Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50252
Lockheed F-16B Fighting Falcon Diecast Model
USN NSAWC TOPGUN, NAS Fallon, NV |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-16B Fighting Falcon | | 8.25" | | 5.25" |
This item showcases the eyecatching markings of the NSAWC based at NAS Fallon Nevada. The scheme includes three shades of brown. The advantage of using the F-16 Fighting Falcon at NSAWC is that it presents a totally unique adversary to the standard F-14s and F/A-18s flown by the U.S. Navy. The U.S. Army has its OPFOR, and so does the U.S. Navy – in the form of its F-16B Fighting Falcons! The Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon (near Reno in Nevada) fields a fleet of fourteen F-16A/B Block 15 fighters. These Fighting Falcons were part of an embargoed Pakistan Air Force order that spent many years in storage in the dry climate of Arizona. After being readied for flight again, they were dispatched to NSAWC in 2003 ready to take up dissimilar air combat training duties.
In 1969, the US Navy established its Fighter Weapons School (NFWS), more popularly known as TOPGUN, at NAS Miramar, California. Its objective was to develop, refine and teach air combat maneuvering tactics and techniques to selected fleet air crews flying against aggressor squadrons. The aggressor aircraft are flown by TOPGUN instructors in a way that simulates the tactics and capabilities of air forces deemed most likely to be a threat to the US. The NFWS merged into the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC) at NAS Fallon, Nevada in 1996. The NSAWC continues to teach the TOPGUN course, more formally known as the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor (SFTI) program.
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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircaft.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
