F-16 Fighting Falcon news

Pakistan receives first MLU F-16s

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

February 6, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - The Pakistani airforce received its first two MLU upgraded F-16s today at PAF Shahbaz airbase after the aircraft arrived back from the USA.

PAF F-16B block 15 #82603 is touching down on the runway at Lajes AFB on its way from Pakistan to the US for its MLU conversion.

Accompanying the two upgraded F-16s was the final block 52 airframe a D-Model (#10801) which had remained in the US for testing & trials. This concludes the delivery of all 18 of the newer Block 52 aircraft ordered as part of the 'Peace Drive' program.

According to PAF public affairs officials the two F-16 block 15 aircraft, were earlier sent to USA for Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) and have been delivered back to the PAF on time. On there return a small ceremony was held at the base attended by PAF dignitaries.

The United States has released $ 116 million to finance mid-life upgrades for Pakistan's existing fleet of block 15 A/B aircraft.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will do the upgrade MLU which primarily involves replacement of avionics and structural modifications bringing them close to block 40 standards.

Related articles:

US releases $116m for Pakistani MLU upgrades (2008-08-18)
Turkey to upgrade Pakistani F-16s (2008-08-08)
Pakistan reduces order to 18 new F-16s (2008-04-23)
Details of the potential sale to Pakistan (2006-07-05)
Other
News archive for February 2012

Forum discussion:

PAF F-16 MLU Update! (5 replies)

Osan F-16C aborts take-off during exercise

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

February 2, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - An Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcon aircraft experienced an engine malfunction during take-off during Operational Readiness Exercise Beverly Bulldog 12-01 at approximately 12.30h, local time on February 1st.

The pilot safely aborted during take-off roll, declared a ground emergency, and performed a normal egress without sustaining any injuries.

Emergency responders were quickly on the scene. The cost and extent of the damage from the malfunction are currently unknown.

A board of enquiry will investigate the incident and additional details will be provided as soon as they become available.

Related articles:

Pilot ejects before F-16 crashes at Osan (2010-02-26)
Other
News archive for February 2012

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First Iraqi in Arizona for F-16 pilot training

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

February 2, 2012 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The first of the Iraqi pilots that will learn how to fly F-16s recently arrived in Tucson, Arizona with the 162nd Fighter Wing. The ANG unit is considered the International Training Center for F-16 flying training.

A UAEAF F-16E block 60 touching down after a Red Flag mission at Nellis AFB

The Iraqi pilot was slated to start the academic part of his training on Jan. 23 followed by hands-on flying from February through September.

The fact that President Barack Obama said the United States would continue to work with Iraq to stand up that country's air force may complicate matters for Israel if it decides to raid Iranian nuclear sites. Iraq is closely aligned with Iran and the F-16s could allow Iraqi pilots to intercept an Israeli airstrike on Iran.

Iraq signed the estimated $3 billion deal to buy 18 fighter jets from the United States in September 2011.

It's F-16IQ Block 52s are slight downgrades from the more advanced F-16C/D block 52 base systems. They are meant tp provide Iraq with an air defense force that can handle aging threats from Syria or Iran relatively well and perform strike missions within Iraq, without being a serious threat to more advanced air forces in the region.

Upgrades could of course always take place later as the F-16IQs have at least some of the equipment required to handle more advanced weapons.

In June 2011 four Royal Moroccan Air Force officers concluded 15 months of instruction at the 162nd Fighter Wing.

Related articles:

DSCA announces further 18 F-16IQ's for Iraq (2011-12-14)
Iraq makes first payment for 18 F-16s (2011-09-30)
First Moroccan F-16 pilots to complete training in Arizona (2011-06-27)
Iraq postpones purchase of F-16s (2011-02-15)
UAE wrap up F-16 training in Arizona (2010-10-21)
Other
News archive for February 2012

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Additional images:

RMAF Maj. Mouloud Chihani performs a preflight check on an F-16 at Tucson IAP before a training mission on July 7th, 2010. Chihani and three other Moroccan pilots are the first F-16 pilots in their air force and will lead the way to establish a new squadron of block 52s when they return home this July.

USAF F-16D block 25 #85-1514 from the 195th FS is seen departing Tucson IAP on September 3rd, 2010.

USAF F-16C block 25 #84-1284 from the 195th FS is seen armed with live AIM-120s & AIM-9M deploys the speed brakes in preparation for landing at Davis-Monthan AFB on August 20th, 2010 after a sortie in support of Operation Noble Eagle.

