Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is currently the most numerous combat aircraft in NATO. Originally developed for the USAF as a day fighter, the F-16 has evolved into a highly capable multi-role combat aircraft that despite flying for the first time in 1974 is still in production. Over 4,500 F-16s have been produced over the past 49 years and 3,000 of them are still in service with 25 nations around the world. The most recent version is called the Block 70/72 and includes a new cockpit, computers, an advanced AESA radar based on the one installed in the F-35.

Only the US and Israel operate more F-16s than Turkey, making the Turkish Air Force one of the world's leading users of this famous fighter. The single-seat F-16Cs and two-seat F-16Ds it operates - around 240 in all - were mostly built locally by Turkish Aerospace Industries. The SoloTürk demonstration uses a specially painted Block 40 F-16C which makes the display stand out from any other display in Europe.

Joining our celebration of 50 years of the F-16, the Turkish Air Force are sending SoloTürk to perform at this year’s Air Tattoo. Returning for the first time since 2018, this display is a crowd favourite.

Photo Credit: Rich Cooper