The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who
then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in
January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft
capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and
maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon
is referred to by its pilots as the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.
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.
Length: 8.25 inch
Width: 5.25 inch