F-16 stick used in attack on Iraqi reactor to be auctioned

The sidestick, called sidestick, of one of the F-16 fighters that participated in Operation Opera will be auctioned. The operation, which shocked the world 40 years ago, was Israel's audacious attack on Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor. 

On June 07, 1981, F-16A Netz registration 78-0322 took off with five other F-16s from 117 Squadron of the Israel Air Force to attack the Iraqi reactor, southeast of Baghdad.

Flying low and carrying Mk.84 bombs weighing more than 900 kilos, Israel's F-16s skirted Jordanian territory and arrived by surprise in the Iraqi capital.

Quickly, the fighters successfully attacked the reactor building, leaving Iraqi territory with impunity and with the mission accomplished. Now, 40 years later, the sidestick of this same F-16, flown by Colonel Hagai Katz on the mission, will be auctioned. The starting bid will be $50. 

According to the portal ynet news, the equipment is provided by a squadron veteran, who prefers to remain anonymous. The auction will take place about five months after the Operation's 40th anniversary.

It is unclear how the sidestick is in the former unit member's possession. However, the site reinforces that when they retire, IAF pilots receive a souvenir like a helmet, but not a piece like this. 

In addition to the buttons being fully functional, the material also has the dates 06/06/81 and 12/81 engraved. The first marks the day before the attack, while the second is believed to be the date when the sidestick was removed from the plane. 

Like the stick, the F-16 itself is no longer in Israel. The fighter is now with the private company Top Aces of Canada. In North America, the F-16 will be used as a opposing aircraft, representing the enemy in air combat training. 

“Six months ago, someone in Europe sold part of a plane that crashed in the 1950s with the symbol of an Israeli squadron for about $60.000.”, said the owner of the sidestick.

 

“These types of items are highly sought after around the world, particularly among collectors in the United States and aviation enthusiasts, and this item has great value due to its historical significance.”

 

 

Eyal Ilya, of “Pentagon Auctions”, which is in charge of the sale along with “Garage Sale Collection”, is expected to put the grip on sale with the starting bid of US$ 50.000, although he says “clearly worth much more”.

 

“We already received an offer of US$ 100.000, but we turned it down. That red button you can see on the stick is one of the few buttons that saved Israel.”