Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series
HA38003Lockheed Martin F-16C 87-0284, 120th FS, Colorado Air National Guard, 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
In 1942 – 1943 the 18th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) took part in the Aleutian Campaign and remained in Alaska as part of the defense force until 1946 when it was inactivated. In 1952 the squadron was re-activated and served at various locations until 1982 when they called Eielson AFB Alaska home. After several designation changes they became the 18th Aggressor Squadron on August 24, 2007. In 2017 F-16C 86-0295 (c/n 5C-401) was painted in a green and brown BDU (Battle Dress Uniform) scheme and wore it throughout 2018.
