There is an auction for the sidestick controller from the F-16A #78-0322. The former Israeli Air Force fighter was one of six aircraft that attacked Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981 as part of Operation Opera
The F-16A Netz #78-0322 sidestick controller was offered for auction. The retired Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter, as revealed by Alert5, was one of six aircraft that struck the Osirak nuclear facility in Iraq during Operation Opera back in 1981. About five months following Operation Opera’s 40th anniversary, the item will be put up for sale.
On June 7, 1981, the IAF launched Operation Opera, in which fighter bombers from the service attacked the Osirak nuclear reactor. The 117 Squadron’s F-16A #78-0322 was a member of it.
Col. Hagai Katz piloted the F-16A #78-0322, also known as Netz 129 in Israeli service, during Operation Opera. A senior squadron member who wishes to remain anonymous and who is the owner of the sidestick, according to Ynet News, stated that “The control stick came through squadron personnel, and I would rather say no more because it’s a sensitive subject.”
It’s unknown how the squadron members got their hands on the control stick. IAF pilots typically receive a helmet as a “souvenir” when they retire, but not a fighter jet stick, especially one with such a long history. The sidestick’s buttons are still functional, which is a surprise.
The dates 6.6.81 and 12.81 are inscribed on them beneath the controller. displaying the dates the device was put on and removed from the F-16A. The fate of the F-16 aircraft itself isn’t much different either; in fact, it was sold to Top Aces, a Canadian company that offers training services to the US Air Force (USAF), at the beginning of 2021, together with three other aircraft.
“Six months ago, someone in Europe, sold part of a plane that fell in the 1950s with a symbol of an Israeli squadron for some $60,000,” said the grip’s owner.
“These kinds of items are very much in demand in the world, especially among collectors in the United States and flight enthusiasts, and this item has great value due to its historical meaning.”
The grip was put up for auction with a starting offer of $50,000, but Eyal Ilya of “Pentagon Auctions,” who was in charge of the sale along with “Garage Sale Collection,” believes “it’s clearly worth much more.”
“We already got an offer for $100,000, but we declined. That red button that you can see on the stick is one of the few buttons that saved Israel.”
The primary pilot-aircraft interface for the flying, avionics, and weaponry systems is the F-16 Sidestick Control Grip. For flight control, autopilot override, nosewheel steering, aerial refueling, display management, air-to-ground weapon release, and a two-stage trigger for air-to-air weapon release, the sidestick stick grip offers a range of single and multi-function switch assemblies.
Photo by Ynet News and Weapons and Warfare