1/48 Hasegawa F-16CJ Fighting Falcon Misawa Japan 07232

The F-16C Fighting Falcon is a tactical fighter aircraft developed from the F-16A Plus.

From the time the F-16 was initially selected by the United States Air Force, it has undergone continuous upgrades under the Multistage Improvement Program (MSIP). In the F-16C variant, the radar fire-control system was upgraded from the AN/APG-66 to the more advanced AN/APG-68, significantly improving target detection, tracking, and identification capabilities.

In addition, the integration of the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile enabled simultaneous engagement of multiple targets, greatly enhancing air combat performance. The engine bay was redesigned to accommodate either the Pratt & Whitney F100 or the General Electric F110 engines, providing greater flexibility in powerplant selection. Externally, a key distinguishing feature is the forward extension and prominent bulge at the base of the vertical stabilizer, which houses ECM (Electronic Countermeasures) equipment.

Deliveries of the Block 50/52 variants began in October 1991. These aircraft are equipped with Improved Performance Engines (IPE), which provide increased maximum thrust and improved maneuverability. Beginning with aircraft delivered from May 1993, the Block 50/52 models were modified to allow installation of the AN/ASQ-213 HTS (HARM Targeting System) pod on the right side of the intake. This upgrade enabled the aircraft to detect and attack enemy air-defense radar systems, allowing it to perform Wild Weasel suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions.

Specifications

• Crew: 1
• Wingspan: 9.45 m
• Length: 14.52 m (excluding pitot tube)
• Height: 5.09 m
• Engine:
• Block 50: GE F110-GE-129 ×1
• Block 52: PW F100-PW-229 ×1
• Maximum Speed: Mach 2.1 at 12,200 m
• Armament: M61A1 20 mm Vulcan cannon ×1
• First Flight (F-16C): July 19, 1984