Volkel base commander passes 3000 hrs

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

January 25, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - During a training mission from Volkel Air Base yesterday afternoon, Col. Peter Tankink passed 3000 flying hour in the F-16. This makes him the 8th Dutch pilot to achieve this mark.

Col. Peter Tankink, returns to Volkel Airbase in F-16AM #J-011 after flying a mission in which he passed 3000 flying hours in an F-16 on January 24th, 2012. Tankink became the 8th Dutch F-16 pilot to achieve this landmark.

Tankink, The current commander of Volkel Air Base has been flying the F-16 since 1990 and has taken part in several operational deployments with the RNlAF. The majority of his flying hours he flew during the 1990s. Today he flies a few hours per year to remain operationally proficient and involved with day to day operations.

Every fighter pilot has to fly a certain number of hours to keep up the skills and to train in procedures. This training and experience is essential to be able to deploy pilots for operations and missions in the Netherlands and abroad.

Col. Tankink started his career at Leeuwarden Airbase with 322 Squadron. During this period he went through various positions at the squadron and took part in several missions over the Balkans as part of operation Deny Flight, Deliberate Force, Deliberate Guard and Allied Force. In the latter he shot down a Yugoslav MiG-29 with an AIM-120 AMRAAM missile (While flying #J-063). The first post-WWII kill for the Royal Netherlands Airforce.

Later on he headed up the Team which looked after the Mid Life Update (MLU) of the Dutch F-16s. He then became the commander of 323 squadron, followed by the function of deputy base commander at Leeuwarden airbase and Chief of Fighter Branch at the airforce headquarters in Breda.

One of his later roles included being the commander of the Air Task Force in Afghanistan during 2005 & 2009. In January 2011, Tankink began his current role as commander of the airbase Volkel.

Related articles:

Dutch F-16 pilot training to return to Tucson (2010-05-02)
Other
News archive for January 2012

Forum discussion:

Pilot who've reached the 3000 hrs milestone (32 replies)

Additional images:

Col. Peter Tankink, RNLAF Volkel Airbase commander became the 8th Dutch pilot to pass 3000 Flying hours in the F-16 on January 24th, 2012.

F-16 Fighting Falcon - Official 3000 Flight hours patch

L-3 Link to upgrade Pakistani ATDs to SimuSphere HD-9â¢

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

January 23, 2012 (by Rick Oyler) - L-3 Link Simulation & Training (L-3 Link) announced that it has been awarded a contract modification from the U.S. Air Force to upgrade two Pakistan Air Force F-16C block 52 Aircrew Training Devices (ATDs) with the company's new SimuSphere HD-9â¢ visual system display.

This award represents the first use of SimuSphere HD-9 on training devices that will be delivered to a foreign nation. The F-16C block 52 ATDs are scheduled for delivery in 2013, will be installed at Shahbaz Air Base.

L-3 Link's SimuSphere HD-9, which incorporates the full capabilities of the company's HD WorldÂ® integrated simulation product line, will provide Pakistani F-16 pilots with an increased level of tactical training realism. High-definition databases, image generators while the SimuSphere HD-9 visual display will combine to create a highly realistic and relevant training environment over a geo-specific visual system database of Pakistan.

"This award demonstrates the value that SimuSphere HD-9 will bring to military fast jet training," said Leonard Genna, president of L-3 Link. "SimuSphere HD-9, combined with the trainers' overall HD World capabilities, will allow Pakistan Air Force F-16 pilots to gain training credit equivalent to live training."

The PAF's F-16C Block 52 ATDs will support new pilot, pilot conversion and advanced skills training. The trainers will incorporate L-3 Link's simulated Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, enabling pilots to practice control of aircraft targeting systems and sensors. In addition, pilots will be able to wear their own night vision goggles when conducting simulated night-time missions.

The two F-16C Block 52 ATDs will be supported by one mission support system, and each simulator will also have a dedicated instructor/operator station.

L-3 Link is the leading provider of F-16 simulators worldwide. Since the 1970s, the company has delivered approximately 140 F-16 training devices in support of the U.S. Air Force, Air National Guard and 10 foreign nations.

Courtesy of L-3 Link Simulation & Training

Related articles:

L-3 Link awarded contract to provide F-16 ATDs to PAF (2011-08-12)
L-3 Awarded F-16 Mission Training Center Contract Option (2010-03-14)
Other
News archive for January 2012

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Additional images:

PAF F-16C block 52 #10901 is taxiing by the lens at NAS Fort Worth on December 15th, 2009 after performing a functional check flight.

