1/72 F-16C Thunderbirds First Airplane

Description

This is a die-cast metal and plastic display aircraft.

From the Hobby Master website:

General Background
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.

The Aircraft
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

A high quality die-cast model from Hobby Master of the Lockheed F-16C Thunderbirds. Includes display stand.