The second prototype, representing the definitive design was larger, and featured a new, unbraced composite wing.

Initial tests of composite wings on conventional airplane bodies began in 1958.

This issue is sought to be addressed by including composite wings and tail by the third prototype.

The wing's newly reactivated "fighter squadrons" became part of the composite wing in March 1992.

It is a composite wing - meaning a wing which operates more than one type of aircraft; each having different mission objectives.

Even broken up, the carbon-fiber- composite wings and fuselage didn't give good radar returns.

F-16's were sent to Pope last year as part of the "composite wing" plan.

That site had been cleared for the promised new composite wing technology centre.

The idea of composite wings is not new.

Nonetheless, the composite wing still has shortcomings and extra costs.