The squadron bird of the "Ironman" returning to its parking spot after a Northern Lightning 2017 sortie. The 71st Fighter Training Squadron flew the Talon from 2015 to 2021. Its mission was to conduct adversarial air training for the F-22sflown by the other squadrons of the 1st Fighter Wing. This training was previously performed by F-22s of the 27th Fighter Squadron at substantially more expense. In 2021 the squadron became a paper unit and was reactivated as a F-22A squadron in 2023.

This black Talon has quite a history. It started as a advanced jet trainer, moved to AMARG with inventory code AA TF0300 from 9 Mar'95 to 13 May'99, returned to Randolph and was selected for lease to South Korea. After that period, it returned to AMARG on 6 Jan'10 with inventory code AA TF0380. Returned to service on 23 Mar'11 and was first moved to Holloman's 49th FW, then to Tyndall's 325th Fighter Wing and later to the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley AFB (VA). Moved to the 71st Fighter Training Squadron 'Ironman' at the same base (as pictured). Traded in its black c/s for a heritage c/s

boneyard

This aircraft still serves with the USAF and was recently tracked flying out of Tyndall AFB, FL.

Stored at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ in 2006. Scrapped in 2009.