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161 Filo ( TUAF)" Bat (Yarasa)" |
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161 Filo " Bat (Yarasa)" ( TuAF) | |||
| Status: |
Active
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| Version: | F-16C/D block 40 | |||
| Role: | Multirole, Attack | |||
| Tailband: | N/A | |||
| Motto: | N/A | |||
| Badge: | A bat shining down on a dark blue background. | |||
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Reportedly disbanded on July 15th, 2016 (to be confirmed).
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Sideways profile for 161 Filo in 2006.
F-16 History
161 Filo was the first squadron in Bandirma to receive the new F-16. Like most squadrons within the Turkish Air Force, these are of the block 40 version. The F-16 replaced the F-104G Starfighter, as in most European NATO countries. The mission of the squadron thus was conventional attack as primary role, with a secondary air defence role. This did not change with the introduction of the F-16. It was just replacing an obsolete aircraft with a newer one with more capabilities.
With the block 40 came new capabilities, resulting in the possibility to conduct night-time operations. In the first years of operating the F-16, this was not easy since the Turkish Air Force didn’t order targeting pods together with the aircraft. An order for LANTIRN pods was placed when the first aircraft were leaving the production line. 161 Filo had to wait until 1994 to receive their first pods. This however, marked a dramatic change in missions that could be flown. From 1994 onwards the squadron was fully operational on the type with all mission profiles to be flown.
Since a number of years, all F-16s squadrons within the Turkish Air Force are multi-role. This means they can handle all missions, but are specialised in one. With the CCIP program – which will start in 2009 – the aircraft will get an upgrade which will prolong their service life and introduce a completely new block 50 cockpit and advanced electronics.
Aircraft Markings History
The tail consist of a standard grey tail with the Turkish flag in the center, the serial number at the bottom and the squadron's crest on top. Sometimes a white and black checkered tailband was also displayed.
The squadron's crest was replaced by a new design.
The squadron's crest was changed from a bat to an eagles head. The bat is also still carried by a lot of airframes.
Unit History
- 1943: Activation of the squadron in Gaziemir
- 1943: 'Tomahawk' Mk. IIB (as I TB, part of 6A)
- 1945: 'Spitfire' Mk. VB
- 1946: 'Spitfire' Mk. V
- 1949: 'Spitfire' Mk. IX (part of 6AA, Bandirma)
- 1951: 'Spitfire' Mk. IX (re-designated 161 Filo, part of 6HU)
- 1952: P-47D 'Thunderbolt'
- 1953: F-84G 'Thunderjet'
- 1963: F-84G 'Thunderjet' (part of 6AJU)
- 1966: F-5A 'Freedom Fighter'
- 1982: F-104G 'Starfighter'
- 1991: F-16C/D 'Fighting Falcon'
F-16 Airframe Inventory
- All 161 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database (past and current aircraft)
- Current 161 Filo F-16s in our F-16 Aircraft Database
Photos
Special Thanks
If I am not mistaken, this squadron now holds the name "Lantirn" and photos of new tail art on both sides of the tail (left and right) have surfaced on the internet from their recent deployment at Malbork AFB. Any background or info on new tail art or the new name would be really appreciated.
141st is kind of unique nowadays. It is now known as Yarasa-Kartal, or Bat-Eagle Squadron. One side of the tail has a an eagle logo while the other side has a bat and their new unofficial motto is "Eagle in the day, bat in the night" to bring home the idea that they are the most specialized and historied night fighting squadron of TurAF.
All of the aircraft here upgraded to Block 50+ and replaced tail art
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