Description

Over 200 F-16A/B Block 15s were upgraded to a better standard starting in late 1987. This new standard, now known as the Operational Capability Upgrade (OCU), had upgrades in many areas. For starters, the engine was improved for more reliability. The planes’ Head-Up-Displays were also widened, similar to the base HUDs of the next generation of the F-16. They were also upgraded to be able to carry the Penguin missile, and were fitted to better accommodate the AIM-120 AMRAAM, along with many other minor modifications. Starting in 1988, every new Block 15 would be built to OCU standards.

The Airframe

FB-22, serial number 88-0048, started serving with the Belgian Air Force in 1990 with 2 Squadron, and was transferred to10 Wing in 1993. In 1997, the plane suffered a mishap where the engine flamed out in midair. The pilot managed to restart the engine and landed safely at Leeuwarden Air Base in the Netherlands. The plane was upgraded to the Block 20 Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) standard somewhere around the mid-2000s. As of 2009, the plane has been active as an MLU in the Belgian Air Force.

Equipment

• AIM-9 Sidewinder x2
• Drop Tank x2