F-16 Reference

18th squadron ( RAFO)

 
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18 sqn ( RAFO)
Status:
Active
Version: F-16C/D block 50
Role: Multirole
Tailband: N/A
Motto: N/A
Badge: A snake with opened mouth gasping at an F-16.

Sideways profile for 18 sqn in 2008.

F-16 History

The squadron was established in the course of 2005 when the first Omani F-16s came off the Lockheed production line. 18 sqn was specifically established to receive those F-16s. The squadron was fully operational by the end of 2006. At first, the squadron was based at Thumrait AFB together with the SEPECAT Jaguar fighters of the RAFO with the F-16s slated to move to Al Musana'a AFB after infrastructural works had been completed there. In the end this was changed and the Jaguars were phased out and the F-16s remained in Thumrait.


RAFO F-16C block 50 #811 is strolling down on the runway at NAS Forth Worth on May 7th, 2008. [Photo by Keith Robinson]

The F-16 fleet will take some of the tasks of the aging Jaguar fleet. They will form the mainstay of the Omani fighter force for many years to come.

Aircraft Markings History

2005 - present

The tail consists from the air force logo in the center of the tail.


Unit History

  • 2005: Activation of the squadron in Thumrait
  • 2005: F-16C/D 'Fighting Falcon'


F-16 Airframe Inventory

Photos

Special Thanks

Peter R. Foster

Errors and Omissions




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