General Dynamics F-16c “Fighting Falcon” – the US multi-role fighter

In the early seventies of the 20th century five US aviation industry companies began projecting work on a new generation of fighter aircraft. They were based on the requirements of the state-announced program: the production of a light fighter. The new aircraft was to have high combat and exploitation characteristics, be maneuverable and easy to maintain. Of the five projects two were selected for the final competition: “General Dynamics” (YF-16) and “Northrop” (YF-17). Comparative tests of prototypes showed, that the YF-16 was better. The company received the first contract for the production of 8 serial fighters. Serial aircraft, the production of which began in early 1976, were given the designation F-16 and the name "Fighting Falcon". They were produced in two main versions - the single-seat F-16A (combat) and the double-seat F-16B (school - training). In 1980es the modernization of these aircraft began, updating the equipment. All modernization was aimed at making the F-16 a multi-role combat aircraft. The updated versions began to be designated F-16C and F-16D. The modernization of these fighters, which continues to this day (the date of publication of the magazine is 1999), allows these fighters to remain one of the best in the world. Advertising campaigns and high combat and exploitation characteristics led to the great export success of this aircraft. In the 80s of the 20th century in this fighters were armed the Air Forces of Bahrain, Belgium, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, the Netherlands, Indonesia, Israel, South Korea, Norway, Pakistan, Portugal, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, Turkey and Venezuela. Later it became one of the main fighters of the Polish Air Force.

A small model of a small fighter, perfectly designed for those times and also perfectly detailed, is intended only for medium-experienced and experienced modelers. Although, knowing, that the model was designed by Pavel Mistevich, it can certainly be recommended for advanced beginners and modelers with little experience. Only they should work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague, don’t rushing, carefully and attentively. The exterior of the fighter, cockpit equipment, chassis, its niches, visible parts of the engine, a large assortment of changed weapons, control plates - only together with the main plates. Less experienced modelers can make a model with a retracted chassis and opaque windows. The textual instruction is quite extensive, quite detailed and informative in Polish, the graphical instruction is not too large, but sufficient for assembling the model, informative, clear and easy to read. Antiquarian publication.