investigating F-16 dosen't reach optimal altitude

[Ned-Ita]

I tried to reach optimal altitude in F-16, as displayed in ICP ( see screenshot), and i wasn't able to.

Repro steps:

• Loadout any DI >100 (see screenshot)
• Take off, Full military
• Climb 
  • 365 CAS UP TO 0.82 M 
  • I try to keep 0.82 M as long I could while climbing 
• I reach maximum altitude (Celling) before the indicated optimal altitude. 
• Compare current altitude with opt altitude in ICP.

I suspect it might depend on increased induced drag from last version.
Best regards, NED

Edited April 12, 2024 by Ned-Ita

[Exorcet]

Might be related:

Although optimum climb isn't Mach 0.82 from what I remember. It should be 0.9.

[Exorcet]

I just tried to follow the F-16 manual climb for a similar load to yours, had to guess at the DI since I don't have it for JDAM and the smart rack. But it took 20 minutes to reach 30000 ft while the manual says it should be around 8.

[Ned-Ita]

Sorry, I just realized I put the post in the wrong section.
I created another one in the correct section.
If you agree I would delete this post to avoid confusion. If you like and want, I invite you to re-enter your considerations in the new post.
Regarding your considerations, I agree with you that things are certainly related.
As you wrote the rate of climb would seem very out of parameter.
For my tests you can assume a DI ~=150 200.
The optimal climb speed is linked to the DI, in this case I calculated that the optimal should be around 0.82. In any case it is irrelevant, as long as the aircraft does not climb with an AoA higher than 6°, it should always be able to reach the optimal altitude.
Best regards, NED

EDIT1: Ignore the first part, a moderator must have helped me.
EDIT2: When I wrote the post I was away from home and I was remembering, the DI for the configuration is ~=200.

Edited April 16, 2024 by Ned-Ita

[BIGNEWY]

please always include a track replay from your test

thank you 

[Ned-Ita]

As requested:

Best regards, NED

ED TEST.trk

[Exorcet]

I had one as well, didn't attach it last time.

F-16_Climb_performance.trk