Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA38001
Lockheed Martin F-16C 96-0080, 480th FS, Spangdahlem AB, 2020 
 
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 
The 480th FS “Warhawks” was activated in 1957 as 480th FBS. From 1966 until 1971 the 480th F-4C Phantom IIs took part in the Vietnam War and were deactivated in 1971. In 1976 the “Warhawks” were reactivated as part of the 52nd TFW at Spangdahlem AB eventually becoming a “Wild Weasel” unit equipped with F-4Gs. In March 1987 the 480th began to receive the F-16C but deactivated in 1994 only to rise again in 2010 as a “Wild Weasel” squadron. In 2020 F-16C 96-0080 was painted with a “Have Glass V’ special coating to reduce the aircraft radar cross-section.