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. The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) is an annual event held at RAF Fairford. This show is considered by many as the greatest air show on earth with huge numbers of aircraft and thousands of aviation enthusiasts. On day one of the event over 110,000 people attended to see the 320 aircraft present. The RNLAF sent F-16AM J-055 ex FMS 86-0055 from the 313 Squadron to put on a display wearing the special scheme that had been applied for the 2005 and 2006 seasons. J055 joined the RNLAF in 1988.