Greek F-16 belly lands at Larrisa Airbase

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

January 20, 2012 (by Asif Shamim) - A HAF F-16D block 52 from 337 Mira belly landed at Larissa Airbase in Greece on Thursday morning. Both crew were uninjured.

It is currently uncertain as to what caused the undercarriage to fail or 'fail to deploy' during the touch and go landings which were being performed as part of a training exercise. The pilot who was identified as a Captain maintained control during the landing and kept the F-16 on the runway. The runway had to be closed for a period will rescue services attended the incident.

Reports from HAF authorities indicate damage was limited to the belly and external fuel tanks of the jet, but did not go into full detail.

Following the incident the Greek airforce grounded all F-16s will investigations are undertaken to find out the route cause of the failure.

Related articles:

Greek Block 52+ loses wheel during take-off (2011-05-17)
2 Greek F-16s collide in mid-air (2010-08-26)
Young Greek F-16 pilot makes emergency landing at Lemnos (2005-05-14)
Other
News archive for January 2012

Forum discussion:

Greek F-16 incident (3 replies)

Stingers fly high with Bio-fuel

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

January 12, 2012 (by MSgt. Beth Holliker) - The 180th Fighter Wing is known for leaning forward in the research, development and implementation of green energy programs. The wing marked yet another environmentally friendly milestone Tuesday as one of its F-16CM fighting falcons successfully flew a routine training mission fueled solely on bio-fuel.

Though the Jan. 10 training mission is a first for the 180th, the use of this green fuel is not a first for the U.S. Air Force. Planning to certify more than 40 aircraft models by 2016, the Air Force has been testing bio-fuels, sometimes referred to as Hydro-processed Renewable Jet Fuel, in many of its fighter and cargo airframes since 2009.

The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flight demonstration team put the alternative blended-fuel to the test, with one of the F-16s successfully demonstrating extreme manoeuvres including loops and barrel-rolls for the first time during an air show in May 2011.

"The 180th Fighter Wing is known for taking an aggressive role in ensuring renewable energy is brought to the forefront of our nation's defense," said Col. Bill Giezie, Mission Support Group Commander for the 180th Fighter Wing, when asked about the wing's selection as part of this bio-fuel evaluation process. "It is only natural that the wing would continue to be engaged in aggressively pursuing renewable fuel options for our aircraft."

Two F-16s from the 180th Fighter Wing's fleet have been designated to test 100,000 gallons of the renewable fuel over a period of several weeks as one of the final steps before taking the fuel mainstream and allowing the F-16 to use bio-fuels in unrestricted operations. The viper jets will fly day-to-day routine training missions to evaluate the performance and the effects on the engine and fuel systems.

The bio-fuel is a 50/50 blend of conventional, petroleum-based Jet Propellant 8, or JP-8 and bio-fuel derived from the Camelina plant, a weed-like plant often called wild flax. The Camelina plant grows easily throughout the United States and other areas around the world. Though the plant prefers full sun and loose, dry soil, wild flax is very adaptable and can even be used as a rotation crop with wheat.

Along with being readily available and easily grown, the production process of converting this plant into a relevant renewable fuel source emits far less greenhouse gasses than the manufacturing process of normal petroleum.

"This is another step in the right direction to develop a domestic source of sustainable energy," said Giezie. "As we remain engaged in pursuing relevant renewable energy sources, we can continue to increase our national energy security while supporting our national economy."

Courtesy of 180th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Related articles:

F-22 Raptor flown on synthetic biofuel (2011-03-19)
Fighter engine bio-fuel testing underway (2010-06-25)
Other
News archive for January 2012

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55th EFS aircrews heading to Korea for 3 month deployment

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

January 12, 2012 (by 20 FW/PA) - Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 240 airmen from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C., deployed to Kunsan Air Base in South Korea on Sunday for a scheduled three-month deployment. The airmen were activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.

USAF F-16C block 50 #93-0544 from 55th FS takes off from Shaw AFB on January 10, 2012. Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 250 Airmen deployed to Kunsan AB for a three-month deployment.

The airmen were activated as the 55th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron departed January 10 and will work alongside ROK-US alliance partners to maintain peace and stability to the region.

"The 55th Fighter Squadron 'Shooters' have deployed in support of the United States' long-standing commitment to work with our great friends and partners, the Republic of Korea," said Col. Charlie Moore, 20th Fighter Wing commander. "We always stand ready to deploy combat airpower and Airmen to support our National Defense Strategy."

