About this Unit
Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), known as the "Bandits," was a United States Navy adversary squadron established in 1956. Initially formed as VF-126, the squadron was tasked with providing air combat training for fleet pilots, often simulating enemy aircraft and tactics. Based at NAS Miramar, California, VF-126 played a crucial role in the Navy's air combat readiness during the Cold War, employing aircraft such as the A-4 Skyhawk, F-5 Tiger II, and F/A-18 Hornet. The squadron was disestablished in 1994 as part of post-Cold War restructuring.
Historical Facts
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Establishment: VF-126, originally designated as VA-126, was established as a Fleet Replacement Squadron on 6 April 1956 at NAS Miramar, California.
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Mission Shift: The squadron was redesignated VF-126 ("Fighter Squadron 126") in 1965, transitioning from Attack to Fighter role, and became a key provider of adversary training for U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aviators.
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"Bandits" Nickname: VF-126 was famously known as the "Bandits," a fitting title for a squadron providing dissimilar air combat training (DACT) as enemy or "aggressor" aircraft.
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Aircraft Flown: Over its history, VF-126 operated a variety of aircraft including the A-4 Skyhawk, T-2 Buckeye, F-5E Tiger II, and TA-4J Skyhawk, often painted in Soviet-style camouflage for realism.
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Topgun Connection: VF-126 worked closely with the Navy Fighter Weapons School ("Topgun"), also based at NAS Miramar, and many of its instructors were former Topgun graduates or instructors.
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Foreign Adversary Tactics: VF-126 pilots studied and replicated Soviet and Warsaw Pact tactics to provide U.S. pilots with realistic training against "enemy" air combat methods.
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Hollywood Fame: Aircraft from VF-126 appeared in the iconic 1986 movie "Top Gun," contributing to the film's realistic dogfight scenes.
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Safety Record: Despite flying demanding adversary missions, the Bandits maintained an impressive safety record throughout their operational years.
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Disestablishment: VF-126 was disestablished on 27 April 1994 as part of post-Cold War restructuring, with its adversary training mission assumed by other units.
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Legacy: The Bandits' legacy lives on in modern adversary squadrons and in the continued emphasis on dissimilar air combat training within the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.
