US Air Force - AETC F-16s



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USAF F-16D block 42 #90-0778 which is operated as seen here by the 63rd FS. Note the kill marking next to the cockpit. The kill was scored by the 33rd FS on December 27th, 1992. It was also the first AIM-120 kill for the USAF. [Photo by Mike Kopack]

Comments

  • CrewDawg778 on 2006-Oct-24 20:10:00 CrewDawg778 said

    Info on Mig Kill from Crew Chief Roy Murray

    On 27 Dec 1992 I launched aircraft 90-0778 call sign Benji 41 for a combat mission from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. The only reason for it flying the combat mission (4 Hours) that day was to take flying hours off it so it could go in for a phase inspection. Most of its flight time during Operation Southern Watch was (FAM) rides for in coming pilots and VIP's, being the only D model. The canopy was so bad that Lt. Col North (at that time) stated "it was like landing with a paper bag on your head. HA! The family bus still got the job done that day. I also remember a reporter asking Lt. Col North why he did not use the cheaper missile, his come back was great; he stated if you were in a fight and had a knife and a gun, which one would you use. We painted the star and a blue tail on it while it was in phase, because it was on loan from the 19th FS at the time, then it became a 33rd FS aircraft. I stayed as the Crew Chief of 778 when we returned to Shaw, AFB and then transferred out with it to Luke AFB, AZ. I took my retirement flight in 90-0778 and launched Gen. North one more time when he came through Luke. I do miss those days!

This image is also used in

  • Aircraft Database: F-16 # 1D-56

    Still has LTC North's name on the front seat. Also has Col. Bud Mahurin's name on the back seat with current DCC and ADCC on the right side.

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