F-16C "Thunderbirds" 2009
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Description
The Thunderbirds, established in 1953, is named after a mythological bird found in Native
American legends in the southwest region of the United States.For over half a century,
they have served as ambassadors for the U.S. Air Force, promoting international goodwill
at air shows throughout the U.S. and in over 60 countries around the world, and have
flown several different aircraft during their distinguished history. The team began their
relationship with the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1983 by exchanging their T-38A Talon jet
trainers for the F-16A. In 1992, these were traded in for the current F-16C Block 32 aircraft,
which feature improved radar, cockpit avionics, and an enlarged tail fairing for ECM
equipment. 2009 will see the Thunderbirds upgrade again to the U.S. Air Force"s latest F-
16, the Block 52, which is equipped with a more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229
engine. Apart from the removal of radar, the replacement of the 20mm Vulcan cannon with
a smoke generating system, and other minor changes, the Thunderbirds aircraft are identical
to those flown by combat units, and can be returned to full combat ready condition in
under 72 hours if necessary. Giving over 70 performances per year in a season that lasts
from March to November, the Thunderbirds will surely continue to dazzle audiences with
their aerobatic repertoire for many years to come. -
Specifications
- Construction Type Assembly kit
- Decals Included
- Discontinued True
- Photo-Etch Parts Not included
- Scale 1/48
- Special Feature 1 Limited Edition 1/48 scale assembly model kit
- Special Feature 2 You can choose to assemble either Block 32 or 52 models of the F-16C
- Special Feature 3 Special markings to depict F-16's which performed at Misawa, Chitose, and Hamamatsu Airbases
- Special Feature 4 One pilot figure included