F-16 Viper Demo Team unveiles historic livery

[@CAPEjkg]

Does anyone else remember having that die cast F-16 with the red , white, and blue. The paint shop really outdid themselves on this one! The best demo team paint job ever! Thanks to everyone who said yes on the approval.

[@kylemccartney1831]

I have that one.

[@mizake01]

I was in Cuba, born 1973. Missed out. But, garddarmn, i tried making up for the loss after 1980 by reading every book on USAF in my local library. My dad sometimes told me about Gen. Doolittle, Gen Richenbaucher(?), etc. So glad he brought us out of Cuba. USAF 1992-96.

[@tbone403]

I have that one too. Haha

[@Joseph_Gibson]

Yes…I believe mine had the little backup click wheels that made it roll.

[@ryanw1433]

Yes, i was young and didn’t like it because I thought it looked like a gaudy fake spaceship - it took a while for it to sink in that it represented a real airplane!

[@265justy]

Remember making a Revell model of the F-16 in that colour scheme when I was a young lad in the early 80s..

[@JimD-jr3xe]

Same here. That kit was so new that the box didn't say "F-16 Fighting Falcon," but rather "F-16 Air Force Fighter." I found that same kit on ebay recently and re-built it.

[@FollowMeProductions-dv2hw]

Same here, 40 years ago 🙌 The paint job was the hardest part for me.

[@dickk5281]

In the 90s I built the 1:72 Hasegawa YF-16/CCV, also in red white and blue. It had 'shark'-fins on the jet intake.

[@panemetcircenses510]

Guilty here. It helped spark a career in aerospace.

[@toolbaggers]

This isn't an British Tornado.

[@Gigalisk]

PHEW Public Affairs was COOKIN with this one.

[@toolbaggers]

US - public affairs The rest of the world - PROPAGANDA DEPARTMENT

[@hunterhalo2]

Edwards PA fucks dude. They need to start teaching other bases how to roll.

[@gregorygaunt9353]

Now that's a legacy paint job!

[@edselreynoso3438]

Building model airplanes with this paint scheme led to a fantastic 20-year career in the USAF. I spent 15 years surrounded by 200 F-16s @ Luke AFB. I know right now if I take my daughters to see your demo, I'd be crying the whole time. Thank you for the awesome job to all involved. It was the right paint and the right base to do it. Where it all began. God speed to you all.

[@TheMrMused]

My dad worked for General Dynamics in the 70s, This is the paint scheme of my childhood. I remember the day he came home with a bunch of promo material for the F-16 when it was rolled out in 1976. I probably still have some of it. Models, posters, .. just so much cool stuff! That this plane is still flying and one of the best in the sky is a testament to everyone that's worked on her over the years! Man, that livery paintjob is just *PERFECT*. Well done!!!

[@gasparsantos3885]

My favorite Monogram Kit of my youth. I still love the 16 awesome airplane.

[@lunchbox1553]

If you want to add bold text, putting punctuation after the last asterisk cancels it for some reason. So you need to put a space before the period.

[@ncwolfe]

There's at least one poster of it still hanging in the old F-16 hangar at the LM plant in Ft. Worth, and some of the uh, very senior engineers have pictures of it in their cubicles. The classic paint scheme is instantly recognizable.

[@fearless_ambassador_ambo]

That livery is freaking GORGEOUS! A+++ to the maintainers who made this happen. It's a work of art.

[@trespire]

A work of love, as is maintaining these beautiful machines.

[@fridge7515]

Dont get me wrong the Viper livery was cool but growing up my entire life in an Air Force family on bases, having had many diecast Vipers in that red, white and blue livery is just classic!! Awesome come back. Solid job by all involved, hoping to see at the upcoming air shows

[@korelzenga2305]

I was in the Dutch military in the late seventies and a mate had a model kit of the F 16 and he built it with this color scheme. I also saw the first ones stationed at the airbase Leeuwarden and take off. That was an incredible sight, especially in comparison with the Starfighters that we were using until then. Great paint job for this aniversary!

[@StudioVoodooMusic]

I remember building this as a scale model in the 70s. I later got to work for General Dynamics. What a magnificent airplane! We also made Stinger, Phalanx and the Standard Missile - all still in widespread use today - 50 years later!

[@LouT1501]

That is one beautiful paint scheme! Thank you for the wonderful video.

[@cthu1hu42o]

Those red wings look so damn good. Also, at 1:50 the sound captured on takeoff has got to be the best I've heard in a while!

[@mizake01]

THIS whole video itself is proof that this is the best country in the history of civilization. From 13 colonies to a Viper in just 248 years. "Old World", infighting, war for thousands of years. So fucking lucky my father decided to leave Cuba. HOOAH!

