*** Posted by run ***
[Can anyone tell me about the autopilot systems on US fighters like the F16. I live near HILL AFB, UT. The news always covers the fighter squadrons departures when they do a tour overseas. When flying long distances, do fighters use autopilot systems like commercial jets? Are the pilots able to sleep? Thanks]
Hi
They do have an autopilot system, but it is extremely limited. It will only keep a heading and an altitude or a certain attitude if you desire. It is not something you can go to sleep on.
Most of the time when you deploy somewhere you will be flying in formation with a group of other jets which also kind of limits the use of the autopilot.
Fighters can't carry enough gas to fly very far in one hop, so most of the time when they deploy, they deploy with a tanker. The fighters will then fly formation on the tanker and occasionally be "tipped off" with gas.
Flying across the Atlantic can be a very fatiguing task when flying a single seat fighter ;o)

Run