| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 243 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon |
| Aircraft Version: | General Dynamics F-16A Netz |
| C/n (msn): | 6V-35 |
| Operator Titles: | Israel - Air Force |
| Unit Markings: | 116 Sqn |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | NevatimMap |
| Country: | Israel |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: LLNV IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Photo Date: | 17 May 2015 |
| Photo by: | Adrian Romang |
| Photo ID: | 318517 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
US FY 78-0342, originally destined for Iran, this airframe was "diverted" to Israel under the Foreign Military Sales program "Peace Marble I" in early 1980. It first went to 110 Squadron in Ramat David, then to 253 Squadron in Ramon and ended up with 116 Squadron in Nevatim. It achieved one kill and was one of eight F-16A's participating in the historic June 7, 1981 raid on Iraq's nuclear reactor "Osirak". The raid was coded "Operation Opera" and 243 was flown by the late Ilan Ramon, Israel's first astronaut who lost his life in the 2003 Columbia disaster. This photo is copyright © Adrian Romang, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 1 January 2021, and has since been viewed 318 times. |