BBI 1:18 Elite Force 003770
Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon Display Model
USAF 366th TFW, 389th TFS, We'll Take It From Here #91-0401, Al Udeid AB, Qatar, Operation Enduring Freedom, 2001 |
| 1:18 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon | | 32.75" | | 20.75" |
F-16C #91-0401 from the 389th Fighter Squadron carried special nose-art and mission markings while deployed to Al Udeid Airbase in Qatar from November 2001 to January 2002, flying missions over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The USAF 389th Fighter Squadron was originally formed at Richmond Army Air Base, Virgina on June 1st, 1943. They were deployed initially to Europe, flying combat missions in the P-47 Thunderbolt and later to Southeast Asia. The squadron eventually transitioned through many front line fighters including the P-51 Mustang, F-86 Sabre and F-4 Phantom II. In 1971 they moved to their present day home at Mountain Home AFB, Idaho where they flew the F-111 Aardvark until 1991. In 1992 they transitioned to the F-16 Fighting Falcon which they eventually traded for the F-15E Strike Eagle in 2007.
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. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Blue Box International 1:18 "Elite Force" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military aircraft in 1:18 scale.
Blue Box International 1:18 "Elite Force" display airplanes feature:
- Molded plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel llike decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Functional extending/retracting landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
DISCLAIMER - Please Read
Please keep in mind that large scale plastic models are not scaled-up versions of their smaller diecast cousins. They are pre-assembled from a large number of components and production compromises are often made to keep them within reach of the casual collector's budget. Factory painting, glueing and alignment discrepencies are often visible upon close inspection. The models arrive paritially deconstructed and do require time to un-package and assemble prior to display. Assembly mostly consists of pushing together snap-fitting parts although a little attention with a sharp hobby knife and/or superglue is sometimes required to achieve the best fit.
In summary, with a little effort, these models can make fantastic, attention-grabbing showpieces from a reasonable viewing distance. Up close however, their more toy-like qualities will become apparent. We regret that we are unable to accept returns on these items for minor fit and finish issues.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
