Test Support Viper: 78-0081

[Old Viper Tester]

F-16B 78-0081 came to Edwards in 1989 from Luke AFB. Early model F-16s were being brought in to replace F-4s and A-7s in the test support role - radar targets and safety/photo chase for test aircraft. Test support was the mission of the 6512th Test Squadron of the 6510th Test Wing, Air Force Flight Test Center. In October 1992, at the behest of the USAF Chief of staff, 4-digit organization identifiers were abolished and the 6512TS became the 445TS (later FLTS) and the 6510TW became the 412TW.

 

August 1989 - Shortly after arrival from Luke AFB.

 

August 1990

 

June 1991

 

 

October 1991

 

September 1992 - The AF Materiel Command shield replaced the AF System Command shield on the tail as Systems Command and AF Logistics Command were merged to form Materiel Command in July 1992. The name inside the nose gear door is "TAZ DEVIL"

 

Thanks for looking,

Sven

 

[Red Dot]

Lovely sharp photos Sven

 

Andy