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.

Lockheed F-16 88-0042 was produced by SABCA in Belgium as c/n B-199 serial FA-117. It was delivered to the Belgian Air Force on November 22, 1989 and assigned to BAF 1 Squadron on November 23, 1989. In July 1993 the aircraft went to the 349 Squadron in May 1996 it went to BAF 2 W. This aircraft was twice chosen to wear special markings. The first in June 1994 marked with ‘D-Day Invasion Stripes’ to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the D-Day landing in Normandy and the second in September 1996 with a tail logo for 50th anniversary of the BAF.

General specifications F-16 Fighting Falcon Some F-16s received an MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) which comprised an improved cockpit and electronics. Any aircraft that received the MLU were designated F-16AM/BM 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 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)

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

Performance 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 HA3853 Lockheed F-16AM FA-117, Belgian Air Force, 2008

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.