Another 200 airmen and 12 F-16Cs from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, are currently deployed to Kunsan as the 421st Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. Their scheduled deployment began Dec. 3, 2011, and is scheduled to last approximately three months.

"The ROK-US Alliance has never been stronger," said Lt. Gen. Jan-Marc Jouas, 7th Air Force commander, according to a statement released by the military. "These deployments reaffirm our commitment to providing the right combat air power and capabilities in defense of the Republic of Korea."

Courtesy of 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Related articles:

Kunsan displays power, teamwork with Elephant Walk (2011-12-09)
55th FS heads for Alaska (2008-06-06)
Other
News archive for January 2012

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Additional images:

Nine USAF F-16C block 50s sit stacked up on the ramp before taking off from Shaw AFB on January 10, 2012. Twelve F-16 aircraft and approximately 250 Airmen deployed to Kunsan AB for a three-month deployment.

Philippines want to procure 12 F-16 fighter jets from the US

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 21, 2011 (by Lieven Dewitte) - The Philippines would like to procure a squadron of F-16 fighter jets from the U.S. Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Wednesday. He and the country's defense chief will meet their U.S. counterparts in Washington next year to discuss the requests.

The Philippines has turned to the U.S., a defense treaty ally, for warships and planes to patrol South China Sea areas it claims.

Del Rosario said the requests for 12 F-16 fighter jets (and a third coast guard cutter) have already been relayed to American officials and their initial response was encouraging.

"We are getting good signals," Del Rosario told reporters. The Philippines wants to build "a minimum credible defense posture and the U.S. has expressed their willingness to help us," del Rosario said.

Washington offered to sell 26 F-16 fighter planes to the Philippines in January 1998. At that time, the Philippines were looking to acquire F-16s to bolster its claim over the Spratly Islands. Washington offered the F-16s which were originally purchased by Pakistan but then embargoed. However, due to the Asian currency crisis, the military expansion plan did not go ahead.

The Philippine military, one of Asia's weakest, only has about six aging S-211 jet trainers. Six years ago they retired there eight F-5 fighters. These 1960s era aircraft were not much of a match for more recent warplanes and were expensive to maintain.

Last month, the US and Indonesia announced the planned transfer and upgrade of two dozen US F-16s to the Indonesian air force.

Related articles:

Indonesia to get 24 F-16 block 25s (2011-11-17)
Airmen, aircraft ready for Balikatan (2009-04-15)
Washington offered F-16s to Phillipine AF (1998-01-29)
Philippines interested in F-16s (1999-04-12)
Other
News archive for December 2011

Forum discussion:

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Final USAF combat mission over Iraq

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 20, 2011 (by 1st Lt. Rusty Ridley) - As the world watched the last convoy pass through the gates at Khabari Crossing on the Kuwait-Iraq border, they may not have realized those on the ground had some help in the skies from Airmen with a historic lineage.

Col. Rodney Petithomme, 332nd EOG commander, and Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, 79th EFS commander, walk off the flightline after piloting the last two combat aircraft over Iraq on December 18, 2011. Flying F-16s, they provided top cover for the last convoys leaving the country.

Colonel Rodney Petithomme, 332nd Expeditionary Operations Group commander, and Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, commander of the 79th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron "Tigers", both part of the Tuskegee Airmen heritage, flew the last combat mission over Iraq Dec. 18, 2011, piloting F-16s.

The Tuskegee Airmen, the first all African-American fighter group, is credited with a reputation of excellence as they escorted bombers during World War II with their uniquely painted red-tailed aircraft.

"It was fitting for Tuskegee Airmen to be providing top cover for U.S. personnel who were withdrawing from Iraq," said Petithomme who is deployed from Osan Air Base, Republic of Korea.

There is a sense among some aviators that Operations Desert Storm, Southern Watch, Northern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and New Dawn have defined an Air Force generation because of constant participation in air support since Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait in 1990.

"Effectively, for the last 21 years, we have had continuous U.S. Air Force aircraft flying over the country of Iraq," said Petithomme, a native of Angels Camp, Calif.

"When you look back at the thousands of hours we have spent flying combat missions over Iraq, to be able to be one of the last two combat Air Force aircraft over the country is significant and inspiring yet humbling," he continued.

The Tuskegee legend continues.

"I felt like we were carrying on the legacy and that it was our job as the most recent Red Tails to protect who we were escorting," said Petithomme. "Seeing the last day and last convoy out of Iraq be uneventful and with no attack from an enemy made me feel pretty darn good."

