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Thumbnail Filmstrip of Lockheed F-16A Netz 124 IAF Ramon Air Base HA3831B Images
Lockheed F-16A Netz Diecast Model
IDF/AF 140th Sqn, #124, Giora Epstein, Ramon AB, Israel, May 20th 1997
Colonel Giora Epstein is referred in Israel as “Ace of Aces” with a kill total of 17. Epstein was an active pilot from 1963 until May 27, 1997 when he took his final flight in an F/A-16A Netz (Hebrew for Hawk). On the side of the aircraft was his name in Hebrew surrounded by his 17 kill markings. Early in Epstein’s career he traveled outside Israel and because of military policy he changed his name to Even (Hebrew for Stone) so he is also referred to Giora Even. It was claimed he could spot enemy aircraft as far away as 24 miles and earned the nickname “Hawkeye”.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.