F-16 Viper Part 1 Photo CD Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Aero Research is back with a new series in their growing line-up of great offerings. This new photo CD features a nice sampling of the F-16 Fighting Falcon from numerous points in time from the YF-16 at Edwards AFB in 1975 through an F-16C of the 144 FW dated 2006. Most of the photos in this installment center around the 1980s and 1990s, outside the timeframe of the typical images you'd find online.

As with many of the previous releases in this series, the images are organized by unit, so you'll be able to quickly track down examples from Fighter Wings and ANG Fighter Groups that have been BRAC'ed out of existence. The examples below illustrate the markings of some of the earlier distinctive Vipers including an F-16A from Luke AFB, and F-16C from Hahn AB, and the always-interesting AFTI CCV airframe from Edwards AFB.

These representative snapshots are from across the USAF looking at the markings and configurations of the F-16 with examples of early and later model Vipers from each unit in many cases. There are even photos of the single and two-seat F-16XL airframes with interesting bomb loads.

I am definitely looking forward to more of these releases as I am hoping to see this title expand in its coverage of not only USAF examples (including AFR and ANG Vipers), but also USN adversaries and aircraft in air forces around the world. At these resolutions and image quality, tail spotters and modelers alike will have some fun!

This is another nice selection of imagery that you won't find available in such clarity and size. This title is recommended!

You can purchase this reference or any of their other photo CDs directly from their website www.aeroresearchcds.com or via email AeroResearch@Charter.net.

My sincere thanks to Aero Research for this review sample!