F-16BM Romanian Air force 2017 1609 Hobby Master HA3860 scale 1:72

F-16BM Romanian Air force 2017 1609 Hobby Master HA3860 scale 1:72 Highly detailed Hobby Master pre-painted diecast metal model Item#: HA3860 Scale: 1:72 Length: 8.25" Wingspan: 5.25" 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. Romania joined NATO and looked for a replacement that would correspond to other NATO equipment. Portugal was willing to sell F-16s that were 30 years old but that had the mid-life upgrade (MLU) extending their service by 20 years. The 12 aircraft consisted of 9 F-16AM and 3 F-16BM. Portugal couldn’t release their own F-16BMs so they purchased 3 from the USAF to fulfill their obligation. Romanian F-16BM 1601 originally had a U.S serial of 82-1022 and a Portuguese serial 61-615. These aircraft would equip the Forţele Aeriene Române (FAR) 53rd Squadron. General specifications F-16 Fighting Falcon Some F-16s received an MLU (Mid Life Upgrade) which comprised an improved cockpit and electronics. Any aircraft that received the MLU were designated F-16AM- single seat BM- two-seat Primary Function – Multi-role fighter Manufacturer – General Dynamics Corp. / Lockheed Martin Corp. Initial Unit cost - F-16C/D, $20 million plus First Deployed - January 1979 (F-16A) Crew – 1 x F-16C / 1 or 2 x F-16D Power Plant - F-16C/D 1 x Pratt and Whitney F100-PW-200/220/229 or 1 x General Electric F110-GE-100/129 Thrust - F-16C/D / 27,000 lb (12,150 kg)