As a captain, Plourde flew missions over Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom when the very first convoys crossed from Kuwait into Iraq in March 2003. Plourde had a cousin assigned to a unit on the ground then, and the brother of that cousin was on the ground in the final months of Operation New Dawn.

"For me the last combat mission supporting Operation New Dawn was significantly profound," said Plourde who is deployed from Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. "Because I had a family tie, there was a personal connection."

"I also felt incredibly proud of the Tigers as we provided top cover for many other cousins, brothers, fathers, sisters and mothers who were counting on us during the final few months (of Operation New Dawn)," said Plourde who is a native of Hermon, Maine.

Petithomme and Plourde credit the success of the mission to dedicated Airmen.

"I have the highest praise for our 79th Aircraft Maintenance Unit Tigers and the exceptional work they were able to accomplish over the past several months by improvising, adapting and overcoming significant challenges in order to make combat operations happen," Plourde said.

"It required some unique and creative solutions from everyone in the logistics and supply chain--from our logistics readiness squadron to source parts, understanding and knowing the need and also determining a way to make it happen despite the odds stacked against them," continued Plourde.

"I'm also incredibly proud of the Tiger pilots for the disciplined and focused manner in which they executed every single combat sortie," Plourde said.

Petithomme couldn't agree more.

"It was a team effort on everybody's part," said Petithomme. "It was incredible."

Plourde and Petithomme were flying the last manned aircraft combat mission.

The MQ-1B Predator unmanned aerial systems are piloted from outside the theater, launched and recovered by Airmen assigned to the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron.

"The predators were actually the last combat aircraft to leave Iraqi airspace," said Petithomme. "They played just as big a part as we did--it was still Tuskegee Airmen providing top cover."

The importance of the moment was realized in flight.

"The first realization was watching the last convoy cross from Iraq into Kuwait, and seeing the last vehicle cross the border, and watching them actually shut the gate in my targeting pod," said Petithomme. "The second was talking to command and control and having them tell us, 'You are the last manned U.S. Air Force aircraft in Iraq, you are cleared to return to base.'"

"When they spoke those words is really when it set in," said Plourde.

"The part we played was significant, but we were one of many contributors to the entire joint team effort," Plourde said.

Plourde believes for Airmen new to the force, the final days in Iraq are just the beginning.

"Some of our Airmen may not realize the significance of this moment in time," said Plourde. "Many were not in the military when Operation Iraqi Freedom started and some were not even born when Operation Desert Storm started."

"They are looking forward to the future at what opportunities and challenges they may be presented," he said.

Those involved in the final operations are now part of a significant historic milestone and the largest military movement since World War II.

"It's important for each one of them to realize and to take pride in the fact that we as a U.S. Air Force and as a U.S. military, gave the people of Iraq the freedom they never had," said Petithomme.

Courtesy of 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

Related articles:

125 EFS provides F-16 top cover in Iraq (2011-10-28)
Flight equipment Airmen keep pilots mission-ready (2010-01-04)
Tuskegee ANG unit joins 332nd AEW (2009-08-18)
Other
News archive for December 2011

Forum discussion:

Joint Base Balad Deployment Update 2011/12 (11 replies)

Additional images:

Lt. Col. Jason Plourde, 79th EFS commander and Col. Rodney Petithomme, 332nd EOG commander, shake hands after flying the last two combat aircraft over Iraq on December 18, 2011. Piloting F-16s, they provided top cover for the last convoys leaving the country.

L-3 Link wins contract for F-16 From US DoD

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 20, 2011 (by Lieven Dewitte) - L-3 Communications won a re-competition for the U.S. Air Force's F-16 Training System. L-3 Link has received an initial one-year contract to provide pilot and maintenance training devices support. This firm-fixed-price contract, with options through 2019, has a maximum potential value of $469.5 million.

Under an existing F-16 Aircrew Training Device (ATD) contract, L-3 Link is currently supporting 183 F-16 pilot and maintenance trainers. With this new award, L-3 Link will provide uninterrupted support to these training devices when the F-16 ATD contract expires in December 2011 and the F-16 Training System contract begins in January 2012. L-3 Link is now overseeing all F-16 training systems support for the U.S. Air Force around the world and F-16 Foreign Military Sales (FMS) countries, including Bahrain, Greece and Jordan.

