Tail Fin, Composite, F-16

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Object Details

Manufacturer

General Dynamics, Ft. Worth Division

Physical Description

Trapezoidal composite and metal black and grey aircraft tail fin.

Summary

This tail fin, from an F-16 jet fighter, is made of composite materials and was developed to test the feasibility of using composites in place of aluminum. Composite structures are made from carbon fibers, aligned in precise patterns and bonded with an epoxy. They are lighter but more difficult to manufacture and repair than aluminum structures.

Credit Line

Gift of General Dynamics, Inc.

Inventory Number

A19880370000

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

CRAFT-Aircraft Parts

Materials

Carbon-fiber composite

Dimensions

Overall: 10 ft. tall x 2 ft. 5 in. wide x 8 ft. deep (304.8 x 73.7 x 243.8cm)

Country of Origin

United States of America

See more items in

National Air and Space Museum Collection

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Metadata Usage

Not determined

Link to Original Record

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/nv9e0532562-db8c-41f9-937f-ee4c1385be59

Record ID

nasm_A19880370000