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

FA-117, serial number 88-0042, started serving with the Belgian Air Force’s 1 Squadron in late 1989. It was painted in a commemorative D-Day Invasion Stripes in 1994 while serving with the 349 Squadron, and a special tail paint for the BAF’s 50th Anniversary back with the 1 Squadron. At some point, most likely in the early 2000s, the plane was upgraded to the Block 20 Mid-Life Upgrade standard. It has served in many combat and defense missions as an MLU, such as serving in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in 2008 and 2013, Air Policing in the Baltic in 2017 and Operation Inherent Resolve in 2020. The plane is still serving in the Belgian Air Force (as of 2021), making this the first aircraft that I have uploaded here that is still in active service.

Equipment

• AIM-9 Sidewinder x2
• Drop Tank x1