The XTM X-Tiger is a special painted F-16 fighter jet that was created to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Belgian Air Component's 31st Tiger Squadron. The XTM X-Tiger features a striking tiger-stripe design in shades of black, orange, and white, with the tiger's head on the tail of the aircraft.
The 31st Tiger Squadron is one of the oldest and most prestigious fighter squadrons in the Belgian Air Component, and has a long history of operational service dating back to World War II. The squadron's emblem features a stylized tiger, which is why the XTM X-Tiger was painted with a tiger-stripe design.
The XTM X-Tiger was unveiled in a ceremony at Kleine Brogel Air Base in Belgium in September 2018, and has since participated in various airshows and events in Europe, showcasing the unique and impressive paint scheme. The F-16 fighter jet is known for its speed, agility, and versatility, and has been a cornerstone of the Belgian Air Component's fighter fleet for many years.
Maciej "Szamal" Szamałek is an aviation photographer from Poland who specializes in air-to-air photography. For him, photography is a form of play, to express his aviation passion. It helps him to capture fleeting moments and allows him to preserve emotions, sorrows, joys, and memories. It's a constant pursuit to be in the right place at the right time.