The Thunderbirds Aerobatic Team began using the F-16 in 1983. Their main aircraft was the F-16A Block 15 and 2 training F-16B Block 15 until the end of 1991 when they transitioned to the newer F-16C/D Block 32. These F-16C/Ds were manufactured in 1986 and 1987 and were some of the oldest operational F-16s in the USAF when they were retired in 2008. For the 2009 show season the Thunderbirds transitioned to 9 updated F-16Cs Block 52 and 3 F-16Ds Block 52.

Designed by General Dynamics as a lightweight, daytime USAF air-combat fighter, the F-16 was first flown on January 20th, 1974. This single-engine, supersonic aircraft has, over the years, evolved into a multirole aircraft. It has a frameless bubble canopy-giving its pilot superior visibility-and it uses advanced aerodynamics. The F-16 was one of the first designs to use a relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire system, which helps it pull 9-g maneuvers and achieve speeds of more than Mach 2. Called “Viper” by its pilots, the F-16 is considered one of the most successful aircraft designs of the Cold War, with 4,400+ aircraft built since 1976.

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won’t fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.