The 64th Aggressor Squadron (AGRS) at Nellis AFB, Nevada, recently repainted one of their F-16C Fighting Falcons in a new colour scheme – well, new to the F-16.
Seen flying on 3 August, the new ‘Splinter’ scheme © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
The scheme is known as ‘Splinter’, and had previously been seen on the aggressor F-15 Eagles of the 65th AGRS, until their retirement in 2015.
Three of the Aggressor F-15s wore the ‘Splinter’ scheme, including this one which is marked for the 57th Adversary Tactics Group © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
Like the F-15C above, F-16C 85-1418 is marked for the 57th Adversary Tactics Group (ATG), which comprises six aggressor squadrons who provide a coordinated Red force for exercises and deployments. These squadrons cover all the domains, with the 64th AGRS being the only one that operates aircraft.
Another shot from an earlier flight on 3 August © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
The aircraft was unveiled at the 57th ATG Change of Command ceremony at Nellis on 5 August, which saw Colonel Samantha Weeks assume command from Col Gary Rose. Col Weeks is no stranger to Nellis or the F-16, having previously served as part of the Thunderbirds team. The aircraft carries Col Weeks’ name under the canopy, and was seen flying two days earlier.
Col Weeks is the new 57th ATG Commander © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
The outgoing 57th ATG Commander, Col Gary Rose, was an F-15 pilot and used to have his name on this aircraft © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
There is a further scheme which is still in the design stage, known as ‘Shark’. Once this is unveiled the 64th’s aircraft will be sporting a total of seven different schemes.
Until a few years ago, the 64th’s aircraft were painted in only three different styles.
Green, and two shades of brown. The other aggressor F-16 squadron, the 18th AGRS at Eielson AFB, Alaska also have aircraft in this scheme © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
Two shades of brown. Perhaps not surprisingly, the 18th AGRS haven’t painted any of their aircraft this colour! © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
Two tone blue and grey, also found in Alaska. This particular aircraft, seen in March this year, is now in the ‘Splinter’ scheme © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
A few years ago, two new schemes appeared.
This ‘Arctic’ scheme is also used by the 18th AGRS © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
This one, known as ‘Blizzard’, also isn’t found in Alaska © Chris Wood – Global Aviation Resource
It will be interesting to see what ‘Shark’ looks like, when it makes an appearance!