The F-16 Training System contract calls for L-3 Link to continue Contractor Logistics Support (CLS) on currently fielded pilot and maintenance trainers, which includes guaranteed availability and relocation of training devices as the force structure dictates. L-3 Link will also continue to operate a Training System Support Center (TSSC) at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. The TSSC provides trainer concurrency with the F-16, Distributed Mission Operation updates, visual system database modifications, system configuration control and logistics data library maintenance.

Related articles:

L-3 Awarded F-16 Mission Training Center Contract Option (2010-03-14)
L-3 Link and Boeing to develop Mission Training Center (2009-01-28)
Other
News archive for December 2011

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480 FS F-16 pilot reaches 4,000 flight hours

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 16, 2011 (by SrA Natasha Stannard) - Only 33 pilots in the 20-year history of the F-16 Fighting Falcon have reached 4,000 flying hours in the aircraft until December 14.

Lt. Col. Brian Egger, center, 480th FS pilot, is greeted by Col. David Lyons, 52nd OG commander, after landing December 14. Egger reached his 4,000th F-16 flying hour on this flight and is the 34th F-16 pilot in USAF history to reach this milestone.

Lt. Col. Brian Egger, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot, became the 34th pilot to do so Dec. 14 reaching more than 4,000 flight hours in the aircraft.

"This is very rare," said Lt. Col Aaron Piepkorn, 480th FS director of operations. "There are thousands of F-16s and tens of thousands of F-16 pilots, but only a small number to reach that hour mark - this is a very significant achievement."

The pilot, who said he always wanted to fly, is not only an inspiration to those he flies with but a great asset in their training.

"Having that amount of time in one aircraft provides a wealth of experience for us all," Piepkorn said of the 23-year pilot. "No F-16 pilot on this base has even come close to the number of hours he has. The knowledge he has plays a significant role and prepares [newer pilots] in our squadron for the future."

Egger is stationed at Ramstein Air Base, Germany but is a part of the F-16 unit here where he completes his flight hours - most of which are instructor hours.

"I've been to a lot of different places," said Egger, who has been stationed at four different bases and on numerous deployments. "The people here treat me like royalty. It's been a great place to fly."

Pilots here are grateful to fly with him, as having someone with this much experience as instructor is like finding a diamond in the rough.

"Most guys with this many hours don't have most of them as instructor hours," said Capt. Link Sandwith, 480th Fighter Squadron F-16 pilot. "It's rare to be able to stay in the cockpit this long, and he's doing it the right way as an instructor."

According to Capt. Daniel Schreiber, 480th FS F-16 pilot, he's also instructing the right way.

"He's an awesome instructor," Schreiber said. "It's cool to see his perspective and the way he incorporates the way things used to be done with the way things are done now."

These two pilots, Egger's family and many more from the squadron were on hand to congratulate Egger as he glided his F-16 onto the runway completing 4,000.1 hours of flight, and they weren't empty handed.

They continued the time-honored, Vietnam War tradition of bombarding the pilot as they tied him down to the runway with tape and hosed him down with water, making this career milestone unforgettable.

"I'm very fortunate," Egger said soaked. "A lot of people from mechanics to air-traffic controllers have to do a lot of work to make this happen."

Courtesy of 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Related articles:

Luke AFB pilot reaches 4,000 flying hours (2011-06-30)
Joint Base Balad F-16 pilot hits 3K milestone (2011-06-24)
Eielson Wing Commander marks 4,000+ hours (2011-03-03)
332nd AEW pilot reaches 4,000 flight hours in F-16 (2010-02-06)
Other
News archive for December 2011

Forum discussion:

Another pilot reaches the golden 4000 hrs milestone (40 replies)

Additional images:

F-16 Fighting Falcon - 4000 Flight Hours patch

Oman to purchase 12 additional F-16s

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 15, 2011 (by Asif Shamim) - The US Department of Defense on December 14th, has announced that Lockheed Martin have been awarded $600M fixed-price contract for a Foreign Military Sales program that will provide the government of Oman 12 additional F-16 C/D block 50 Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft.

RAFO F-16C block 50 #815 is spotted in a hangar at the Lockheed company prior to being delivered to Oman. This is the 4,300th F-16 being delivered.

The order consists of 10 single seater 'C-Models' and 2 'D-Models' and in addition to assembling the aircraft at its Fort Worth site in Texas, Lockheed will also provide associated support equipment and logistics services, the DOD said. Work under the deal should be concluded by November 2016.