[@nmandmc1]

Yes I had model plane as a kid with this livery!!

[@ssgusa]

Born 50 years ago. Had a few models and toys decked out like this. My flashbacks are as fierce as the history of this great warbird. Thanks! THIS WE’LL DEFEND! 🇺🇸💜

[@patrickzimmerli9032]

To the men and women behind the scenes at Edwards AFB, and the Viper Flight Demo Team, Thank You! This brings back so many memories for me from when I was a young aviation enthusiast. Now, at 44 yrs. old, it takes me right back.😢🤙👍💯🇺🇲

[@slimslamfl]

I remember the old Revel (?) model kit with that livery in the 70's and my dad helping me with the decals. 40+ years later and I'm still building models thanks to that paint scheme and the dead sexy F16.

[@steve_wilson]

I will absolutely NEVER forget the day when, as a junior at UNH and an AFROTC cadet, I went into the Det for something and saw the Viper on the cover of Aviation Week and Space Technology. I was absolutely GOBSMACKED. Unfortunately, I wasn't a CAT IP cadet and never did have sufficient Right Stuff to become a military aviator, but I fell in love with the F-16 that day, and fell hard. And to see where that airframe has gone over the past 50 years!! The very last scale model airplane I ever finished was an F-16 in these very colors. So yeah. Great big f**kn lump in the throat and havin' a hard time seeing the words I type. Really hope to see this F-16 perform in this livery. Beautiful. Just needs a bit of work on that radome! But I love it either way. Thank you. This is a terrific way to honor the history and legacy of one of the greatest fighters the world has ever seen!

[@kellen5900]

if you want to “fly” an f16, i recommend checking out DCS. it’s an air combat simulator with all kinds of planes

[@ericlongoria6541]

Who did the editing?!?!? Absolutely amazing. 🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@josiahshaw9427]

I was a crew chief on this amazing plane back in the day! Awesome video thanks for sharing!

[@pkpnyt4711]

I had the exact die cast model with this paint scheme and this was the first color I ever saw the viper in as a boy! Brings back good memories!

[@AWoodford93]

This really is just awesome, my first interaction with the Viper was in the same way; that red white and blue die cast model. 10/10 guys & girls.

[@Spartan136]

It makes me so happy to see this paint scheme on a Jet that’s still flying. I remember I’d choose these colors anytime I could in Ace Combat.

[@theseventhgeneration6910]

I have this diecast model. I grew up with it. Thank you for bringing this historic paint scheme back to my all time favorite fighter jet.

[@camparton21]

I grew up in Lancaster, Ca. in the 60's, 70's, and 80's. What an exciting time it was! In the 3rd grade, we had new kids at school who had moved there from Texas. At the time, I didn't know their dads (and some moms) worked for General Dynamics. In fact, across the street from us on K-2 street were the Andersons. I didn't know it at the time but, dad was the chief test pilot for the YF-16 program. I remember that this plane looked nothing like anything we had seen before. The air intake below the cockpit gave the plane an evil, and I will say it, BADASS look. It looked like it was moving mach1 in its chocks. That experience, along with many more, gave me the "Jet Bug" I have today. The F-16 and the SR-71 flying over my house are simply the biggest and best memories I have in the aerospace world. And believe me, I've been blessed with MANY! Seeing the ICONIC red, white, and blue paint scheme takes me back to the exact moment in my life. Ray Smith, from Dallas who moved to Lancaster in the 3rd grade and was in Mrs. Taylor's class... I hope you are well. I can only imagine how tough it was to leave your home and come to California for less than two years but, meeting you and watching the GD YF-16 has remained a wonderfully vivid memory. For the current families in service and specifically on the VDT, you are my rock stars. Sure, pilots are a badass breed unto themselves. But, the men and women supporting the mission are my idols. You are the ones that truly gave me the fond memories I have. Because YOU keep the beautiful beasts in the air. Thank you all for your service! And for the entire GD that sacrificed their "normal lives", moved to the Antelope Valley, and were part of creating the best fighter jet of all time, God bless you all! THAT is what makes me proud to be an American and so very grateful I grew in Lancaster back "In the Old Days." GO VIPER!

[@donnthesovereigncitizen1577]

An F-16 XL in this paint scheme would be very awesome!!!

[@MrBen527]

NICE! You can't go wrong with Red, White and Blue! The pattern on the bottom looks cool also.

[@davidtennien39]

I remember when the F16 first came out with this livery. I love it!!!

[@bradalgra8088]

Looks beautiful Tony! Best looking AF Demo plane out there. I'm hope the RC jet manufacturers take notice of your extraordinary work!

