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 19 February 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The F-16I's most notable difference from the standard Block 52 is that approximately 50% of the American avionics have been replaced by Israeli-developed avionics (such as the Israeli Aerial Towed Decoy replacing the ALE-50).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 201 Squadron, "The One (Ahat)" then deployed to Ramon Airbase, Israel. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-inches
Length: 8-inches

Release Date: June 2014

Historical Account: "Storm Warning" - The first 50 Lockheed F-16I Sufa (Storm) for the IAF arrived with tail numbers in the 400 series and were assigned to the 119th and 253rd Squadrons. The 52 aircraft of the second wave came with tail numbers in the 800 series. In July 2006 the 107th Squadron (Knights of the Orange Tail) received their first F-16Is followed by 4 more aircraft two months later. The 107th Squadron was formed in 1953 equipped with Spitfires. The F-16I has CFTs (Conformal Fuel Tanks) and a dorsal spine avionics compartment.