- by Ray Bernard
Viper versus Viper, and Viper wins!
21 March 2003: Poised on one runway at the Luke Air Force Base in Goodyear, Ariz., was the United States Air Force's Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon "Viper" fighter jet. Next to it, and prepared for the challenge: America's ultimate sports car, the 500 horsepower Dodge Viper SRT-10.
What followed was a high-horsepower, half-mile race between the Air Force's multi-role fighter jet and the icon of the Dodge brand. When the dust settled, the Dodge Viper came out on top, covering the half mile in about 18 seconds.
The Viper Club of America raised more than $25,000 for the Luke Air Force Base Morale, Welfare and Recreation Fund.
Compared to the Dodge Viper's American sports car leading 500 horsepower, 525 lb.-ft. of torque and 190 mph top speed, the Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon - nicknamed the "Viper" - generates around 23,000 pounds of thrust and a top speed of more than 1,300 mph.
The original Dodge Viper first hit the streets in 1992. Last year, and nearly 15,000 Vipers later, the completely redesigned third generation of Dodge's icon - the Viper SRT-10 - began production. It boasts an estimated 0-60 mph time of 3.9 seconds, and a 0-100-0 mph time in the mid-13 second range.
©2003 irishcar.com