Cat-I, CAT-III

[Staiduk]

'Lo!

Quick question: Anyone know exactly what it means when it refers to CAT-I or CAT-III in regards to an F-16? (and why there doesn't appear to be a CAT-II? )

Thanx.

[C]

In what respect exactly?

I can think of three types of numbered "Cats" of the top of my head: Damage Cat after an incident (Cat I to Cat 5); Instrument Approach Cat (I to III); Crash Cat - the level of accident cover at an airfield (1 - 5)...

Mmm...

[born_2_fly]

Is this refering to runway ILS certifications?  ???

[Staiduk]

[quote]Is this refering to runway ILS certifications?

[Chris_F]

I just got Falcon 4.0 .  Cat I/Cat III does refer to the weapons loadout.  When you're loaded down with heavy stores you set the switch to Cat III.  This reminds the flight control computer that you've got heavy weapons on the pylons and it prevents you from doing stupid things like pulling 9G turns and ripping your wings off.  It also reminds the computer that your CG is different from that of a lightly loaded Cat I plane.

There is also a warning light on the master panel.  If you've got the switch set wrong (seems like it interfaces with the Stores Management System) it'll alert you with a lit caution light.

[Staiduk]

OK; thanks.