Hobby Master Archive

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.

F-16C Fighting Falcon “89-2098” MSN 1C-251 was originally assigned to 19th FS “Gamecocks” at Shaw AFB, South Carolina in March 1991 and became the 9th Air Force Commander’s jet. Sometime after 2008 89-2098 was upgraded to an F-16CG. In late 1993 the 19th FS was moving to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and upgrading to F-16 Block 50 so the Block 42 F-16s were sent to the 180th FW/112th FS “Stingers” of the Toledo ANG. The 112th FS is a descendant of the 112th Aero Squadron formed on August 18, 1917.

General specifications F-16 Fighting Falcon Primary Function - 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 F-16C/D Block 40/42 In 1988, the Block 40/42 were the improved all-day/all-weather strike variant the, F-16GC/GD. With night capabilities they became known as “Night Falcons” Improvements - numerous structural upgrades, new computers, navigation aids and weapons capabilities.

Dimensions Length - 49 ft, 5 in (14.8 m) Height - 16 ft (4.8 m) Wingspan - 32 ft, 8 in (9.8 m)

Performance 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) Speed - 1,500 mph (Mach 2 @ altitude) Ceiling - Above 50,000 ft (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 External stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles Conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions Electronic countermeasure pods.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3846 Lockheed F-16CG 90-0703, 8th FW Commander’s Jet, Kunsan Air Base, 2007

True 1/72 scale.

Professionally painted.

Great attention to detail.

All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).

Option to display the model on a stand that is provided.

Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions.

Canopy can be displayed open or closed.

Pilot figure included.

Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.

Highly collectable.