Forum: F-16 Patches

Foolish questions time...

1. When you mention a "swirl" are you referring to the circular style patches I see (Often with state or country flags in them) ? Or are there other patches that are called swirls too?

2. Are swirls only for F-16's or do F15, Tornado, ect.. pilots also have their own swirls?

3. What is the significance of these patches? Do you get you swirl patch once you are certified to fly the F16?

Thnaks for the replies in advance
Very Happy

F-16.net Sponsor

I can answer that first one for you, I think you have the right patches in mind - a typical swirl has a blue background, a falcon on the right-hand sight, the text "F-16 Fighting Falcon" at the top, and a narrow, elongated flag (or unit colors) on the left hand side. The same design pattern is used for different countries for example.

Check this page for all "country" Swirls:

http://www.f-16.net/units.html

Someone else will be able to answer your other questions Smile

stefaan

Relic wrote:

2. Are swirls only for F-16's or do F15, Tornado, ect.. pilots also have their own swirls?

The answer to question 2 is the swirls is a term specific to the F-16 depending on nation as US operators us the generic stars & strips variant.

F-15 crews have a different style of patch which is sort of like the swirl. 2 distinct styles depending on which F-15 version flown. Scans enclosed below for 'C/D' & 'E' models.

The 'C' crews are more creative as can be seen in the Vampire Driver patch. This is likely to be a Friday patch where as the the 'Grim Reaper' style could be classed more the normal day to day usage type.

Not aware of any thing for Tornado crews as such.

Forum: F-16 Patches

Swirls?