Israeli F-16s on the move to Top Aces Corp.
We reported on 2 December 2020 on the sale of 29 former Heyl Ha’Avir (IAF, Israeli Air Force) General Dynamics F-16A-10-CF Netz and F-16B-10-CF Netz aircraft to Top Aces Corp at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway airport (AZ).
Top Aces Corp. is the US subsidiary of Top Aces Inc. (Canada). The company provides Red Air aggressor training for various air forces.
With the increasing demand for these aggressor activities, Top Aces was looking for a substantial expansion of their existing fleet. The contract for the acquisition of the Israeli F-16s was signed in 2019.
And now it is time for delivery. On 27 January 2021, the first batch of three F-16As, serials 129 (FMS 78-0322), 220 (FMS 78-0327) and 250 (FMS 78-0346), and one F-16B, serial 017 (FMS 78-0362) was prepared at Tel Aviv airport for the trip to Mesa, where the aircraft will be assembled.
The fighters did not have to fly the trip under their own power, but were loaded on board of Antonov An-124 UR-82029.
Photos: Itay Blumental