Lockheed F-16D Fighting Falcon

USAF Thunderbirds no. 7, Nellis AFB, NV, 2017

Hobby Master 1:72 HA38045

The Thunderbirds Aerobatic Team began using the F-16 in 1983. Their main aircraft was the F-16A Block 15 and 2 training F-16B Block 15 until the end of 1991 when they transitioned to the newer F-16C/D Block 32. These F-16C/Ds were manufactured in 1986 and 1987 and were some of the oldest operational F-16s in the USAF when they were retired in 2008. For the 2009 show season the Thunderbirds transitioned to 9 updated F-16Cs Block 52 and 3 F-16Ds Block 52. While the demsontrations themselves are typically performed using single-seat F-16C variants, the team also includes two-seat F-16Ds that are used for press-flights and to serve as back-up aircraft.

Lockheed F-16D 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.