Just back from Japan & Taiwan. Main goal for the Taiwan trip was the last remaining RF-5E of the 12th TRS at Hualien under the 5th TFW as we didn’t see them in 2019. Two taxied out with a F-5F but the mission got scrubbed because of the weather. Luckily, they had to taxi underneath us on the way back.
Probably the last time I will be there seeing as the change in law regarding photography and military aircraft will/maybe come in to effect in 2025.
We got lucky with two F-16V’s carrying the AN/VDS-5 LOROP-EO pod, otherwise known as the Phoenix Eye. Any F-16V can carry them, they are then unofficially known as a RF-16V.
Also, two F-16V’s returned from a CAP sortie with live AIM-9 and AIM-120s.
Of note, the local photographers still refer to the F-16s as As not Vs.
Great photos. Its always nice to see the F-5s.
Darren
Very cool, and a shame they will make things tough for photographers. Glad you guys were able to catch those (R)F-5’s, pretty rare sight, those.
