Israeli F-16

[KeithnFW]

Lockheed-Martin had one of their Israeli birds flying today. . .

[David_3]

WOW Keith! What a great catch. Ithink that is the only F-16 VISTA (Variable-Stability Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft) ever made. It was a one of a kind conversion from back in the early 90's. Hard to tell for sure if that is the same plane, but it sure looks similar. It was originally a joint program with the Israeli's, so that adds up too. Here is a little more info, and some pictures.

http://www.f-16.net/index.php?module...2_itemId=16945


That's the best photo I've ever seen of it. Great job!.

[Dokk]

Originally Posted by David_3

WOW Keith! What a great catch. Ithink that is the only F-16 VISTA (Variable-Stability Inflight Simulator Test Aircraft) ever made. It was a one of a kind conversion from back in the early 90's. Hard to tell for sure if that is the same plane, but it sure looks similar. It was originally a joint program with the Israeli's, so that adds up too. Here is a little more info, and some pictures.

http://www.f-16.net/index.php?module...2_itemId=16945


That's the best photo I've ever seen of it. Great job!.

Close but not quite a VISTA. The VISTA was a tesbed aircraft whereas this is a full production F-16 Electronic Warfare aircraft for the IDF. The dorsal "fin" on this bird is loaded with EW equipment and is, in reality, quite a bit different from the VISTA bird.

[David_3]

Hey thanks for the clarification. I knew somebody would know the real story behind this bird.

Edit: (embarrass mode on) I guess I should have known that, considering I was in the EW community when I was in the Navy. <hangs head in shame>

[JPalmer]

kinda cool to see one with that paint scheme flying around the area.

great capture.

[Dokk]

Originally Posted by David_3

Hey thanks for the clarification. I knew somebody would know the real story behind this bird.

Edit: (embarrass mode on) I guess I should have known that, considering I was in the EW community when I was in the Navy. <hangs head in shame>

I actually helped build about 15-20 of these birds and they were the most unique of all the models that came up the line. My understanding is that they were delivered empty with all the electronics installed in Isreal for security reasons.