55 Years 311SQ

40 years 306 Sqn.

An unmarked F-16AM over the Waddenzee, just north of the Netherlands. This is FMS serial 80-3642, which was built by Fokker as F-16A Block 15 with Fokker construction number L-157. J-642 made its first flight on 29 November 1983 and was delivered as F-16A(R) to the Koninklijke Luchtmacht on 20 January 1984. It started its career with reconnaissance squadron 306sq at Volkel air base. J-642 was converted to AM (Mid-Life Update) in 1991 and was withdrawn from use in August 2019 and stored at Volkel in September 2019. The aircraft was scrapped in October 2020, but its tail was saved.

323 squadron anniversary colours on a 306 squadron recce F-16.

Note the Orpheus recce pod

Photographed somewhere between CFB Cold Lake and CFB Goose Bay are J-202 and J-642, both F-16As in 312 squadron markings. If you look closely, you might be able to see that the small aerial refuel door is painted in two tone blue. The original door was found unserviceable just before the journey which would include air to air refuelling and had to be fixed. Due to the great co-operation with the USAF Aggressor squadron the small door could be borrowed from one of their serviceable jets. It shows the great friendship between the two nations.

Artwork to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the F-16 in Netherlands AF service

Assigned USAF serial 80-3642 but taken on charge Jan-1984 by the Netherlands AF as J-642, converted to F-16AM in 2001

Saying goodbye to the photographers on departure from the 2006 International Air Tattoo.