RNLAF fighter at Ramstein

***image1***The Allied-Air Component Headquarters-Ramstein recently received an F-16-type jet mock-up for installation on the premises. Presented in a typical flying display in front of the building, the jet comes from the Royal Netherlands Air Force inventory and was procured thanks to contacts by former CC-Air Chief of Staff, Major General Leo van den Born (left, with Gen. Tom Hobbins, USAFE commander).

According to Lt. Col. Meinrad Angermayer, CC-Air HQ public information officer, it was not an easy job to create the preconditions for setting up the F-16 body, which came without engine, electronics or other interior systems. After a foundation was built with a plinth to support the jet and the issue of future ownership of the aircraft was resolved – the F-16 is on loan from the Netherlands Ministry of Defence to NATO and remains property of the Netherlands – implementation of the display commenced.

The jet from the first F-16 production series had initially been used by the RNLAF at Leeuwarden Air Base. Subsequently it was transferred to Tucson, Ariz., to serve as a trainer for Dutch pilots. Later, it returned to Leeuwarden, where it was used as a technical instructional air frame.