Re: Base F16's


Message posted by Peter Merlin on March 22, 2009 at 10:25:48 PST:

The F-16s at Groom are just painted in standard Air Force markings. It's possible that they do not have base tailcode (such as ED) if they need to look entirely generic. A gray F-16 over the Nevada Test and Training Range is the least likely of all aircraft to attract attention. The airplanes probably come from Edwards, or possibly Hill, and are more likely used for safety chase and mission support than for air defense of the base.

During previous test programs, pilots would fly out to Groom from Edwards in a T-38, F-4, F-15, or whatever, simply as a way of getting to the base in order to fly "the article" (whatever aircraft was being tested: MiG-21, HAVE BLUE, F-117A, etc.), or to fly chase or perform air-combat intercept evaluations.

Also, the Special Projects Flight of the 416th Flight Test Squadron at Edwards has flown F-16s to Groom for classified test projects. These may involve special avionics, weapon systems,low-observables upgrades, etc.


In Reply to: Re: Base F16's posted by zipper on March 21, 2009 at 18:44:31 PST:

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