F-16 Viper Cockpit Tour, Test Pilot, Edwards AFB

Test pilot Major Desmond Brophy (Canadian Air Force Exchange pilot) gives a tour of an F-16 Fighting Falcon (aka Viper) cockpit used for flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base.

If you're wondering what test pilots are doing in a relatively senior and proven airframe, the answer lies in continuous improvement and the fact that the airframe itself is far from the only thing that changes the flight characteristics of a modern fighter. These aircraft are inherently unstable and, though they are flown by pilots, it's computers that keep them in the air. When changes are made to the hardware software or weapons systems that give these aircraft their edge, test pilots are sent up to evaluate the effects of those changes on the aircraft's performance, capability and controllability. But enough with the big picture -- click through for your guided tour of the front office.

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Autos & Vehicles

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[SpeedyC362]

Q: Whats the difference between a blonde an an F16 Viper....?

A: Not many people have been inside an F16 Viper...

:-D

[gyunayify]

I wont to be F-16 Pilot!!:DDDD

[pilotricky]

@corefrantic it is an awesome job....but like any other job, it becomes repetitive and very stressful...

[corefrantic]

@pilotricky if a fighter jet isnt that much of a thrill anymore, then i wonder what does...

still i think its the most awesome job of all

[pilotricky]

@corefrantic im not being a bitch, but its not that big of a deal lol...first few times its cool but it gets boring after....

[MeGusta109]

Like sports car for jets :)

[KAsoccer27]

I want one.

[TheRandomSweed]

@MrSilicon605 Lolz, yeah lets hope evolution gives us wings and gills one day :P

[MrSilicon605]

@TheRandomSweed ACTUALLY YOU MAKE SENCE, BECAUSE HUMANS WERE NOT REALLY MEANT TO FLY OR SWIM FOR THAT MATTER, BU TWE MUST EVOLVE.

[nikoliciv]

I'd have a boner too if i was sitting in a f16 ;-)

[davemirra145]

@corefrantic he's got a boner... 3:00