Hobby Master: 1/72 Lockheed F-16A Fighting Falcon “Flying Tigers”
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.
To commemorate the 70th Anniversary of the defeat of Japan in WWII two RoCAF
F-16s
and two IDF (Indigenous Defense Fighters) were painted with special markings to
honor
contributions made by the American Volunteer Group (AVG) better known as the
“Flying
Tigers” led by Maj. Gen. Claire Chennault. Lockheed F-16B 6820 and F-16A
6690 received
a shark mouth, a caricature of a flying tiger and sixteen Japanese flags under
the cockpit
on the left side of the fuselage to represent the victories by AVG 1st Squadron
pilot Robert
Neale.
- 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.
- Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.
- Highly collectable.