The Lockheed Martin F16 was a key focus of this year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) as it celebrated its 50-year anniversary.
The iconic single-engine fighter undertook it’s first flight in 1974 and is still in production today many different variants being procurd over the five decades.
Examples of F16s from several nations were on static display on an extended “viper line” with many taking part in the flying display also, notable the Soloturk F16 from the Turkish Air Force and a F16 from the Danish Air Force.
Head of Air Operations at Royal Air Force Charitable Trust Enterprises, Peter Reoch said: “We’ve been working for nearly eighteen months on making sure the event was a worthy celebration for the 50th Anniversary of such an iconic aircraft.
“To see F-16s from so many nations together in one place has been truly unique and a sight which should live long in the memory of all those who visit RIAT this weekend.”
“The F-16 is symbolic of enduring partnerships and industrial collaboration. From the beginning, the F-16 program laid the groundwork for close cooperation, allied standardization and joint training practices,” said OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager, Integrated Fighter Group.
“Fifty years later, it still is building and sustaining partnerships – all of which were on display at this the RIAT celebration.”
