SoloTurk

About the Aircraft

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine, multi-role fighter aircraft developed by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) for the United States Air Force. First introduced in the late 1970s, it is known for its versatility, agility, and advanced avionics. The F-16 can perform a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance. It features a frameless bubble canopy for improved visibility, a side-mounted control stick, and a high thrust-to-weight ratio, allowing for exceptional maneuverability. The aircraft has been widely exported and remains one of the most popular fighter jets in the world, serving in numerous air forces globally.

Specifications

Historical Development

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was developed by General Dynamics in the 1970s as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Lightweight Fighter program. The YF-16 prototype first flew in 1974, and the aircraft entered service in 1978. Known for its agility and versatility, the F-16 has undergone numerous upgrades and has been widely exported, serving in over 25 countries and participating in various conflicts worldwide. Its design features advanced avionics and a digital fly-by-wire system, making it one of the most successful fighter jets in history.

Did You Know?

• The F-16 Fighting Falcon, originally designed as a day fighter for air superiority, has evolved into a versatile multirole aircraft, with over 4,600 units built since its introduction in 1976.
• Known as the “Viper,” the F-16 features a frameless bubble canopy for enhanced visibility and a side-mounted control stick, allowing pilots to maneuver more easily during combat.
• The F-16 is equipped with a powerful single turbofan engine that can produce up to 29,500 pounds of thrust with afterburner, enabling it to reach speeds of Mach 2.05 at high altitudes.
• As of 2024, the F-16 is the world’s most common fixed-wing military aircraft, with 2,145 operational units, serving not only in the U.S. Air Force but also in the air forces of 25 other nations.
• The aircraft’s advanced avionics include the AN/APG-68 radar, which is being upgraded to the AN/APG-83 AESA radar, enhancing its capabilities in detecting and tracking targets in various combat scenarios.

Performer Information

SoloTürk, is a single-aircraft aerobatic demonstration team of the Turkish Air Force, specifically from the 132nd Squadron based at Konya Air Base. The inception of the team began in November 2009, and by August 2010, the pilot training process was completed with three initial pilots. The first demonstration flight took place within military circles in September 2010, followed by the team’s public debut on April 15, 2011. Since then, SoloTürk has participated in numerous national and international airshows, showcasing maneuvers that are unique to the team.

The team operates a specially-painted General Dynamics F-16C Block 40 aircraft, which is combat-ready. Initially, SoloTürk was based at Akıncı Air Base, but following the 2016 coup attempt in Turkey, the team relocated to Konya Air Base. The team consists of a total of 13 personnel, including two pilots, and employs a CASA CN-235M-100 for transportation around Turkey. To qualify for the team, pilots must meet specific criteria, including extensive flight experience. SoloTürk has garnered multiple awards for its impressive demonstration flights.

The development of SoloTürk began on November 25, 2009, with the selection of pilots occurring in January 2010. Training commenced in May of that year and lasted three months. The first private display flight was conducted on September 1, 2010, for then Turkish Air Force commander Hasan Aksay at Akıncı Air Base. The team made its first public appearance during the Turkish Air Force’s 100th anniversary event on April 15, 2011. Notably, during the final Waddington International Airshow in 2014, SoloTürk executed the now famous extremely low approach right above the audience while approaching for landing.

Following the 2016 coup attempt, Akıncı Air Base was closed due to allegations that it served as a command center for pro-coup military actions. Consequently, SoloTürk’s demonstrations were temporarily halted as a safety precaution. An internal investigation confirmed that none of the team members were affiliated with the Gülen movement. The team subsequently moved to Konya Air Base in October 2016, where it operates under the 132nd Squadron Command alongside the Turkish Stars aerobatic team.

On January 25, 2017, pilots Erhan Günar and Serdar Doğan made headlines by flying the SoloTürk F-16 at a speed of 180 kilometers per hour (97 knots) during a training flight, breaking the “slowest flight” record. The team gained further recognition at the inaugural Teknofest on September 20, 2018, where it participated in a drag race against various vehicles, finishing third behind the Red Bull RB8. SoloTürk also made a memorable fly-by at the start of the 2020 Turkish Grand Prix at the Istanbul Park circuit, startling several drivers in attendance. On May 21, 2022, pilot Emre Mert executed the cobra maneuver, making SoloTürk the first team to perform this maneuver with a General Dynamics F-16.

In late 2024, several domestic demonstrations for both SoloTürk and the Turkish Stars were canceled as part of austerity measures implemented by the Ministry of National Defense, including an anticipated appearance at the 9 September celebrations for the Liberation of İzmir. On October 3, during a demonstration flight at the 7th edition of Teknofest at Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, the F-16 unexpectedly turned upside down at a low altitude, coming alarmingly close to the crowd. Fortunately, the aircraft landed safely at Incirlik Air Base, and an expert team was dispatched to investigate the incident.

A typical SoloTürk demonstration flight lasts about 20 minutes, during which the pilot performs approximately 20 maneuvers. According to Erhan Günar, one of the former pilots, many of these maneuvers are exclusive to SoloTürk. After retracting the landing gear post-takeoff, the aircraft begins to fly inverted at an altitude of 10 meters (33 feet) before climbing. Among the signature moves is the SoloTürk roll, which is performed across three axes. In 2022, the cobra maneuver was added to the demonstration repertoire. The aircraft operates at speeds ranging from 100 to 1,200 knots (190 to 2,220 km/h) and maintains an altitude above 100 feet (30 meters). Each demonstration flight consumes approximately 3.5 tonnes of fuel, and pilots experience a maximum g-force of 9 during maneuvers.

The selection and training process for SoloTürk pilots is rigorous. The program began on November 25, 2009, when the Turkish Air Force Command initiated the Flight with a Single F-16 Aircraft program. Three pilots were selected on January 14, 2010: Murat Keleş, Fatih Batmaz, and Sedat Yalın Ahbab. Training commenced on May 18, 2010, with Keleş being the first to complete his training on August 20, 2010. In an interview in early 2021, pilot Emre Mert explained that candidates must have logged over 500 hours flying an F-16, possess a clean incident record, and demonstrate a good level of English proficiency. Only after meeting these criteria can they begin the three-month training program. Pilot Murat Bakıcı later stated that specific guidelines exist, with a minimum flight hour requirement of 1,000 hours for prospective pilots.

The SoloTürk team consists of two pilots, two support personnel, and nine maintenance crew members. The voice heard during demonstration flights belongs to SoloTürk’s press and public relations officer

SoloTürk has received several accolades for its performances. The team earned its first award on July 18, 2011, at the Royal International Air Tattoo for the “Best Demonstration Flight” of the airshow. In August 2017, SoloTürk received the same honor at the Slovak International Air Fest, where the demonstration was witnessed by an audience of 300,000. The team was again recognized at the Royal International Air Tattoo in 2018 for having the “Best Solo Jet Demonstration Flight” of the event.