The 309th Fighter Squadron and the 49th Wing have successfully initiated a “block swap” involving the F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft. The operation, which commenced on Jul. 10, 2023, at Holloman Air Force Base (AFB), New Mexico, and Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona, aims to streamline aircraft upgrades and capabilities within the U.S. Air Force.
U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Dominic Tyler
As part of the block swap, the 309th Fighter Squadron will receive Block 40 F-16 aircraft from Holloman AFB in exchange for their Block 42 aircraft. Notably, Holloman AFB has already received 18 Block 42 F-16s, including three Luke heritage jets with unique paint schemes commemorating significant events from the squadron’s history. The 309th Fighter Squadron has been an active presence at Luke AFB since Apr. 1, 1994. The block swap allows for greater flexibility and standardization in the training jets of the 49th Wing.
In terms of the technical differences between the Block 40 and Block 42 F-16s, the engines are a significant factor. The Block 40 F-16s feature the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 engine, while the Block 42 F-16s are equipped with the General Electric F110-GE-129 engine.
Luke AFB has already received 18 Block 40 F-16s, and after the conclusion of the final iteration of the F-16 B-course, these aircraft will be sent to various bases, with the first being Fort Wayne at Indiana Air National Guard Base in Indiana.
For more information, hit the Source below