Lockheed Martin F-16CG Fighting Falcon 555th FS Operation Iraqi Freedom 2004, 1:72 Scale Diecast Model

• Air Power Series
• Highly detailed realistic collectible model
• Diecast & Plastic parts
• Pilot figure
• Pad applied markings
• Stand included
• Measures 8.25” L x 5.25” Wingspan
• Display model, recommended for adult hobbyists and collectors.

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.

Between December 2003 and March 2004 the 555th FS “Triple Nickel” / 31st FW was deployed in support of “Operation Iraqi Freedom” while flying from Aviano AB, Italy. On April 1, 1994 the 555th became part of the 31st FW newly based at Aviano. The 31st FW maintains two F-16 fighter squadrons, the 555th Fighter Squadron and the 510th Fighter Squadron. The F-16s came from the 512th and 526th FSs when they were disbanded in Germany. F-16CG 89-2035 was assigned to the 555th Commander.

This Hobby Master replica is of F-16CG (Bureau No: 89-2035) from the 555^th Fighter Squadron “Triple Nickle”, 31^st Fighter Wing based in Aviano Air Base.  The squadron flew in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004.

As with all Hobby Master models this F-16CG features engraved panel lines, antennas, surface details an opening canopy, a well-appointed cockpit (with instrumentation details), pilot figure, weapons complement, optional-position landing gear, authentic squadron markings, and a display stand.

Specifications :

Role:	Multi-role fighter
Manufacturer :	General Dynamics Corp. / Lockheed Martin Corp
Initial Unit cost :	F-16C/D, $20 million plus
First Deployed :	January 1979
(F-16A)Crew :	1 x F-16C / 1 or 2 x F-16D
Power Plant :	F-16C/D
	1 x Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or
	1 x General Electric F110-GE-100/129
Thrust :	F-16C/D / 27,000 lb (12,150 kg)
Length:	49 ft, 5 in (14.8 m)
Wingspan	32 ft 8 in (9.8 m)
Height:	16 ft (4.8 m)
Speed:	1,500 mph (Mach 2 @ altitude)
Ceiling:	Above 50,000 (15 km)
Maximum Takeoff Weight:	37,500 lb (16,875 kg)
Range:	Greater than 2,425 mi (2,100 nm / 3,900 km)
Combat Radius:	F-16C 851.6 mi (1,370 km / 740 nm) w/ 2 x 2,000 lb bombs + 2 x AIM-9 + 1,040 U.S. gal external tanks
	391.3 mi (630 km / 340 nm) w/ 4 x 2,000 lb bombs + 2 x AIM-9 + 340 U.S. gal external tanks
	230.2 mi (370 km / 200 nm) + 2 hr. 10 min. patrol w/ 2 x AIM-7 + 2 x AIM-9 + 1,040 lb U.S. gal external tanks
Armament:	1 x M-61A1 20mm multi-barrel cannon with 500 rounds
	1 x M-61A1 20mm multi-barrel cannon with 500 rounds
	External stations can carry up to six air-to-air missiles
	Conventional air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions
	Electronic countermeasure pods.