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143 Filo ( TUAF)" Öncel" |
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143 Filo " Öncel" ( TuAF) | |||
| Status: |
Disbanded
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| Version: | F-16C/D block 30/40 | |||
| Role: | Training, Recce | |||
| Tailband: | N/A | |||
| Motto: | N/A | |||
| Badge: | An eagle with its wings spread. | |||
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Disbanded on July 15th, 2016.
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Sideways profile for 143 Filo in 2007.
F-16 History
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.
In 2014 a number of block 40 airframes were inserted into the squadron. This was done to accommodate another role, being that of reconnaissance. With the phasing out of the RF-4E in April of 2014 a solution had to be sought. This came in the form of newly acquired DB-110 recce pods. These were all included in this squadron.
In the aftermath of the coup d'etat of July 15th, 2016 the squadron was disbanded and it's assets moved to other squadrons.
Aircraft Markings History
The tail consist of a standard grey tail with the Turkish flag in the center and the serial number at the bottom. This was the scheme applied to Turkish F-16s in the very early years.
The squadron's crest was added above the Turkish flag, with a yellow tailband covered with small crest images inside it also present.
Unit History
- 1956: Activation of the squadron in Merzifon
- 1956: F-86E 'Sabre' (as Öncel Filo, part of 5HU)
- 1963: F-86E 'Sabre' (part of 5AJU)
- 1970: F-5A 'Freedom Fighter'
- 1987: F-16C/D 'Fighting Falcon'
- 1999: F-16C/D 'Fighting Falcon' (re-designated 143 Filo, part of 4AJU, Akinci)
- 2016: Disbanded
F-16 Airframe Inventory
- All 143 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database (past and current aircraft)
- Current 143 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database
Photos
Special Thanks
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