1:00 Scale Metal Die-Cast – Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon – Length: 5.75" Wingspan: 4”
This Lockheed Martin F-16C Fighting Falcon model is a single seat model and does not include a pilot figure. The cockpit can not open. There is no option to display the landing gear. Attached to the wings are a pair of AA missiles and a pair of external fuel tanks. A stand where the model can be attached for display is included and the model's info (type of airplane, squadron name, base and country).
The maker of the model, Italeri, really did a good job with the model, the panel lines and details are very clear and crisp.What really caught my attention, however, is the way the markings and coloring. At 1/100 scale, these models are in the range of 5.5 to 7 inches long, and although not as big as their 1/72 cousins, the details in the markings is very impressive. I looked at them under a magnifying glass (just out of curiosity) and one could actually read the text.
These models come in what could be described as a blister pack (sandwiched between two transparent plastic shells and then glued/attached to a piece of cardboard with the branding info. Some bigger models (say the A-10 or F-15) will have the same blister pack inside a simple box, but at the end, the packaging is supposed to be disposable and with the sole function protecting the model.
Unlike bigger models, there is nothing to assemble for these models. All weapons and fuel tanks are already attached to the model. One just needs to open the pack and display it (or play with it).
The packaging labels these model as "Collectible Product" and "Not suitable for children under 14 years". I say these are PERFECT to collect and play. At 1/100 scale, space will not be a limiting issue (nor will price, for that matter) and the size and weight is almost designed to be played with, since it can be securely held with one hand. Could it survive a 7 year old? I say yes. Maybe the antennas and weapons might detach but the model itself should remain in one piece.
The General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin) F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-enginemultirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,500 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976.[3] Although no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force, improved versions are still being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation,[4] which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta.[5]
The Fighting Falcon has key features including a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility,side-mounted control stick to ease control while maneuvering, a seat reclined 30 degrees to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wireflight control system helps to make it a nimble aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcancannon and 11 locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment. The F-16's official name is "Fighting Falcon", but "Viper" is commonly used by its pilots, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper starfighter.[6][7]
In addition to active duty U.S. Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guardunits, the aircraft is also used by the USAF aerial demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy. The F-16 has also been procured to serve in the air forces of 25 other nations