TuAF F-16C block 30
#87-0020 from 143 Filo is coming in at Volkel AB on April 12th, 2006.
The squadron was the first to receive brand-new F-16s. First from the General Dynamics plant in Fort Worth, later from the TAI plant in neighbouring Mürted. The squadron had a dedicated training task within the Turkish air Force. Therefore the most F-16s were delivered to this unit so pilot training on the new type could start immediately. At the time, the squadron was still known as ‘Öncel Filo’. After the initial training syllabi, a number of aircraft were transferred to 142 Filo to form another air defence squadron on short notice.
In 1999 the squadron was re-designated as 143 Filo and became a part of 4AJU based at Akinci AFB. This was done because the other block 30 airframes which are operated within 142 Filo are also based at Akinci AB. This made it very convenient for aircraft maintenance and when 143 Filo needs more aircraft on short notice, 142 Filo can provide them very quickly.
The squadron will keep flying the block 30 airframes for some time. These are the oldest airframes in the Turkish inventory but were already designed to meet a 6000-hour lifespan. Since these jets are only used for training, the flying hours don’t count as fast as in other operational squadrons.
