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
312 sqn "Bonzo" (RNLAF)
Quote of the Day
Live thy life as it were spoil and pluck the joys that fly.
-- Martial, 'Epigrams,' A.D. 86.
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
USAF F-16C block 30 #86-0278 from the 134th FS on the ramp with a new way to protect the aircraft in bad weather. Something very useful in the Vermont winter months!
F-16 Hall of Fame
F-16I Sufa / Storm
IDFAF #401
F-16D Block 52
The first new F-16I 'Sufa' (Storm) for the Israeli Air Force. The F-16I features a dorsal spine, CFTs, and distributed RWR's, along with improved avionics. This aircraft is armed with AMRAAM's, Python 4, and LGB's - the gun is covered with a panel. It's also equipped with two 600gal drop tanks and LANTIRN pods.
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