Dutch ‘Vipers’

Royal Netherlands Air Force F-16

In 1979, the first F-16 entered Royal Netherlands Air Force service as a direct replacement for the F-104G Starfighter and the type later succeeded the NF-5 Freedom Fighter. Mike Schoenmaker and Niels Hoogenboom review the many achievements of the Dutch ‘Viper’ over a remarkable 40-year career.

A spectacular break by a pair of JDAMtoting F-16AMs from the Volkel-based 312 Squadron (J-508, closest to the camera) and 313 Squadron over the North Sea. The MLU added the characteristic four antennas of the Advanced Identification Friend or Foe (AIFF) system on the nose in front of the canopy.

Frank Crébas

Thumbs up from a Volkel-based ‘Viper’ driver. Evolved HOTAS controls mean most radar modes, weapons and data links can be selected without the pilot taking their hands off the throttle or stick.

Frank Crébas

In 1959 the Dutch defence ministry announced selection of the F-104G as the country’s future fighter. The Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) received its first examples in 1962, and it was as sleek and fast as it was challenging to fly. The Dutch flew the Starfighter for 22 years, but as early as 1967 a hunt was under way for a successor. RNLAF chief of staff Lt Gen Bertie Wolff planned to join forces with neighbouring European air arms, seeking a collaborative solution to support the introduction of a new fighter.