111 was equipped with a “variable camber” wing that would smoothly change its shape in response to flight control inputs, in contrast to a conventional wing broken up with separate ailerons, flaps, slats, spoilers and the like.
A study was made of desirable advanced fighter technologies for integration into a demonstrator aircraft which would be used to evaluate combat effectiveness. The demonstrator aircraft configuration development is traced, and its physical and performance characteristics are summarized. The technologies incorporated are described and their performance characteristics and benefits are discussed and substantiated by applicable wind tunnel or manned simulation results. Key technologies include: advanced aerodynamic configuration, advanced structural concepts; integrated maneuvering nozzle, variable incidence outer wing panel, variable camber, chin fin, multi-mode digital fly-by-wire control system, integrated fire fire control system, and high acceleration crew station.