General Dynamics F-16XL

F-16XL
The F-16XL which competed with the F-15E for the USAF's Enhanced Tactical Fighter contract in 1984
Role Experimental fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer General Dynamics
First flight 3 July 1982
Retired 2009
Primary users United States Air Force
NASA
Number built 2
Developed from General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F-16XL is a derivative of the F-16 Fighting Falcon with a cranked-arrow delta wing. It entered the United States Air Force's (USAF) Enhanced Tactical Fighter (ETF) competition in 1981 but lost to the F-15E Strike Eagle. The two prototypes were shelved until being turned over to NASA for additional aeronautical research in 1988. Both aircraft were fully retired in 2009 and stored at Edwards Air Force Base.