Hmm...let's see.
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Originally Posted by SUBMAN1
[The YF-17 was actually was inferior from a maneuverability standpoint (The top priority was dogfighting for the competition)
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F-16: 26,500 lb loaded, Wing Area 300 sq ft = 98 lb/sq ft.
F-17: 23,000 lb loaded, Wing Area 350 sq ft = 68 lb/sq ft.
Lower wing loading = tighter turn radius.
F-16: 26,500 lb loaded, Thrust with AB 28,600 lbf = Thrust/Weight 1.079 Declared T/W 1.095
F-17: 23,000 lb loaded, Thrust with AB 28,800 lbf = T/W 1.25 Declared T/W 1.25
Higher T/W = more power for F-17 either way you look at it.
Can't argue that.
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This quote comes from a disgruntled Northrup employee is all.
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Or one with a sense of humor about the situation. Or there is a bit of truth involved. I'm glad you know him so much better to make that statement with confidence. I was just sharing a joke.
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The Navy took it due to its wants of dual engines for carrier ops, redesigned it to have a better powerplant, and redesignated it the F/A-18. Still to this day, the F-16 is the better dogfighter.
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They also increased the size and the loaded weight to 37,000 pounds! I don't question the F-16's ability to out-turn, out-climb and out-dogfight that.