The F-16 Venom features black snake scales across its back and up the tail. The yellow used by the team for its logo is used to highlight the tail code and markings.
The US Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, unveiled a stunning new paint scheme for their primary demonstration jet (F-16CM 94-0047/SW of 77th FS ) on May 8, 2020, at their home base of Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), South Carolina.
Christened “Venom,” the jet features black snake scales across its back and up the tail. The yellow used by the team for its logo is used to highlight the tail code and markings.
The F-16 Viper Demo Team said on its Facebook Page: ‘We have been working on something special since December 2019 for the 2020 airshow season. While it was scheduled to be completed in March, due to the covid-19 pandemic we paused production to ensure the safety of our crews, but we’re now proud to introduce you to ‘VENOM’. The snake scales across the body of the aircraft fit the namesake of the jet and our signature black and yellow colors feature prominently from nose to tail. We wanted to undertake this project to make a special experience for our fans across the country and to inspire patriotic Americans to serve in the Air Force. Thank you to our wingmen at Shaw Air Force Base corrosion for sharing the enthusiasm for our design and making it a reality.’
Since most of the airshows of the 2020 season have already been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have to wait to admire the new paint scheme. However, there’s no need to panic about missing out: the team plans to fly this aircraft for at least three years!
The Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demo Team performs precision aerial maneuvers to demonstrate the capabilities of one of the US Air Force’s premier multi-role fighters, the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The team also works with the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation to create a unique demonstration of the US Air Force’s past and present, exhibiting the professional qualities the Air Force develops in the people who fly, maintain, and support these aircraft.
Photo by USAF