Hobby Master HA38037 Israeli Defense Force General Dynamics F-16I Sufa Fighter - "Black 455", 119 Squadron "Bat", Ramon Airbase, Israel, 2020 (1:72 Scale)
"In striking Iraq, Israel showed that a preventive strike can be made, something that was not in doubt. Israel's act and its consequences however, make clear that the likelihood of useful accomplishment is low. Israel's strike increased the determination of Arabs to produce nuclear weapons. Arab states that may attempt to do so will now be all the more secretive and circumspect. Israel's strike, far from foreclosing Iraq's nuclear future, gained her the support of some other Arab states in pursuing it. And despite Prime Minister Begin's vow to strike as often as need be, the risks in doing so would rise with each occasion."
- Kenneth Waltz, an American political scientist. discussing the Raid on Iraq's nuclear facility known as "Osirak"
The F-16I is a two-seat variant of the Block 52 developed for the Israeli Defense Force Air Force (IDF/AF). Israel issued a requirement in September 1997 and selected the F-16 in preference to the F-15I in July 1999. An initial "Peace Marble V" contract was signed on January 14th, 2000, with a follow on contract signed on December 19th, 2001, for a total procurement of 102 aircraft. The F-16I, which is called Sufa (Storm) by the IDF/AF, first flew on December 23rd, 2003, and deliveries to the IDF/AF began on February 19th, 2004. The F-16I has an estimated unit cost of approximately US$70 million (2006).
The F-16I's most notable difference from the standard Block 52 is that approximately 50% of the American avionics have been replaced by Israeli-developed avionics (such as the Israeli Aerial Towed Decoy replacing the ALE-50). The addition of Israeli-built autonomous aerial combat maneuvering instrumentation systems enables the training exercises to be conducted without dependence on ground instrumentation systems, and the helmet-mounted sight is also standard equipment. The helmet-mounted sight, head-up display (HUD), mission computer, presentation computer, and digital map display are made by Elbit Systems of Israel. Furthermore, the F-16I is able to employ Rafael's new Python 5 imaging infrared-guided high-agility air-to-air missile. The F-16I also has the Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI)-built removable conformal fuel tanks (CFT) added to extend its range; removal takes two hours. Key American-sourced systems include the F100-PW-229 turbofan engine, which offers commonality with the IDF/AF's F-15Is, and the APG-68(V)9 radar
Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of a IDF General Dynamics F-16I Sufa fighter that was attached to the 119 Squadron "Bat", then deployed to Ramon Airbase, Israel, during the 2020s.
Pre-order! Ship Date: Early December 2024.
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-inches
Length: 8-inches
Release Date: ?
Historical Account: "Bat" - 119 Squadron of the Israeli Air Force, also known as the Bat Squadron, is an F-16I fighter squadron based at Ramon Airbase. The squadron formerly operated the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, and prior to that the Vautour II, from Tel Nof Airbase.The squadron operated the Gloster Meteor from Ramat David.
In March 2018, the IAF confirmed that 119 Squadron, together with Squadrons 69 and 253, took part in Operation Orchard. During a briefing prior to the mission, the commander of 119 Squadron wrote in his notes that the operation "will change the face of the Middle East."