The procedure for starting the engine on an American F-16 fighter

The fighter of the 4th generation F-16, which has been in combat many times, has become the workhorse of the fighter fleet of 30 countries of the world.

What sets the F-16 apart from most other jet aircraft is that it uses a jet fuel starter (JFS). The JFS is a small jet turbine powered by an onboard compressed air cylinder. However, unlike the auxiliary power unit (APU), the JFS is directly connected to the main engine, so it cannot operate independently.

- noted in The Aviation Geek Club.

A typical F-16 startup sequence begins with turning on the battery and generator by setting the power switch to the MAIN PWR position. Then the pilot turns on the fuel supply, starting the fuel pumps (ENG FEED toggle switch), and air (AIR SOURCE), the parking brake is applied.

To start the engine, the starter switch (JET FUEL) is set to START 1 or START 2. These combinations refer to the number of compressed air cylinders used to launch the JFS. Usually one should be sufficient, but both may be required on hot days or at high altitudes to create enough air pressure to rotate the starter.

When the starter cranks, it starts to accelerate. As soon as they reach about 20% on the gauge, the pilot starts fueling by raising the throttle grip and moving it over the idle detent. It is important to do this on time: if you rush, you will get a hot start (fuel is ignited when the air flow is insufficient to cool the engine), if you are late, you will run out of compressed air before starting the engine.

On the FTIT (turbine temperature), the readings begin to rise with the speed. The pilot is in control of the FTIT (must remain below 900 ° C during a normal launch), being prepared to abort the process in the event of a hot launch. The oil pressure and hydraulic pressure also increase and the pilot also looks after this (oil pressure at least 40 psi, hydraulic pressure not less than 2000 psi - these are the values ​​used on American gauges).

As soon as the engine speed reaches approximately 55%, the main generator is switched on. Approximately 70% of the engine transitions from the secondary operating mode SEC to the primary PRI. This completes the launch of the power plant. The next step is to turn on all the onboard equipment, start checking the systems and be ready for takeoff.

Comments

[Ros 56]

Can I fly? Straight off the couch?

[YOUR]

I don’t know how to fly away, but you can practice. After that, secretly make their way to the airbase where the F-16s are standing and steal a couple to their place.

[The popuas]

The sequence of launching the sofa into the studio!

[NDR-791]

Quote: Ros 56

Can I fly? Straight off the couch?

- Doctor, can I play the violin after the operation?
- Of course you can.
- Strange, I couldn't before.

[Uncle lee]

and be ready to take off.

You are ready ?
- Tady take off!

[Avior]

You can fly. But how to sit down, they will tell in the next issue :))

[Alex_You]

Quote: Ros 56

Can I fly? Straight off the couch?

You can, if you have a booster station and a purchased F-16.

[Borz]

And I did everything wrong .... I’ll hurry, then I’ll be late. And I can’t, I don’t take off! Already the command "from the screw!" gave! Didn't help either.
And that's how it is!

[Zoldat_A]

Quote: Borz

And I did everything wrong .... I’ll hurry, then I’ll be late. And I can’t, I don’t take off! Already the command "from the screw!" gave! Didn't help either.
And that's how it is!

And there is a toggle switch RFS * - you probably forgot to switch it to the ON position. I also suffered for a long time until I figured it out.

* Remove the Feet of the Sofa.

[akarfoxhound]

Well, why did they put out a piece of the F-16 flight manual in order of launch?
Why are we silent? Specialists for 16 were transferred to the gallery? Let's suck what anyone liked while they were playing in the 16th army!
IN, you will start the engine in the "capes" on the L-39 here, don't you? It also has a "complicated launch order" in its design minuses! The turbine on the Bor rocket catamaran is also mona!
You have enough in the editorial office for years - do not rewrite writing!

[Basarev]

Isn't it too difficult? Isn't it easier, especially given the US's omnipotence in electronics, to start at the push of a button?

[Bad_gr]

Quote: Basarev

Isn't it too difficult?