[@DigbyOdel-et3xx]

As a kid into aviation I recall seeing General Dynamics ads featuring the YF-16 Paint livery looked so damn good...way da go honoring that paint livery.😎👍

[@crisespinoza1979]

i had one of the die cast F-16. Loved it then. Simply love the new paint scheme. Fantastic job all of you.

[@philiphendersonjr1760]

I do not know how you did it, other than a spectacular paint job. But just seeing it for the first time as its rolled out, made me emotional. I had one of those same toys as a kid. And its amazing! Thank you for both your service, and puttying a smile on my face. From the bottom of my heart.

[@Ackermanmedia]

That is freaking BADASS to see that color scheme!! I had two plastic models when I was a kid in that color scheme or Livery

[@robertbrassell1215]

Simply outstanding job by the 412 ! Well done

[@Jason-7212]

That is one beautiful Bird. I can remember seeing early models of it. Always loved seeing that bird in flight.

[@jimsmith556]

Those red wings are brilliant. Beautiful idea and work to bring it all to fruition.

[@TickleFight94]

Just saw her perform today. Amazing show - many thanks to the pilot, maintenance and support crew, and the design team, painters and QA. Our support and gratitude to all those who serve. 🇺🇸

[@buckeyethrifter8794]

Just beautiful! Thank you for the great presentation and for all you do!

[@dgax65]

It's so cool to see a Viper in that iconic paint scheme again. I've been a huge fan of military aviation for my entire life. Photos of the YF-16 in that paint scheme were everywhere when I was a kid. I even had a chance to see it in person at Edwards. Somewhere in storage, I have photos of the YF-16 I took with my pocket Instamatic. It was a beautiful aircraft then and it still is now. The paint shop gets a big BZ for that paint job.

[@Wasting0259]

I was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base in 79 when we got two F-16s for our test program. Tail numbers 054 and 055. I was one of their first crew chiefs. I went from the awesome F-4 to the F-16 almost overnight. It was an amazing time.

[@Bomber-255]

Beautifully done!

[@trentgilliam5192]

I need 2:43 as a screensaver/wallpaper! Beautiful!

[@mikemontgomery2654]

That is a great idea for a demo paint! Very cool to see the legacy colours on that bird.

[@stlpaulie]

I have a die cast F16 I found while digging in my garden. It’s this paint scheme. Great job everyone you nailed this.

[@arnoldn2017]

Wow!!! I really really like it, thanks for doing this . Incredible that the F16 is still going strong after 50 years,

[@Jimmys4AU]

Outstanding! Beautiful work, hope I get to see it fly in person.

[@soaphelps]

high five to everyone that signed off on this. such a childhood memory with that diecast and never actually seeing it anywhere. PoB's for everyone involved.

[@boddysurfer]

DOnald Trump is a traitor, as is everyone who supports him.

[@sundragon7703]

Thanks F-16 Demo Team. I thought that I would never see the now iconic livery of the YF-16 except in photos and plastic models. I guess if you wish long enough, sometimes dreams do come true.

[@bernardanderson3758]

Thank you for your service and to the team to keep the F-16 Viper on ready for flight status

[@Fantus70]

The first plastic model kit my father built for me, when I was a child, was the Tamiya kit of the YF-16, with this paint scheme. Now, almost 50 years later, I'm still here, watching this iconic aircraft with this iconic livery. Such a pleasure and beautiful memories. Hope some brand will make a kit of this version. Thank you 412th, thank you Edward AFB, thank you Viper, great job, mission accomplished 👍👍

[@viceroy7792]

always loved this paint job. This is the one I remember from my model kit , back in 1974 ( I couldnt' paint back then but I loved the look! )

[@snowcats95]

I remember building a model of the prototype with this paint scheme as a kid

[@officialboomtish214]

To say that is gorgeous in an understatement. That is ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!

[@darkninjacorporation]

I loved that little toy plane, it went with me on road-trips and to school. I think I still have it somewhere.

[@puirYorick]

I can't say I love the paint scheme itself as a work of art but I can recognize that it evokes historical feelings within the community.

[@freedomfalcon]

From an F-16 Crew Chief for over a decade, Thank You.

[@motonbrandon]

Now That's a paint job

[@StrangeGarage]

Got to see this bad boy ripping up the skies in Hillsboro last week. It's always a pleasure to see the viper!

[@chuckaddison5134]

Beautiful! My son had one of the Red, White, and Blue die cast models in his younger days!

[@midtiertom]

There's nothing like a clean Viper. Beautiful aircraft!

[@lindamaclaren1866]

I was there for the "first" flight, when either Neal Anderson or Phil Oestricher put the YF-16 into the air as it rocked during a high-speed taxi. It was that or crash, and the pilot was magnificent. Worked on that amazing aircraft for 30 years...great memories. Sadly, old age is making me a bit forgetful, but I remember that takeoff very well, although my memory says it was Neal, but KZbin vids say it was Phil.

