Tod Aces flies first ex-Israeli F-16

摘要

ADVANCED MILITARY adversary training provider Top Aces has flown the first of its newly-acquired former Israeli F-16s and achieved FAA certification for the aircraft. F-16A Block 5 Netz N854TA '129' (c/n 6V-15, ex Israeli AF/129 and USAF/78-0322) was reflown on May 18 from the US F-16 Center of Excellence at Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona. In order to support its US Air Force Contracted Air Support indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, Top Aces took delivery of its first four ex-Israeli F-16s in January, becoming the world's first private company to own and operate a fourth-generation fighter aircraft. All four had left Tel Aviv-Ben Gurion International Airport, Israel, on board an Antonov Airlines An-124 on January 27, arriving at Mesa the following day after an overnight stop in Iceland. In addition to 129, the aircraft comprised F-16As 220 (c/n 6V-20, USAF/78-0327, allocated N857TA) and 250 (c/n 6V-39, USAF/78-0346, allocated N860TA) plus two-seat F-16B 017 (c/n 6W-8, USAF/78-0362, allocated N847TA). All three of the F-16As were credited with Syrian MiG kills during Israeli service, while 129 was also involved in the Operation Opera raid on June 7, 1981, on Iran's Osirak nuclear reactor. Top Aces deal with the Israeli Ministry of Defence's Defence Export Agency (SIBAT) includes acquisition of up to 29 F-16A/B Block 5/10s.