As we have on the T-80 tank: to start the turbine, just press one button.
If I am mistaken, correct.

[Basarev]

In general, one should strive to ensure that the control is not more difficult than in any arcade, only ten buttons should be enough. No more, because there are not enough fingers for more.

[NAIL77DM]

unfortunately, before pressing the button, first, do all of the above, and most importantly, push 4 batteries through the mechanical drive hatch and put them on the racks

[Bad_gr]

Quote: NAIL77DM

Unfortunately, before pressing the button, first, do all of the above, and most importantly, push 4 batteries through the mechanic drive hatch and put them on the racks

You are joking ? the driver-mechanic resorts to boxing where the tank is, having 4 batteries with him (in my time they weighed 64kg each) and starts starting the tank from their installation? And where were you taught this?

[NAIL77DM]

our batteries were on perpetual charge, if anything, TBOUP

[Bad_gr]

Quote: NAIL77DM

our batteries were on perpetual charge, if anything, TBOUP

If this is the north and the tanks are even in the boxes in severe frosts, then I can understand the presence of the batteries in a warm place.
I served in Hungary as a driver-mechanic for the T-62. Now I don’t remember exactly, but it seems that once in half a year we took off the batteries and handed them over for prophylaxis to the battery room. The rest of the time they stood in the tank, which in turn was loaded with ammunition. In general, backwater - and into battle.
When alarmed, the driver from the barracks immediately fled to the tank park and started the tank. The rest of the crew had their own tasks. For example, the loader ran to the gunsmith, where he was given a machine gun. In general, the crew resorted to the tank a little later, when it was already warmed up and ready to leave.
It was not difficult to start the T-62: you sit in the driver's seat, turn on the "ground", open the air supply to the system, pump fuel with a manual fuel pump, check the position of the gearshift lever (should be in neutral), on the right, on the dashboard, you turn the switch 90 °, the oil pump starts, wait until the oil pressure rises more than 4 atmospheres, squeeze out the "main clutch", and turn the switch further, already by 180 °, air is supplied to the engine and it starts (instead of air, you can start with an electric starter , or both at the same time). Set idle speed with manual "gas". Everything.
When it is very cold, the coolant and oil (and therefore the engine) are warmed up by a special heater. I will not describe its launch (not difficult).

[Blackmokona]

F-16 is already a very old plane

[grandfather_Kostya]

On my rusty Zhiguli 2107, starting the engine is even more difficult than on the F-16, you can't do without swearing in a certain order, especially in cold weather.

[And Us Rat]

Quote: Basarev

Isn't it too difficult? Isn't it easier, especially given the US's omnipotence in electronics, to start at the push of a button?

This is a plane from the late 70s, the radar and avionics were changed several times, but the basic mechanics or electrics were not particularly touched.
On the F-35, as far as I heard, the launch is automated to the maximum. There just physically do not have so many toggle switches, buttons, switches.

[Usher]

Something all plastic, cheap. And during the ejection, the pilot will not tear off his legs, about the instrument console?

[And Us Rat]

Quote: Usher

Something all plastic, cheap. And during the ejection, the pilot will not tear off his legs, about the instrument console?

Do you honestly think Western engineers are idiots?

[Usher]

On the cover of the video, you can see from a different angle that the legs are knee-deep behind the console.

[And Us Rat]

Quote: Usher

On the cover of the video ...

... Obviously not a pilot, but a video blogger who is not deprived of growth.
Do you even know that there are growth restrictions when selecting fighter pilots?

[Bad_gr]

The F-15 aircraft is also launched only with the help of external devices. He doesn't even have his own batteries.

[stankow]

Two small displays and a lot of mechanical devices.

[onstar9]

Well, the amazingly antediluvian process of starting the engine of the "most modern" fighters ..... And the shovel and the hook there I hope is attached .... for an emergency launch?

[Misha_an26]

I did not watch the video, according to the text, the launch is full of crap.

[EvilLion]

Instructions for those who will hijack such an airplane to Russia.