Yes the Media are right...
I know It's not the best pic but it shows that during the first take-off of the 89-2102 on the 24.03.09 it had 2 fuel tanks. I think He drop also the Pylons...
After that mission he RTB, made a Hot-Pit and then he took-off againg.
Hope this clearify...
This day started with quite some rain,but it stopped at 1030, just in time for the arrival of the Hercs. However the clouds remained firmly over the field.
A total of 16 Vipers departed in the first wave, first take-off at 1130LT and last landing at 1445LT. Thereafter, the second wave was preparing itself.
From 510FS side ( north side ):
89-2011 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
89-2047 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
88-0425 AV F-16CG 555FS 31FW
89-2046 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
90-0709 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
89-2008 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
88-0443 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
From 555FS side ( south side ):
88-0435 AV F-16CG 555FS 31FW
89-2178 AV F-16DG 510FS 31FW
89-2009 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
88-0413 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
89-2035 AV F-16CG 555FS 31FW
89-2039 AV F-16CG 555FS 31FW
89-2016 AV F-16CG 510FS 31FW
87-0359 AV F-16CG 555FS 31FW
89-2068 AV F-16CG 555FS 31FW
spotter zerootto in action