The U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper Demonstration Team proudly presented a new paint scheme commemorating the iconic aircraft’s 50th anniversary at Edwards Air Force Base in California on May 15, 2024.

This scheme pays homage to the original livery worn by the YF-16 prototype, which first took to the skies back in 1974.

Capt. Taylor “FEMA” Hiester, the team’s commander and pilot, expressed a sentimental desire to honor the beginnings of the aircraft’s story, stating, “I had made it known that I hoped to find a way to get our airplane painted in the prototype scheme to take America back to the beginning of the story that started 50 years ago.”

The team, along with the 412th Test Wing, managed to complete the new paint job in less than eight weeks, a process that usually takes around three months.

Tony Accurso, the event’s director and an Air Force veteran, was instrumental as a liaison, bringing his passion for the F-16 and extensive knowledge to the project.

The importance of this special livery is not lost on the F-16 community. Accurso emphasized, “The importance of this YF-16 paint scheme is celebrating 50 years of the F-16 Viper…Everyone at Edwards has a big sense of pride for not only supporting the Viper Demo Team but also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the F-16 which began right here at Edwards in 1974.”

During the anniversary festivities, which included demonstrations by the Viper Team and the Thunderbirds, as well as flyovers by various other aircraft such as the F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning, Capt.

Aimee “Rebel” Fiedler, another commander and pilot of the team, expressed the honor of showcasing the F-16’s capabilities to the very community that gave birth to it five decades ago.

But the celebrations aren’t only about looking back. They also underscore the enduring legacy and continued service of the F-16, which is still used in combat today.

The aircraft is expected to be transferred to Ukraine within the year, marking another chapter in its storied history.

The F-16 Viper’s legacy is one of resilience, versatility, and evolution. From its near-disastrous first accidental flight in 1974 to achieving more than 19.5 million flight hours over numerous military campaigns, the Viper has proved to be more than just a piece of machinery; it’s a symbol of aerial might and technological progress.

As the Viper Demonstration Team continues to represent the Air Force at various airshows across countries, their new livery is a tribute not only to the past but a beacon of inspiration for future generations of pilots and engineers.

The F-16 has adapted over the years, even embracing “fire and forget” weapons and maintaining relevance in an age of stealth and advanced air defense systems.

Finally, the F-16 is no stranger to unique paint jobs that stir up excitement and admiration. When it’s not sporting an understated color scheme in combat, the Viper is known for its unique paint jobs, like the one above resembling snakeskin.

From the all-gold paint job celebrating the Air Force’s 75th anniversary to the “Ghost” scheme voted on via social media, the Fighting Falcon continues to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and patriots alike.

Relevant articles:
– The F-16 Viper Demonstration Team releases new 50th anniversary paint scheme, DVIDS
– F-16 Viper Demonstration Team performs at the F-16 First Flight 50th Anniversary Event, Shaw Air Force Base (.mil)
– The story behind this all-gold F-16 – and 5 more new combat plane paint jobs you need to see, Sandboxx
– The F-16 hit 50 years of flying. These photos show the Viper in action., Yahoo News Canada