Liking the texas birds alot, with exception to the one sporting the texans tail art...does the F-16 no justice to sport such a terribad team. Historically great aircraft, historically mediocre team, doesnt mix at all. Id like to see the zagged texas flag ones made by hm or the red stingers....that little touch of red looks good on the F-16's. Just loud enough
"I'm loving those OH 180th ANG birds. I guess we'll have to keep pestering HM until they make a few.
Is that a Canadian flag near Perry's Monument? Have they invaded, and the folks of South Bass Island just don't care as long as they keep bringing the Molsons? "
William said long ago he would make the 180th birds, but nothing yet.
Yes, the Islands at Put-In-Bay are also act as import sites for incoming aircraft traffic as well are popular with Canadians to visit. The US relations here are extremely good with Canada. My home city now, Sylvania just sent our high school band kids, including my daughter, to Woodstock, our sister city for a Christmas parade.
Put-In-Bay had a small airport, literally a driveway sized runway (16 feet wide, non lit field) with a dog leg in the middle of it. Had to be a good pilot to land there at that time. When I was a student pilot, you would hear all the pilots talking on the unicom about the wild summer parties there. No night flights because of the monument and so many near misses and buzzing of the tower. They did enlarge the runway a few years back and lengthen/widen it as well and the pattern now does not allow for flights near the monument. A great place to fly into. Super fudge shop on the main street, crystal cavern cave as well another cave with an underground river, wineries, eateries and bars, shops and all the other great tourist traps. Cedar Point close by as well, the worlds largest roller coaster park.
I have Witty's Victim Vipers. They aren't half bad. Problem is very few like drones. When I did the Code3 QF-104 William was interested. But we couldn't see many buying it. So the idea was shelved.
While I also prefer the low vis example. I see people losing their minds if its not the high vis version.
No big deal, just personal preference...
IMO, the low-vis "Stinger bug" works really well with the overall greys scheme of the Viper, while others love the high-vis, more colourful, version. Of course there are some who have a gag reflex, "barf", with too much colour and that's ok too...
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IMO, the low-vis "Stinger bug" works really well with the overall greys scheme of the Viper, while others love the high-vis, more colourful, version. Of course there are some who have a gag reflex, "barf", with too much colour and that's ok too...
To me, the low-vis version of this one doesn't even look like a bee, which is why I would go for the high-vis version
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1/72 Liveries Desired: A-10 PA ANG; B-17 Yankee Lady; B-25 Briefing Time, Panchito, Yankee Warrior; EA-6 CoNA; Hurricane James Nicholson; F-4 JG71 40th Ann.; F-15 Cesar Rodriguez; F-16 NJ ANG, 111 FS Retro, 182nd FS Texas Flag, Greek Zeus 2015, CO Minuteman, DC ANG 85-1509 (old and current), Wild Weasels 50th Anniversary; F-18C VMFA-115 CAG, RAAF 20 Yrs. A21-26; F-18E VX-9 CAG; Lancaster Thumper; S-3 Navy One, Bugs Bunny, CoNA; U/VH-60 Marine One; V-22 HMX-1
I would be happy with either one, I was looking to use another HM model to convert with a decal sheet. Been waiting for the funds to do so as well to see if HM would pop one out. Hate to convert a good model and then have HM pop one out. Have the decals ready to go though.
Given the decals are already out there in 1:72 scale for the high vis, I would guess that would make it more likely for HM to run with.
Most of the other ANG decals sheets are also the high vis liveries.
IMO, the low-vis "Stinger bug" works really well with the overall greys scheme of the Viper, while others love the high-vis, more colourful, version. Of course there are some who have a gag reflex, "barf", with too much colour and that's ok too...
My personal preference would be for the high vis bee as it stands out but does not take away from the operational colours
Seems strange to me that Greece, with a failing economy, can afford to equip its Hellenic AF "Demo Team" with Block 52+ advanced F-16s. For a demo team the paint scheme and tail art are pretty cool, especially with Zeus throwing that bolt of lightning. A theme collection of various county's "F-16 demo teams" would, IMO, make an interesting display...
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Seems strange to me that Greece, with a failing economy, can afford to equip its Hellenic AF "Demo Team" with Block 52+ advanced F-16s. For a demo team the paint scheme and tail art are pretty cool, especially with Zeus throwing that bolt of lightning. A theme collection of various county's "F-16 demo teams" would, IMO, make an interesting display...
