Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3860 Lockheed F-16BM Fighting Falcon Romanian Air Force 53rd Sqn, #1610, Romania, 2017. 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 5.25" Wingspan, 8.25" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine supersonic multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force (USAF). Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it evolved into a successful all-weather multirole aircraft. Over 4,600 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Although no longer being purchased by the U.S. Air Force, improved versions are being built for export customers. In 1993, General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation, which in turn became part of Lockheed Martin after a 1995 merger with Martin Marietta. Primary Role: Multirole fighter, Air Superiority Fighter.

Romania joined NATO and looked for a replacement that would correspond to other NATO equipment. Portugal was willing to sell F-16s that were 30 years old but that had the mid-life upgrade (MLU) extending their service by 20 years. The 12 aircraft consisted of 9 F-16AM and 3 F-16BM. Portugal couldnÆt release their own F-16BMs so they purchased 3 from the USAF to fulfill their obligation. Romanian F-16BM 1601 originally had a U.S serial of 82-1022 and a Portuguese serial 61-615. These aircraft would equip the For?ele Aeriene Rom?ne (FAR) 53rd Squadron.