F-16 History
The F-16 Fighting Falcon, a name synonymous with aerial power and precision, ascended into the skies for the first time in August 1978. It was a product of intense competition between the prototypes YF-16 made by General Dynamics and the YF-17 developed by Northrop. The US Air Force got the F-16 Fighting Falcon, and the YF-17 Cobra would eventually metamorphose into the formidable McDonnell Douglas F-18 Hornet and join the US Navy's arsenal.
Image Source: US National Archives
The F-16's versatility was proven in the diverse theatres of conflict it flew in by many air forces throughout the Globe. Whether it was the tense airspace over the Balkans, the daunting desert landscapes during the Gulf War, or the rugged mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, the F-16 emerged as a formidable force, delivering both ground support and air superiority. F-16s are also renowned for their use in the US Air Force’s Thunderbirds demonstration team.
In our current year of 2025, the F-16 continues to soar in the skies, contributing significantly to Israel's ongoing operations against Hamas and USAF operations in the Middle East bombing Iranian proxies. Its intimidating presence and agility underline its incredible value as a war machine despite the complexities and unpredictability of modern warfare.
It is confirmed that Ukraine will receive F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands. Judging from ongoing tensions, Ukrainian pilots may face off against Russian aircraft in the Russia-Ukraine war flying F-16s – marking yet another chapter in the Falcon’s illustrious tenure in active service throughout the globe.
Highlighting our commitment to history and aerospace heritage, we are upcycling the wing of an F-16A for TransportTags. Our tag, crafted from Serial Number 79-0310, served from 1980 to 1994 within the ranks of the 421st, 310th, and 465th fighter squadrons. We acquired the wing shortly after it went in storage at AMARC from a DRMO auction in the mid 1990s. In 2014, the fuselage was sadly scrapped at AMARC, and we feel lucky to have been able to salvage the wing so that this fighter gets the chance to live a 2nd life for the enjoyment of aviation enthusiasts around the world.
USAF Photo of SN 79-0310
Taking physical elements from the historical aircraft, we are creating tangible reminders of its storied past and significance. More than just souvenirs, these TransportTags offer a hands-on touchpoint to history, allowing you to own a memento of aviation heritage and the unyielding spirit of the F-16A Fighting Falcon.
Join us in celebrating this extraordinary journey from the heat of competition to the heart of combat zones; from the victories of yesterday to the mementos of today.
