Agile Climbers: A New Era for the F-16
F-16 Lacks Integrated Staircase, However, an Aviator Might Fetch an Upgrade Soon
In the 60s and 70s, Col. John Boyd, a trailblazer in aircraft design, pushed for lighter, more nimble planes for combat, like the F-15 and F-16. But when it came to ladders, Boyd's F-16 pilots had to make do without, scaling their battle-worn birds usingold crates or skittering along the fuselage before jumping down.
Fast forward to today—one enterprising F-16 pilot is changing that with the Agile Combat Employment (ACE) ladder, a lightweight, foldable design that’ll make Boyd proud.
Weighing just six pounds and fitting neatly into the cockpit map case, this ace-in-the-hole is a game-changer for F-16 pilots, aiding in ACE—the concept where Airmen launch and recover aircraft from small, scattered airfields to dodge long-range missiles. Gone are the gigantic, clumsy ladders that soaked up space and weighed down cargo planes involved in the ACE logistics.
According to Maj. Nicholas Atkins, an F-16 pilot with the 31st Fighter Wing at Aviano Air Base, Italy, the new ladder smoothes the way for soldiers to quickly deploy and recover aircraft, essential in great power competition with China and Russia. "This enhances flexibility for the warfighter," Atkins said, "from the fighter pilot in the seat, to the commander in the field, to the [Air Operations Center] controlling the war."
The ladder nabbed the top prize at Spark Tank, a competition where Airmen, Guardians, and their civilian counterparts submit ideas to improve the force. And it takes more than just a great pitch to get recognized. The ladder saw tough competition from other innovative ideas like an app for streamlining mission prep, an autonomous flightline resupply vehicle, and a project to train and equip Air Force medics for performing whole blood transfusions in the field.
But refining, mass-producing, and distributing the ladder ain't easy. Each squadron might need up to 18 ladders to start, with Atkins aiming to get the ladders to the troops closest to the frontlines first. He's partnered with Bunker Supply for design and manufacturing, with plans to refine the prototype and raise $548,000 for further testing.
What's next? Atkins will continue collaborating with the Air Force's F-16 System Program Office, update his statement of work, secure other support, and lobby for the use of the ladder to be authorized via Technical Order updates. The ladder could be available for purchase by fall 2025, with each one setting pilots back a little less than $2,000.
Other fighter jets, like the F-22, already have built-in ladders. However, Hawaii Air National Guardsmen tested a prototype collapsible ladder at an exercise in 2023, hinting at a changing landscape for fighter jet acrobatics.
So, why should we care? The “Orange Crate Climber” isn't just another innovative idea; it's a symbol of thingsto come—Agile Combat Employment of the future. It's a step towards cutting-edge, flexible warfare, ensuring the Air Force remains one step ahead in a more complex, dynamic world.
The ACE is High
While the F-16 hasn't seen a redesign specifically for ACE, the ACE concept aligns with the principles behind the F-16's design—relaxed stability, high maneuverability, and_{flexibility}. The ACE ladder represents a step towards incorporating the ACE concept into the F-16's capabilities, further enhancing the aircraft's adaptability and operational resilience.
The F-16's design reflects the strategy of the Air Force, emphasizing modern warfare agility, flexibility, and adaptability. The aircraft's continued use and production highlight its ongoing relevance in contemporary air forces. The Agile Combat Employment ladder adds another layer of strategic advantage for the F-16, strengthening its position as a versatile and adaptable weapon in the Air Force arsenal.
- The Agile Combat Employment (ACE) ladder, a revolutionary design for lightweight, foldable ladders, could revolutionize the F-16 aircraft.
- Reminiscent of the F-16's original design philosophy, the ACE ladder aligns with the principles of relaxed stability, high maneuverability, and flexibility.
- In the realm of the aerospace industry, the ACE ladder promises to enhance the F-16's adaptability and operational resilience, further securing its status as a versatile and adaptable weapon in the Air Force arsenal.
- To finance the mass production and distribution of the ACE ladder, Maj. Nicholas Atkins is partnering with Bunker Supply and seeking $548,000 through fundraising efforts.
- With the rising tensions in great power competition with China and Russia, the ACE ladder could prove invaluable, providing a vital aid to quick aircraft deployment and recovery, and contributing to the Air Force's agility and adaptability in space and air force operations.