I saw where the F-16s have started to arrive in Ukraine. Any one know what model they are? I have an Academy Kf-16c with small intake for the Pratt engine and was hoping I could use this kit for a Ukrainian F-16.
According to the below article, they are on par with US Block 50/52 F-16s.
1 Like
According to this article : https://defencehub.live/threads/f-16-fighter-jets.19591/
"The first two Danish F-16AM fighters have arrived in Ukraine…/…Both Ukrainian fighters were built under license at the Belgian aircraft manufacturer SABCA, and in 1982 they were transferred to Denmark under the numbers E-596 and E-599. "
According to this site : https://www.f-16.net/f-16_users_article3.html
E-596 and E-599 are F-16A Block 15’s…
H.P.
2 Likes
F-16AM/BM Mid Life Upgrade (MLU)
2 Likes
Thanks, I can now compare my kit to see what needs modifications.
Just some more stuff about those F-16s seen:
1 Like
Just saying that the new Kinetic F-16 AM is a fantastic kit if it fits the bill for you
1 Like
Thanks for the information, I guess I will hold on to my Academy KF-16C for something else, no interest in a Korean F-16, I did check the sprues and they are the same as the Academy Thunderbird F-16C kit. So I could get after market decals and do an Air Force demo team bird.
Originally I was going to use it as a Thunderbird, then I saw VT Air Guard planes, I am from New England,western Mass , and lived 20 minutes from VT and my first girlfriend’s family were from VT.
Then I just built a Ukraine Mig-29C and thought wow that would look nice next to a Ukraine F-16! You never know, maybe someone will give them something more useful than ancient ADF or late 80s F-16s.
Went to check out this Kinetic 1/72 F-16 AM but doesn’t seem to exist??? If it is in 1/48 or larger that is not my scale, thanks anyways.
The KF-16 is a block 52 airframe. Operators are USAF, South Korea, Singapore, Greece, Poland, Pakistan and Israel (Israeli ones are all D variant, twin seater). In case you are interested, Greek F-16C block 52 are always equiped with CFTs. You can find clean, freshly painted aircraft or weathered and dirty. Aftermarket decals are available.
For an Ukrainian airframe I think the better option in 1/72 is this kit, but I do not know if it offers the new pylons.
Thanks, is the MLU an A or C model F-16? This confuses me as I am not a dedicated F-16 expert. What is an F-16AM? Is it an A or C? I do know the C has a different spine on the tail, longer than the A? I guess I’ll have to go to a dedicated F-16 site, F16.net? And study up on whats what. Then I know there is big and small mouth for GE or Pratt engines. Also I have heard something about bulged doors for bigger landing gear? This gets quite complicated but I can try and figure it out. Thanks for the time and explanations.
I found this site which has helped a bit.
https://designer.home.xs4all.nl/models/f16/f16-8.htm
The AM is an A.
The engine distinction is pretty easy. Blocks over block 30 that end with a 0 have a general electric engine, blocks that end with 2 have a pratt and whitney engine. The intake follows the engine type. Blocks before block 30 have pratt and whitney engines.
The length of the spine on the tail has to do with whether the operator wanted a parachute or not at the back. For example all Greek F-16s have the long tail. The width of the spine has to do with the version.
The MLUs are A if I recall correctly.
If you go to F-16.net check what types of planes the countries supplying Ukraine had purchased. The latest block Ukraine is probably going to receive is Block 30.
I think the bulged bay doors are from block 40 and later.
Here is a good recognition guide: General Dynamics F-16 - Aircraft Recognition Guide
1 Like
Thanks…My Academy kit supposedly can make a Block 42 or 52 F-16C so I see so far as it has PW burner can and small mouth intake, I am learning…thanks. PS-my KF-16C has all the parts Academy’s F-16C ANG kit has and that has decals for an Block 42 and Block 52 plane. Scalemates is helpful also!
1 Like
This kit is identical to my KF-16C except for decals and a few weapons…the parts to build the plane itself are EXACT in both kits.
https://www.hobbyeasy.com/en/data/5id3slwjbzfpi6jrs1yl.html
Offered in both 1/72 and 1/48. I think Revel does a 1/72 F-16AM kit and the new Kinetic in 1/48 looks great.
Andy’s has the 1/72 MLU
https://andyshhq.com/products/revell-3860-1-72-f-16-mlu-fighting-falcon-lockheed-martin-tiger-meet-2018
1 Like