Tamiya 1/48 F-16C THUNDERBIRDS

The Thunderbirds, established in 1953, is named after a mythological bird found in Native American legends in the southwest region of the United States. For over half a century, they have served as ambassadors for the U.S. Air Force, promoting international goodwill at air shows throughout the U.S. and in over 60 countries around the world, and have flown several different aircraft during their distinguished history. The team began their relationship with the F-16 Fighting Falcon in 1983 by exchanging their T-38A Talon jet trainers for the F-16A. In 1992, these were traded in for the current F-16C Block 32 aircraft, which feature improved radar, cockpit avionics, and an enlarged tail fairing for ECM equipment. 2009 will see the Thunderbirds upgrade again to the U.S. Air Force's latest F- 16, the Block 52, which is equipped with a more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine. Apart from the removal of radar, the replacement of the 20mm Vulcan cannon with a smoke generating system, and other minor changes, the Thunderbirds aircraft are identical to those flown by combat units, and can be returned to full combat ready condition in under 72 hours if necessary. Giving over 70 performances per year in a season that lasts from March to November, the Thunderbirds will surely continue to dazzle audiences with their aerobatic repertoire for many years to come.