The F-16 production line at Fort Worth seems to have improved as this is the second order to come in matter of weeks after Iraq also placed a follow on order for 18 additional F-16s. Just six months ago, Lockheed officials were warning that F-16 production could come to a halt by the end of 2013. With these new orders that same line will extend production to well into 2015.

Oman's surprise selection appears to have dashed the UK's hopes of selling Eurofighter Typhoons to the nation.

The Royal Air Force of Oman (RAFO) currently has 12 F-16C/D block 50 aircraft (8 'C-models' & 4 'D-Models'), delivered as part of Peace A'sama A'safiya Program, thus making the country the 23rd customer for the F-16 and the 5th Arab airforce F-16 customer.

Related articles:

Oman shops for 18 new F-16s (2010-08-11)
L-3 Communications delivers F-16 ATS to Oman (2007-04-24)
Lockheed delivers first F-16s to Oman (2005-08-05)
Other
News archive for December 2011

Forum discussion:

Oman is Buying Another 12 New F-16s (10 replies)

Additional images:

RAFO F-16D block 50 #801 is being spotted during its first official flight at Fort Worth.

RAFO F-16C block 50 #814 of 18 sqn seen on delivery at Thumrait AFB wearing its US transit markings on June 17th, 2006.

DSCA announces further 18 F-16IQ's for Iraq

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 14, 2011 (by Asif Shamim) - The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq for a further batch of 18 F-16IQ aircraft and associated equipment, parts, weapons, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.3 billion.

The Government of Iraq has requested a possible sale of:

18 F-16IQ aircraft,
24 F100PW-229 or F110-GE-129 Increased Performance Engines,
120 LAU-129/A Common Rail Launchers,
24 APG-68(V)9 radar sets,
19 M61 20mm Vulcan Cannons,
100 AIM-9L/M-8/9 Sidewinder Missiles,
150 AIM-7M-F1/H SPARROW Missiles,
50 AGM-65D/G/H/K Maverick Air to Ground Missiles,
200 GBU-12 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (500 pound),
50 GBU-10 PAVEWAY II Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),
50 GBU-24 PAVEWAY III Laser Guided Bomb Units (2000 pound),
22 ALQ-211 Advanced Integrated Defensive Electronic Warfare Suites (AIDEWS), or Advanced Countermeasures Electronic System (ACES) (ACES includes the ALQ-187 Electronic Warfare System and AN/ALR-93 Radar Warning Receiver),
20 AN/APX-113 Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) Systems (without Mode IV),
20 Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Embedded GPS/ Inertial Navigation Systems (INS), (Standard Positioning Service (SPS) commercial code only),
20 AN/AAQ-33 SNIPER or AN/AAQ-28 LITENING Targeting Pods,
4 F-9120 Advanced Airborne Reconnaissance Systems (AARS) or DB-110 Reconnaissance Pods (RECCE),
22 AN/ALE-47 Countermeasures Dispensing Systems (CMDS),
20 Conformal Fuel Tanks (pairs),
120 Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing Systems (JHMCS),
20 AN/ARC-238 Single Channel Ground and Airborne Radio Systems,
10,000 PGU-27A/B Ammunition,
30,000 PGU-28 Ammunition,
230 MK-84 2000 lb General Purpose Bombs,
and 800 MK-82 500lb General Purpose Bombs.

Also included: LAU-117 Maverick Launchers, site survey support equipment, Joint Mission Planning System, Ground Based Flight Simulator, tanker support, ferry services, Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD), repair and return, modification kits, spares and repair parts, construction, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services, ground based flight simulator, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $2.3 billion.

The proposed sale will allow the Iraqi Air Force to modernize its air force by acquiring western interoperable fighter aircraft, thereby enabling Iraq to support both its own air defense needs and coalition operations. The country will have no difficulty absorbing these aircraft into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be:

BAE Advanced Systems Greenlawn, New York
Boeing Corporation Seattle, Washington
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems St Louis, Missouri (three locations) Long Beach, California - San Diego, California
Raytheon Company Lexington, Massachusetts
(two locations) Goleta, California
Raytheon Missile Systems Tucson, Arizona
Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Fort Worth, Texas
Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control Dallas, Texas
Lockheed Martin Simulation, Training and Support Fort Worth, Texas
Northrop-Grumman Electro-Optical Systems Garland, Texas
Northrop-Grumman Electronic Systems Baltimore, Maryland
Pratt & Whitney United Technology Company East Hartford, Connecticut
General Electric Aircraft Engines Cincinnati, Ohio
Goodrich ISR Systems Danbury, Connecticut
L3 Communications Arlington, Texas
ITT Defense Electronics and Services McLean, Virginia
Symetrics Industries Melbourne, Florida

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Iraq involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of 15 years.