It is crazy as to what things a government will consider to be a spending priority
At the opposite end of the spectrum you have Canada, a wealthy country compared to Greece standards, maintaining a fleet of twenty, 52 year old, CT-114 Tutor "trainers", known as the "Snowbirds" (RCAF Demo Team), and, in addition, still using them as our RCAF trainers. The Tutor jets have been a good introduction trainer for RCAF pilots since 1963 and used by the Snowbirds since 1971. Canada plans to replace the Tutor jets for it's demo team in December, 2020. It appears that the logical choice of using the aging F-18s as Canada's new Snowbird Team will not happen since the cost to maintain the Hornets would be 20 times more than maintaining the current Tudors. And, to bring this post back on track, this is an example of an economically challenged country, Greece, purchasing/maintaining block 52+ F-16s while Canada can't even decide what fighter aircraft it requires to replace our beat-up F-18s. IMO, the Block-60 Viper is looking pretty dang good as an alternative to the costly F-35 Strike Eagle which Canada has been hesitant to pull the trigger on. Sorry if this opens up an already discussed can-of-worms but, "C'mon Canada, let's get 100 Vipers!"
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Israel is said to be looking at the F-15 Silent Eagle option right now to replace their aging fleet and that also might open the door for Canada. As well the PM mentioned they were looking at the Super Hornets and the Eurofighter as alternatives now to the cancelled F-35. http://foxtrotalpha.jalopnik.com/f-1...sts-1740179374
Canadian F-15se's would be a pretty cool model to have on the shelves and in the air.
Very cool site and videos Jeff... The F-15SE would be a smart choice for Canada as the new front line fighter to replace its aging Hornets. Two engines, stealth design, fantastic enclosed weapons load, and it's an absolutely beautiful aircraft! The "Silent Eagle", as a HM release, would especially look great in USAF, Canadian Air Force, and IAF liveries
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With judgement calls like that, I wonder why Greece has a failing economy...lol
Well, most of the bill is footed by the US Government through the Foreign Military Sales programme, so basically it's one bankrupt government buying stuff for the other bankrupt nation...
I pitched the idea for a UAE Block 60/61 F-16E/F Desert Falcon to William. I believe the Block 60/61 wouldn't require any new tooling from the existing F-16C HA3803 mould. I also gave him the link to this thread. Hopefully William considers this idea and Ling (works for HM if you don't know) is paying attention to it.
I also pitched an overall idea for a new F-16, whatever livery, as there seems to be great interest for a new F-16 scheme.
Perhaps Dan or you guys might want to send a PM to Ling on DA.C about the UAE Block 60/61 F-16E/F Desert Falcon or present an interest in a new F-16. His forum name is hobbymasterdirect
Want. Do you think HM/Ling is still paying attention to this? I guess they do have their hands full atm with the F-14 and F-18 Super Hornet...but still. Ling if you're out there some of us would like a UAE Block 60/61 F-16!!
I really like this F-16. Its simple but attractive! I know they've already done a Holloman F-16 but this was the West Coast Demo Team for a while so chances are some of you left coasters have seen it in person. Love the "Let's Roll" markings!
Want. Do you think HM/Ling is still paying attention to this? I guess they do have their hands full atm with the F-14 and F-18 Super Hornet...but still. Ling if you're out there some of us would like a UAE Block 60/61 F-16!!
Would one of these UAEAF Block 60 Vipers fill the void Kangaroo...?
I also like USAF Block 60 AZ 3029 but UAEAF 3080 is very cool...
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The AZ coded one is UAE owned but flown out of Tucson with the local AZ ANG training wing.
There's quite a bit of work to be done to make a Desert Falcon with all the different sensors and vents that need to be added. I think it will actually be a lot more work than it seems at first.
Not sure which ANG F-35 you're referring to...? Here's a cool version of F-35 tail art and a 158th Fighter Wing ANG F-16 "The Green Mountain Boys" of ANG Base Burlington Vermont. These long-lived F-16s were based at ANG Burlington beginning in the late 1980s and is the first F-16 ANG unit to be replaced by the F-35...
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The AZ coded one is UAE owned but flown out of Tucson with the local AZ ANG training wing.
There's quite a bit of work to be done to make a Desert Falcon with all the different sensors and vents that need to be added. I think it will actually be a lot more work than it seems at first.
I did not know this. Why would the USAF be flying a UAE owned F-16?
I did not know this. Why would the USAF be flying a UAE owned F-16?
As a guess, perhaps to train UAE pilots on the F-16. Seem to recall reading an article that some foreign F-16 operators have their pilots training in the US.
