Hobby Master Archive

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 main difference of the F-16 52+ versus previous blocks - optional Conformal Fuel Tanks, dorsal spine compartment, new radar, on-board oxygen generation system, JHMCS helmet (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System). Polish “C” airframes have serial numbers 4040 to 4075, the “D” airframes have numbering from 4076 to 4087.

On November 9, 2006 the first of forty eight Polish F-16s was flown to the 31st Tactical Air Base located at Krzesiny just outside Poznan. The 31st TAB has thirty two F-16s that equip the 3rd and 6th Fighter Squadrons. The other sixteen F-16s are located at the 32nd TAB in Lask equipping the 10th Fighter Squadron. The Polish Air Force called the F-16 “Jastrzab” Northern Goshawk. Because of the new F-16s capabilities versus their older Soviet aircraft pilots had to learn new tactics that were similar to Western tactics.

General specifications F-16 Fighting Falcon Primary Function - Multi-role fighter Manufacturer - General Dynamics Corp. / Lockheed Martin Corp.

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)

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

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 HA3867 Lockheed F-16D Block 52+ 4077, Polish Air Force, August 2016

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.