Description

Block 15 was the first large modification done to the F-16. 2 hardpoints, designated 5L and 5R, were added to the chin of the inlet. Adding the pylons also added extra weight. To counter it, the horizontal stabilizers were enlarged by around 30%, letting the plane keep stable flight at higher angles of attack (AoA). The plane’s radar was also upgraded to the AN/APG-66(V)2, which featured an early version of track-while-scan capability. The planes were also given the Have Quick I UHF radio. Some older planes were also upgraded to the Block 15OCU (Operational Capability Upgrade) standard later on.

The Airframe

80-0542 first served with the USAF in Europe, specifically from Hahn Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. It then served at Hill AFB in Utah and Moody AFB in Georgia. At some point between 1990 and 1992, it was converted into an F-16 Air Defense Fighter (ADF) variant and served as one with Selfridge ANGB in Michigan until the mid-1990s, when it was put in storage at the AMARG Boneyard.

Equipment

• AIM-9 Sidewinder x2
• Drop Tank x1