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| Expected release date is 30th Mar 2025 |
| Hobby Master 1:72 HA38045 F-16D Fighting Falcon - USAF Thunderbirds, #7, Nellis AFB, NV, 2017 |
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| Scale: 1:72 |
Length: 8.25" |
Width: 5.25" |
Composition: Diecast |
SKU: HM-HA38045 |
Period: Modern |
Preorder Expected Arrival - MARCH 2025
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 demonstrations 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.
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's 1:72 scale F-16 is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, which allows for the greatest possible detail. Among this model's most remarkable features are an articulating hinged opening canopy that closes with almost no visible gap and landing gear that has been constructed as subassemblies for easy configuration. It also includes a large number of pad-printed flight instruments and a rudder and engine intake that are accurately replicated in plastic. The models in this series cover early variants to the most advanced later variants featuring conformal fuel tanks as well as both single and two seat variants.
Info: F-16D Fighting Falcon - USAF Thunderbirds, #7, Nellis AFB, NV, 2017
