Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-16>HA3819

General Background

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 Aircraft

On June 8, 2009 37° Stormo of the Aeronautica Militare (Italian Air Force) presented two F-16 ADF aircraft that had been given special paint schemes. These paint schemes were applied to MM7240 and MM7249 to celebrate the accomplishment of 1000 flying hours in the Viper by the Commanders of the 10° and 18° Gruppo. The two special paint scheme aircraft flew a demonstration along with seven other aircraft from the 10° and 18° Gruppo. This release represents the F-16 ADF MM7240 #18 flown by Maj. Maurizio "Masa" De Angelis.

Specifications :

Role:	Multi-purpose fighter
Power Plant :	1 x P&W F100-PW-200 Turbofan
Performance:
Speed:	1,500 mph (Mach 2)
Range:	3,450 miles w/3 external fuel tanks
Service Ceiling:	50,000 ft +
Weight:
Empty:	15,586 lbs
Maximum Take-Off:	37,500 lbs
Dimensions:
Length:	47ft 8 ins
Wing Span:	31 ft
Height:	16 ft 5 ins
Armament:	General Purpose
	Hard Points
	3 x Under Wing
	1 x Fuselage
	The 4 Hard Points are capable of carrying 15,200 lbs of stores
	Air Defense
	1 x M-61A1 20mm Multi-barrel cannon w/500 rounds
	Possible 6 x Air-To-Air IR or Radar Guided Missiles