UAE F-16 would definitely need a new mold or else it will not be worth getting. The most outstanding difference I can see by now is the ECS inlets which are absent with the UAE F-16 on the place where all the F-16s do have them.
and yes, I would like to see the TJ that got shot in desert storm, an Alaskan black and white aggressor, a Kunsan airbase wolfpack, a swap fox viper, an Aviano with see horse tail art, and an updates canopy for the D version.
As a guess, perhaps to train UAE pilots on the F-16. Seem to recall reading an article that some foreign F-16 operators have their pilots training in the US.
AETC - Air Education and Training Command provides the majority of USAF F-16 training facilities. AETC's main F-16 unit is the 56th FW based at Luke AFB Arizona and provides training for every USAF F-16 pilot. AETC is also host to a number of (semi)-permanent detachments from Foreign Airforces. More permanent detachments often get a dedicated USAF Squadron designation.
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Foreign nations like the UAE, Singapore, Germany and such have dedicated training units hosted in the US. Lots and lots of airspace to be used here, and usually pretty favorable weather too. When they operate equipment similar to US equipment, they're usually painted like US equipment - Luftwaffe F-4Fs, Singapore F-15Es, etc.
The Arizona ANG at Tuscon specializes as a schoolhouse for foreign F-16 operators. Iraq, Morrocco, the UAE, the Netherlands...they all do their specific F-16 training there.
Also, the F-16 schoolhouses are shifting away from Luke to Holloman AFB in New Mexico now. Luke is shifting over to the F-35 now, it and Eglin will be the two main training bases.
As for the supposed complexity of the mods for the F-16E/F to the existant F-16 product, I'll point to the Sufa as an example of where all the extra pieces are no big deal to HM, once they decide they want to do it anyway.
Sell "Friendlies" F-16s and charge to train their pilots to fly them.
Jet fuel, dummy blue bombs, and other ordnance added to invoice.
Additional charges for F-16 systems upgrades and dedicated Viper "repaints"...
"That's Gold, Jerry! Gold!"
It's not always US equipment. Germany now trains their Tornado force at Holloman, though the Typhoons will stay in Germany so eventually this will come to a close.
Singapore also has had training units stationed in France with A-4s...don't know if they still operate those.
I don't necessarily think it's a big scam, Singapore's home nation airspace is fairly tiny, and they want to be competent in their ability to defend it. For their deep strike fighters (F-16s and F-15s) and KC-135 tankers, makes all sorts of sense to train in the US as we have lots of airspace and training areas to offer.
Now I won't guarantee that Lockheed Martin didn't upsell them on window etching or lojack installation or underspraying...
It's not always US equipment. Germany now trains their Tornado force at Holloman, though the Typhoons will stay in Germany so eventually this will come to a close.
Singapore also has had training units stationed in France with A-4s...don't know if they still operate those.
I don't necessarily think it's a big scam, Singapore's home nation airspace is fairly tiny, and they want to be competent in their ability to defend it. For their deep strike fighters (F-16s and F-15s) and KC-135 tankers, makes all sorts of sense to train in the US as we have lots of airspace and training areas to offer.
Now I won't guarantee that Lockheed Martin didn't upsell them on window etching or lojack installation or underspraying...
It's nothing to do with a scam. With the US having large unpopulated areas with very favourable weather conditions, these are perfect for flying training. Especially in Europe there is hardly any "empty" air space to train fighter doctrines etc.
Many of these foreign jets wear US markings. Partly to fit in with local flight regulations and partly to save money. "Local" aircraft pay different rates for air traffic control use and landing fees, compared to foreign registered aircraft.
Singapore has replaced the A-4 Skyhawks in France with factory new M-346 trainers (updated version of the Yak-130, one of the contenders to replace the USAF T-38).
It's not always US equipment. Germany now trains their Tornado force at Holloman, though the Typhoons will stay in Germany so eventually this will come to a close.
The Tornados seem to be heading home some time between now and end 2017. Main reason given by German ministry of defence is impracticality of maintenance. Anything outside line maintenance has to be done in Germany and the ferrying of jets there and back proves very impractical. Never mind the costs...
National Guard units are always going to have more character in their livery than active duty ones. Fargo, Colorado and Duluth I think would all be big hits. Beyond those three the only thing I'm really interested in anymore is a UAE Block 60
Re: Pick an F-16 for HM to make...
Re: Pick an F-16 for HM to make...
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