Even at the ripe old age of 20, the F-16 Falcon remains a fast and potent favorite among fighter pilots, and one of the best fighters in its class. Designed originally as a no-frills, single-engine "hot rod", the addition of improved radar and weaponry have made the Falcon a super, lightweight jet. Used mainly as a bomber, the Fighting Falcon can also turn-and-burn with unbridled fury when provoked. It is also one of the first operational fly-by-wire aircraft; its flight controls being electronically operated and computer controlled. A 20mm cannon, Maverick missiles, and laser-guided bombs make the F-16 a potent multi-role fighter. However, it's light weight, speed and agility make it the choice of the US Air Force's Thunderbirds aerobatic team.

The F-16C (single seat) and F-16D (two seat) variants entered production in 1984. The first C/D version was the Block 25 with improved cockpit avionics and radar which added all-weather capability with beyond-visual-range (BVR) AIM-7 and AIM-120 air-air missiles. Block 30/32, 40/42, and 50/52 were later C/D versions. The F-16C/D had a unit cost of US$18.8 million (1998). Operational cost per flight hour has been estimated at $7,000 to $22,470 or $24,000, depending on calculation method.

Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of a USAF General Dynamics F-16C Block 40 Viper fighter that was attached to the South Dakota Air National Guard during 2016. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: March 2021

Historical Account: "Fightin' Lobos" - The South Dakota Air National Guard (SD ANG) is the aerial militia of the State of South Dakota, United States of America. It is, along with the South Dakota Army National Guard, an element of the South Dakota National Guard.

As state militia units, the units in the South Dakota Air National Guard are not in the normal United States Air Force chain of command. They are under the jurisdiction of the Governor of South Dakota though the office of the South Dakota Adjutant General unless they are federalized by order of the President of the United States. The South Dakota Air National Guard is headquartered in Sioux Falls, and its commander is currently Major General Timothy Reisch.