The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.
F-16C Barak No. 519 c/n CJ-9 (U.S. 90-0857) was one of 13 F-16C aircraft from Block 40H completed in 1990 for the IDF/AF under FMS Program Peace Marble III. Peace Marble III a further 17 F-16Cs and 30 F-16Ds. The IDF/AF began using these aircraft on August 22, 1991 with the delivery of all aircraft completed by 1993. The 101 Squadron, also known as the First Fighter Squadron, was formed on May 20, 1948; 6 days after Israel declared its independence. The 101 insignia is a “Winged Skull in a Flight Helmet”.