Conceived as a response to lessons learned in the war in Vietnam, the F-16 has emerged as one of the most successful and popular aircraft in the history of the US Air Force (USAF). Known for its versatility as a multirole fighter, the F-16 achieved its greatest fame as the personal aircraft of the USAF elite demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. This aircraft was serving at Sheppard AFB as a ground maintenance training tool before being acquired by Yanks and detailed to represent the #8 aircraft of the Thunderbirds.

Born out of the Lightweight Fighter Program begun in the 1960’s, the F-16 quickly expanded beyond its role as an Air Superiority Fighter to become one of the most capable and versatile aircraft in the history of the USAF history and is often affectionately referred to as the “Viper” by pilots and crews.

Representing a great leap in aircraft design, the F-16 is able to be equipped with a variety of weapons systems capable of engaging targets in the air and on the ground while the pilot is assisted by an onboard flight control system referred to as “fly-by-wire” which grants the aircraft its famed maneuverability. These characteristics have contributed to the wide spread popularity of the design thus ensuring the F-16’s use by no less than 26 nations and its continued service well into the 21^st century.