Military Aviation News

All News

Osan F-16C aborts take-off during exercise
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.
First Iraqi in Arizona for F-16 pilot training
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.
Australia may delay 12 of 14 F-35s in initial order
Today, Australian Defence Minister Smith has stated he is considering delaying purchase of 12 of the initial 14 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft for at least 3 years due to concerns of more problems with the program.

F-16 News

Osan F-16C aborts take-off during exercise
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.
First Iraqi in Arizona for F-16 pilot training
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.
Volkel base commander passes 3000 hrs
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.

F-22 News

Lockheed Martin rolls-out final F-22 Raptor
The final F-22 Raptor to be built for the U.S. Air Force, tail number 4195, rolled off the Lockheed Martin Aeronautics assembly line during a ceremony December 13 at the company's Marietta plant.
The last F-22 rolls off the production line
The 187th and final operational F-22 Raptor came off the production line at Lockheed’s, Marietta, Georgia facility on December 13th bringing procurement to a close.
Reserve F-22 pilot receives first Raptor 1,000...
Out of all of the F-22 Raptor pilots in the Air Force there is only who has been presented with the 1,000 flying hour patch.

F-35 News

Australia may delay 12 of 14 F-35s in initial order
Today, Australian Defence Minister Smith has stated he is considering delaying purchase of 12 of the initial 14 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) aircraft for at least 3 years due to concerns of more problems with the program.
Mismanagement of F-35 program results in budget cuts
Where are the large orders that are to produce "economies of scale" and "affordability" for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)? Apparently in someone's imagination from 2001.
First two USMC F-35s arrive at Eglin
The first two Lockheed Martin production model F-35B short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft were delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps today. The two jets are now assigned to the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing's Marine Fighter/Attack Training Squadron 501 residing with the host 33d Fighter Wing at Eglin AFB, Fla.
F-16 Fleet Status
F-16 fleet - Feb 4, 2012
Fleet overview:
scrapped: 50
write-off: 551
preserved: 117
stored: 626
instructional: 99
on order: 53
active: 3036
Changes '11/'12:
Fleet adds: 0
Fleet drop: 53
See detailed fleet reports
Sponsor
F-16 Unit
Esk 730 "Birdsong" (RDAF)
Quote of the Day
The only thing worse than a captain who never flew as copilot is a copilot who once was a captain.
-- Unknown
Today in history
4 Feb 1993
Secretary of Defense Aspin makes decision to include funding for 24 USAF F-16s in fiscal year 1994 defense budget. Longlead money for 24 aircraft in 1995 is included in budget.
Image Gallery
BAF F-16AM #FA-94 from the 31st sqn with the 2005 Tiger scheme is being refuelled by a French KC-135.
F-16 Hall of Fame
USAF MiG Killer
USAF #91353
F-16C Block 50
This F-16C shot down a MiG-29 in Operation Allied Force on May 4th, 1999. The kill marking has moved several times and changed colors repeatedly. The jet also wore five HARM markings which were removed shortly after returning home. In early 2004 a 'Lets Roll' decal/nose art was added.
See more interesting F-16 Aircraft profiles
Sierra Hotel
Latest Viper Drivers to reach 1K - 6K flying hours:
6,000 Hours
6,000 Hrs
2008-05-02

  Lt.Col. Mike "Brillo" Brill

| 466 FS | 421 FS  
5,000 Hours
5,000 Hrs
2011-05-09

  Col. Lenny "Wizard" Dick

| 302 FS | 457 FS | AATC  
4,000 Hours
4,000 Hrs
2011-12-14

  Lt.Col. Brian "Tonka" Egger

512 FS | 310 FS | 124 FS | 480 FS  
3,000 Hours
3,000 Hrs
2012-01-24

  Col. Peter "Wobble" Tankink

322 sqn | 323 sqn |  
2,000 Hours
2,000 Hrs
2011-12-05
1,000 Hours
1,000 Hrs
2012-01-30
See more F-16 Pilots profiles
Crew Chief Profiles

 MSgt. William Jenkins

 (added: 3 Feb 2012)
389 FS

 MSgt. Ernesto Hermosillo

 (added: 15 Aug 2007)
B-52 | 148 FS | 148 FS | 148 FS | AATC | AATC | 152 FS | 162 FW

 TSgt. Justin Ingram

 (added: 19 Jan 2012)
52 FW

 SSgt. Hasan Özcan

 (added: 29 May 2007)
141 Filo

 MSgt. Robert Morris

 (added: 17 Jan 2012)
125 FG
Copyright © 2012 Lieven Dewitte and Stefaan Vanhastel