F-16 Fighting Falcon - Indiana Air National Guard

The 122nd Fighter Wing has been in service for 82 years and can trace its heritage back to the 358th Fighter Group, which was activated in 1943. Then, in 1946, they were redesignated as the 163rd Fighter Squadron and later officially became the 122nd Fighter Wing. Over the years, they have flown fighter aircraft including the P-51, F-80, F-84, F-96, F-100, F-4, F-16, A-10, and F-16.

In 2023, the 122nd Fighter Wing announced the return of the F-16 Fighting Falcons. The Wing operated the F-16s from 1991-2010, before converting to the A-10 Thunderbolt II. The F-16s returned to the Fort Wayne skies the following spring. Today, the Wing maintains and flies 21 F-16Cs.

ABOUT THE F-16 FIGHTING FALCON

The F-16 is a compact, highly maneuverable, multi-role fighter aircraft. It has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-tosurface
combat. It has all-weather capabilities, so it can continue its missions in various conditions, delivering essential support to the Air Force.

The F-16A first flew in 1976 and was delivered to Hill Air Force Base in 1979. The F-16A is a single-seat version of the aircraft. It was quickly followed by the F-16B, which is a slightly modified two-seat version. Upgrades and modifications eventually led to the F-16C and D models placing the F-16A and B models.The Air Force currently plans to operate the F-16s for at least another two decades.