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

80-0636 first operated at Hahn Air Base in Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany with the US Air Forces in Europe. It was then transferred to the Montana Air National Guard. At an unknown moment, the plane was modified to the Air Defense Fighter (ADF) standard. It later served from Tucson International Airport in Arizona. Today, it is in storage at the AMARG Boneyard.

Equipment

• AIM-9 Sidewinder x2
• Drop Tank x2