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.
Lockheed F-16C 85-1547 c/n 5C-289 and in May 1987 was assigned to the 14th TFS. April 1991
the aircraft became the property of the 56th TTW who became 56th FW in October. April 1992
saw re-assignment to 174th FS/185th FW Iowa ANG “The Bats” and eleven years later the
aircraft moved to the 138th FS NY ANG. October 2008 85-1547 moved to the 412th TW and
January 2009 it was assigned to the 445th FLTS before returning to sit at the gates of the
Sioux Gateway Airport in Sioux City, Iowa.
Length: 8.25 inch
Width: 5.25 inch