This is the end.....

The end of an era of operations of the Lockheed Martin F-16E/F Block 60 Desert Vipers at Tucson Int'l. Airport, Arizona that is. Today the last three Desert Vipers assigned to the 148th Fighter Squadron "Kicking Ass" left for the long trip back to their home base at Al Dahfra AB, United Arab Emirates.

The Block 60s were built specifically for the UAE and, so far, are the only operator of the variant. They wear conformal fuel tanks CFTs on top of the aircraft for more fuel capacity and have all manner of lumps and bumps that are antennae and sensors. A partially integrated variant of the SNIPER targeting pod hangs on the left-hand intake station and adds to the sinister look.

On departure they not only had the CFTs but also a midline tank and two unusually large 600 gallon underwing tanks! The massive fuel load combined with the most powerful engine of any F-16 variant made for a nice long takeoff roll. So long Desert Vipers, the spotters visiting Tucson Int'l. Airport will miss you greatly!