Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon

Polish Air Force, no. 4068, Lotnicza AB, Poland 2019

Hobby Master 1:72 HA38040

Major Maciej “Slab” Krakowian was the renowned leader of the Polish Tiger Demo Team, flying the formidable F-16C Block 52+ with more than 1,400 flight hours, including approximately 1,200 on the F-16. Proudly representing the Polish Air Force at major European airshows such as Radom and RIAT, he earned widespread recognition for the precision, professionalism, and intensity of his aerial demonstrations.

Beyond the airshow circuit, Major Krakowian also served as an instructor and operational combat pilot, playing a key role in maintaining Poland’s NATO combat readiness and pilot training standards.

On August 28, 2025, during rehearsal flights for the Radom Air Show, his aircraft entered a steep descent following a maneuver before crashing near the runway and bursting into flames. Thankfully, no spectators or ground personnel were injured, but Major Krakowian tragically lost his life instantly. His passing marked a profound loss for the Polish Air Force and the international NATO demonstration flying community.

Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon

Designed by General Dynamics as a lightweight, daytime USAF air-combat fighter, the F-16 was first flown on January 20th, 1974. This single-engine, supersonic aircraft has, over the years, evolved into a multirole aircraft. It has a frameless bubble canopy-giving its pilot superior visibility-and it uses advanced aerodynamics. The F-16 was one of the first designs to use a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire system, which helps it pull 9-g maneuvers and achieve speeds of more than Mach 2. Called "Viper" by its pilots, the F-16 is considered one of the most successful aircraft designs of the Cold War, with 4,400+ aircraft built since 1976.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.