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 1:72 scale diecast replica of a F-16D Viper fighter that was attached to the 416th Flight Test Squadron "Skulls", then deployed to Edwards AFB, California, during 2024. Now in stock!

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

Release Date: December 2025

Historical Account: "Skulls" - The 416th Flight Test Squadron is a United States Air Force squadron. It is assigned to the 412th Operations Group, Air Force Materiel Command at Edwards Air Force Base, California. The 416th performs flight testing on General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft.

The squadron's first predecessor was constituted as the 26th Reconnaissance Squadron in January 1942. However, it was re-designated the 416th Bombardment Squadron before being activated in June 1942. After training in the United States, It deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations. From bases in North Africa and Italy, it engaged in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its performance in combat. It remained in Italy following V-E Day until inactivating in November 1945. The squadron was active in the reserves from 1947 to 1949, but was not fully manned or equipped.

The second predecessor is the 6516th Test Squadron, which was established in 1989 to test the F-16. In October 1992, the two squadrons were consolidated as the 416th Test Squadron.