Hobby Master: 1/72 Lockheed F-16C Block 50 91–0391, 148th FW, Minnesota ANG, Kandahar, Afghanistan, 2012 – Diecast Model

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 179th Fighter Squadron “Bulldogs” began as the 393rd FS in 1943 and was deactivated at the end of WWII. In September 1947 the 393rd was re-activated as the 179th FIS in Duluth with the Minnesota Air National Guard becoming part of the 148th Fighter Group in 1960. In 1990 through 1991 the 179th FS/148th FG received the F-16A and in 2010 re equipped with the F-16C Block 50 to become Wild Weasels with a mission to Suppress and/or Destroy Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). In 2012 the 179th deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan.

Features:

• 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.
• Metal with a minimum of plastic.
• Highly collectable.

Specifics:

• Scale: 1:72
• Aircraft Type: Fixed Wing
• Era: Cold War