Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA38004Lockheed F-16C "BDU Splinter" 86-0290, 354th Wing, 18th AGRS, Eielson AFB, Alaska, 2018
General Background
The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as the "Viper"; and will remain in USAF service until 2025.
The Aircraft
On December 22, 1939 the 18th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) was constituted and over the years had several designation changes. In 2005 the USAF began a re-alignment and now known as the 18th FS it would trade its F-16 Block 40s for the 80th FS’s Block 30s. With the trade the 18th FS would now become the 18th AGRS (Aggressor Squadron) “Blue Foxes” based at Eielson AFB, Alaska. F-16C 86-0290 was one of the aircraft chosen to wear the new BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) splinter green and tan colors.
Hobby Master HA38004, Lockheed F-16C "BDU Splinter" 86-0290, 354th Wing, 1:72
Role: Multi-role fighter
Manufacturer : General Dynamics Corp. / Lockheed Martin Corp
Initial Unit cost : F-16C/D, $20 million plus
First Deployed : January 1979
(F-16A)Crew : 1 x F-16C / 1 or 2 x F-16D
Power Plant : F-16C/D
1 x Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or
1 x General Electric F110-GE-100/129
Thrust : F-16C/D / 27,000 lb (12,150 kg)
Length: 49 ft, 5 in (14.8 m)
Wingspan 32 ft 8 in (9.8 m)
Height: 16 ft (4.8 m)
Speed: 1,500 mph (Mach 2 @ altitude)
Ceiling: Above 50,000 (15 km)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 37,500 lb (16,875 kg)
Range: Greater than 2,425 mi (2,100 nm / 3,900 km)
Combat Radius: F-16C 851.6 mi (1,370 km / 740 nm) w/ 2 x 2,000 lb bombs + 2 x AIM-9 + 1,040 U.S. gal external tanks
391.3 mi (630 km / 340 nm) w/ 4 x 2,000 lb bombs + 2 x AIM-9 + 340 U.S. gal external tanks
230.2 mi (370 km / 200 nm) + 2 hr. 10 min. patrol w/ 2 x AIM-7 + 2 x AIM-9 + 1,040 lb U.S. gal external tanks
Armament: 1 x M-61A1 20mm multi-barrel cannon with 500 rounds
1 x M-61A1 20mm multi-barrel cannon with 500 rounds
External stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles
Conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions
Electronic countermeasure pods.
