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The Belgian Air Force has a long tradition of selecting an experienced F-16 pilot every three years to represent it during the international air show season. This ambassador of the skies flies for three seasons at a time. Subsequently, his task is handed over to a pilot from another base. This change always takes place between the two Belgian air bases Florennes and Kleine-Brogel.
The Belgian Air Force unveiled its new F-16 demo jet, the Dream Viper, on June 9, 2022. The aircraft wears a black and green color scheme inspired by the reptile that gives it the nickname Viper.
The freshly painted jet will be flown by Captain Steven De Vries – better known by his call sign “Vrieske” – who will use his skills to the full. “Vrieske” is one of the few pilots in the world who has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours in the F-16 Fighting Falcon, which is still the backbone of the Belgian Air Force.
During his solo demonstration on AIRPOWER22, “Vrieske” will showcase the F-16’s capabilities. Its display will be very different from the other demonstrations because it will include numerous maneuvers with G-negative forces, something that fighter aircraft like the F-16 normally rarely perform.
Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
