Howdy Guys,
Ok, having done abit more research on the falcon, I have found the wing load rating which can be seen here along with all other pertinent info:
http://www.luftfahrtmuseum.com/htmi/itf/f16.htm . Now for those of you who dont wish to click, here it is below:
wing load: 118.08 per sq.ft
The following link:
http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archi...ero/index.html
shows how the center of gravity "moves" on the Falcon from static, to sub sonic, to supersonic.
To quote the author, "Since the F-16 is negatively stable, the tail is lifting in order to control the AOA (while you’re subsonic). And while the center of pressure shift is such that the F-16 6 is positively stable when you’re supersonic, the amount of down force necessary to keep the aircraft trimmed to a given AOA is less than conventional fighters. As a result, the total lift acting on the airplane is more for a given AOA; therefore, the resultant induced or trim drag is reduced. Less drag of any kind means better sustained turn and cruise performance. Also, the F-16 has been designed to take advantage of the vortex lift generated by the strakes."
note: AOA= angle of attack
Now the above paragraph was talking about the Falcons manuevering capabilities, but, if you followed what was said, it stands to reason that the wings would be able to hold up to a much higher level of stress due to air pressure and G forces, and therefore would be able to handle the heavier Aim 120 missile, even on the wingtips.
Anyway, there is alot of interesting reading out there if you are the type who likes statistics and performance capablities.
have a good day,
Greg