The new F-16C/Ds will be able to simulate the capabilities of world’s most advanced fighter jets providing a credible threat during air-to-air combat training
Israeli Air Force’s (IAF) “Flying Dragon” Squadron (which is the service only aggressor squadron) has transitioned to the “Barak” (the IAF designation for the F-16C/D), four months after the retirement of the “Netz” (F-16A/B).
The first jet was recently delivered to the unit which held a ceremony in Ovda AFB to celebrate the arrival of the new aircraft.
The so called “Red Squadron,” that retired the Netz in Dec. 2016, is now ready to begin a new chapter, as explained by Maj. Itzik, Deputy Squadron Commander “The ‘Barak’ is an aircraft from a different generation and we feel great excitement and responsibility. We are receiving an advanced operational platform and it is part of our responsibility to keep it one. We understand that we are expected to raise the level of our enemy simulation.”
The future Barak drivers used the unit “Fighter Simulator” (actually an F-16 simulator) to help themselves with the transition to the new machine. “We began to understand its capabilities, its advantages and disadvantages – what it can give”, pointed out Maj. Itzik.
The squadron’s maintenance personnel too underwent an intensive training period in order to ensure their proficiency in the new aircraft.
Thanks to the new F-16C/Ds the “Flying Dragon” Squadron will be able to simulate the capabilities of world’s most advanced fighter jets providing a credible threat during air-to-air combat training.
Source: Israeli Air Force
Photo credit: Israeli Air Force