Related articles:

Iraq has requested purchase of 18 F-16IQs (2010-09-23)
Iraqi pilots to receive F-16 prerequisite pilot training (2010-07-16)
Iraqi government wants to purchase F-16s (2008-09-05)
Other
News archive for December 2011

External link:

Full DSCA Report (PDF)

Forum discussion:

Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum.

Thunderbirds release 2012 show schedule

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

December 12, 2011 (by TSgt. Jake Richmond) - The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds have announced their 2012 show schedule. The team is set to perform more than 60 demonstrations in 33 locations, including two shows in Canada.

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The team, officially known as the U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, will again kick-off their season by performing a flyover for the 54th running of NASCAR's Daytona 500 on Feb. 26. The remainder of the schedule is as follows:

March 17: Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, Arizona
March 31 & April 1: Lakeland, Florida
April 14-15: Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona
April 21-22: Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
April 28-29: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
May 5-6: Shaw AFB, South Carolina
May 12-13: Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey
May 19-20: March Air Reserve Base, California
May 23: Colorado Springs, Colo. - U.S. Air Force Academy graduation flyover
May 26-27: Hill Air Force Base, Utah
June 2-3: Rockford, Illinois
June 9-10: Ocean City, Maryland
June 16-17: North Kingstown, Rhode Island
June 23-24: Indianapolis, Indina
June 30 & July 1: Battle Creek, Michigan
July 7-8: Gary, Indiana
July 21-22: Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington
July 25: Cheyenne, Wyoming
July 28-29: Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska
Aug. 4-5: Hillsboro, Oregon
Aug. 11-12: Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada
Aug. 17: Atlantic City, New Jersey
Aug. 25-26: Brunswick, Maine
Sept. 1-2: Davenport, Iowa
Sept. 8-9: Sacramento, California
Sept. 15-16: Scott Air Force Base, Illinois
Sept. 22-23: Salinas, California
Sept. 29-30: McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas
Oct. 6-7: Fort Worth, Texas
Oct. 13-14: Daytona Beach, Florida
Oct. 20-21: El Paso, Texas
Oct. 27-28: Moody Air Force Base, Georgia
Nov. 3-4: Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida
Nov. 10-11: Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

"We are excited about the upcoming season and representing our fellow American Airmen," said Lt. Col. Greg Moseley, who will command and lead the team in the 2012 show season. "We feel honored to tell the story of U.S. Air Force Airmen serving on the front lines of freedom around the world. We will proudly represent each Airmen with the same pride, precision and professionalism in which they perform their duties each and every day".

The coming year will mark the 59th of the Thunderbirds existence, dating back to 1953 when the team flew the straight-winged F-84G Thunderjets. This season will mark the 30th season the squadron has performed in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Air Force's premier multi-role fighter aircraft.

Related articles:

Thunderbirds announce their 2011 schedule (2010-12-09)
Thunderbirds announce their 2010 schedule (2009-12-08)
Other
News archive for December 2011

Forum discussion:

Start a discussion about this article in the F-16.net forum.

Additional images:

USAF Thunderbird No. 2, Capt. Ryan Riely, foreground, the left wing pilot, and Thunderbirds No. 1, Lt. Col. Case Cunningham get into formation beside a KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft assigned to the 157th ARW during an air to air refueling mission over the eastern United States, while en route to an air show in Portsmouth, N.H. on August 11th, 2011.

F-16 Fighting Falcon news

Pakistan receives first MLU F-16s

Osan F-16C aborts take-off during exercise

First Iraqi in Arizona for F-16 pilot training

Volkel base commander passes 3000 hrs

L-3 Link to upgrade Pakistani ATDs to SimuSphere HD-9â¢

Greek F-16 belly lands at Larrisa Airbase

Stingers fly high with Bio-fuel

55th EFS aircrews heading to Korea for 3 month deployment

Philippines want to procure 12 F-16 fighter jets from the US

Final USAF combat mission over Iraq

L-3 Link wins contract for F-16 From US DoD

480 FS F-16 pilot reaches 4,000 flight hours

Oman to purchase 12 additional F-16s

DSCA announces further 18 F-16IQ's for Iraq

Thunderbirds release 2012 show schedule

L-3 Link to upgrade Pakistani ATDs to SimuSphere HD-9â¢