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Comment by Jerry2 | Hacker News Reader

>they needed to do something stupid or the weight-on-wheels switch needed to malfunction.

Actually, the F-16 has a switch to override the 'weight on wheels' (WOW) safety for the weapons. It's used for doing checks and maintenance on the ground. Switch was probably flipped and it did what it was supposed to do. You can see the procedure here:

http://aviationandaccessories.tpub.com/TM-1-1510-224-10/css/...

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The reference cited is from the wrong airframe.

The correct manual for Belgian F-16s will be either a GS (general system; theory of operations) or JG (job guide; step-by-step procedural instructions) technical order of the form T.O. 1F-16AM-2-x where x = [system][GS or JG]-[subsystem]-[manual].

If memory serves correct, F-16 WOW switch override is strictly an external affair and cannot be performed from the cockpit.

It has to be done from outside the cockpit, but is not unusual as a prerequisite step for a variety of avionics systems tests and repairs (source: I'm an ex-USAF F-16C/D avionics maintainer). They may have had it overridden for a check, or if deliberate, done so prior to entering the cockpit.

Thanks for corroborating. Former 2A3x2 back in the day as well, albeit assigned to the F-117 after Sheppard and never toured Osan/Kunsan, so F-16 details were all but lost in the details of life after service.

But, but ... the action hero scenario then? Strafing enemy while taxiing to the runway?!

Probably more likely: Override sensor malfunction while in the air.

Kinda sucks if your multi million plane gets shot down because it couldn't fire a missile because of a 50 Euro sensor malfunction...

But it apparently has these sensors.

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