"Obsolete weapons do not deter."
- British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
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.
Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of a F-16D Falcon assigned to the US Air Force's 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Kunsan AFB, Korea. Sold Out!
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-inches
Length: 8-inches
Release Date: August 2008
Historical Account: "Headhunters" - The 80th Fighter Squadron (nicknamed the "Headhunters" or "Juvats") is an F-16 fighter squadron of the United States Air Force, currently part of the 8th Operations Group of the 8th Fighter Wing, and stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea.
Following the squadron's engagement in the Korean War, the 80th was tasked with providing air defense in Japan and Korea (1953–1954), in Okinawa (1954–1956), and in Japan and Korea(1956–1971).
In 1963, the Headhunters began flying the F-105. In June 1964, they were attached to the 41st air division. They remained with the 41st for less than a year, moving to the 6441st Tactical Fighter Wing of the 2nd Air Division in April 1965. The squadron ran combat operations in Southeast Asia from December 1964 to June 1965. During the conflict, headhunters were charged with attacking targets such as the Hai Nguyen Steel Plant, Haipong storage facilities, rail lines, and the Doumer Bridge.
During their time serving in the Vietnam War, the 80th conducted 7,384 combat missions in Southeast Asia, including 2,657 combat missions directly over North Vietnam, for a total of 17,104 total hours of active operations. For their role in the conflict, 80th pilots received 7 Silver Stars, 64 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 426 Air Medals. "As a squad, the 80th earned one Battle Honor, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with Palm), and four Air Force Outstanding Unit Citations." Captain Jeff Feinstein, would be the squadrons only ace of Vietnam, recording 5 enemy kills. The 80th was moved back to the 41st Air Division on November 15th, 1966. In 1968, they would transition to the F-4. In total, the 80th has recorded 251 air to air victories.
Today, the 80th flies the F-16CM and is stationed at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK). The Headhunters are commanded by Lt Col Jay Boyd. |