[@kuhnville3145]

This is a really neat Idea... to paint modern versions of the aircraft in their test scheme livery. It would be awesome to see this for other airframes as well!!

[@gtechsales4971]

I joined my beloved USAF in 1980 partly because I watched some news piece of the F-16 in similar livery ... I wanted to be a part of that. I retired 26 years later and the venerable Falcon was still at it... love this aircraft and everything it stands for!

[@HaraldWeidemann]

Amazing Paintwork !! Viper forever !

[@tomcatfoolery]

Awesome. Looks great, better than the die-cast. To all the veterans...Thank you for your service.

[@AlanToon-fy4hg]

A very fitting tribute to all who have made the F-16 the outstanding success story it is..

[@michaelgautreaux3168]

Sweet! A F-16C block 50D 91-0395 (91-395)! There again, the -16 makes any paint job look good. Many thanx 👍👍 🇺🇸

[@DavidSiebert]

I remember seeing the YF-16 in that paint job when I went to EXPO 76 at Cape Kennedy. I was in aww of how different that plane looked from everything else flying. Today it has become almost a standard around the world. Funny how the future moves in and become history.

[@thedeathwobblechannel6539]

I built the monogram kit numerous times painting it just like that every time love this airplane

[@jamesdelgado2009]

Can we get this to form up with the Thunderbirds? I'd make that my screensaver.

[@biltrex]

Absolutely stunning beauty. Just breathtaking.

[@RunninWild17]

Saw them in Hillsboro, they were awesome and the aircraft looked amazing

[@ruperterskin2117]

Appreciate ya. Thanks for sharing.

[@lbco5229]

Beautiful bird deserves a beautiful paint!

[@alexfortin7209]

Man, I’m getting emotional over a plane paint scheme! 🇺🇸

[@h.m.5924]

When I see this fly at a show this year, I won't lie, ya'll. I might cry. This is incredible.

[@AirshowAddict]

Cant wait to see and film this amazing jet this year!

[@kh40yr]

I painted a 1/8 scale microturbine F-16 with that same paint scheme, for a friend. I have that die cast sitting about 2 feet away from me, at this very moment. The same one I used to replicate his paint scheme with. It's going to be a truly sad day, when the Fighting Falcon is completely done. Congrats to the 412 Maintenance and Corrosion Control Team. Truly Stunning Work. Tell those seat Jockeys NO MACH 2 in this one, , that paint stays!!.

[@harris9784]

Absolutely the most beautifully designed and built jet fighter! Every angle is pure American artistry ! A legendary paint scheme I remember in my youth !! 🇺🇲

[@charlesf4493]

Wow! Beautiful livery for a beautiful plane.

[@user-mn2mw1og8u]

Something about the radar cone still being low-vis grey really completes the look

[@LZE.]

Looks awesome! That livery will really shine on the airshow circuit.

[@sweetlowsounds]

That is some afterburner, and a good looking lawn dart too!

[@arturrojek8034]

F-15, F-16 in this "tricolours" liveries are iconic.

[@waxon9046]

Stunning paint scheme.

[@jeffdillon1972]

BEST looking livery and jet fighter of ALL time.

[@davidkendall4588]

The F-18 was always my favorite as a kid, but the F-16 has aged like fine wine.

[@mbc9290]

That’s amazing! Thank you 🙏!

[@mtheory85]

I don't think I can handle this much FREEDOM.

[@JStryker7]

Classic. Idk where it is now, but I absolutely had a metal toy version with this livery

[@canoedoc2390]

A modern day P-51. Two of the most beautiful planes ever made.

[@TheM3pilot]

That is so Beautiful! Thank you

[@JimboSouthDakota]

Great Video!! Awesome job, on all accounts. Jimbo.

[@alanwhiteside410]

There was a McDonnell Douglas F-15D STOL/MTD at Edwards AFB back in the 80’s with a similar paint job but looked even better. I believe it was painted back at the plant in St.Louis, Missouri which is where the MOD’s for the plane were done.

[@christiananderson478]

She's beautiful! Nice job folks 👍

[@MarkisDavidson-ti4lg]

That was the first toy jet I ever had as well. Years later I joined the Navy #flynavy 😎

[@darrenm2736]

I had one of those little jets too. I sure hope you guys are bringing this over to the UK in July. RAF Fairford, RIAT! Would love to see this display. Looks amazing.

[@scupking]

I still have that toy from when i was a kid!

[@dudebro7698]

Top 5 all time USAF livery. Maybe even my favorite. So classic.

[@americanfirst4378]

God bless the people that make this country great