F-16 Fighting Falcon known as ‘the Viper.’ Another spectacular act has been added to the Naval Air Station Kingsville 2010 “Wings Over South Texas” March 27 and 28 air show lineup – Viper East.

The U.S. Air Force Air Combat Command’s Viper East team is an F-16 aerial demonstration squadron. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, more commonly known to military pilots as “the Viper,” is a compact, extremely maneuverable multi-role fighter aircraft. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the air forces of the United States and other allied nations.

“Viper East will perform precision aerial maneuvers demonstrating the unique capabilities of this multi-role fighter,” Capt. Phil Waddingham, NAS Kingsville commander said.

“I’m thrilled that South Texans will be able to see their act here.”

The team is comprised of the demonstation pilot Capt. Ryan “Rider” Corrigan, a maintenance team, ground safety observers and narrators.

The F-16CJ is a single-seat aircraft that has the ability to switch from an air-to-ground to air-to-air role at the touch of a button. With its lightweight airframe and powerful engine generating 31,000 pounds of thrust, the F-16CJ can fly at speeds in excess of Mach 2. The aircraft is one of the operational fighters from the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.

For updates on the 2010 Wings Over South Texas air show, including performers and static displays, show times and other information, visit the air show’s web site at http://www. wingsoversouthtexas.org/wost.