Kit Reviews, Model Airplanes

Hasegawa F-16F Block 60 UAE Air Force 1/48 Box Review

Hasegawa F-16F Block 60 UAE Air Force 1/48 Box Review

Hasegawa F-16F Block 60 UAE Air Force 1/48 Box Review

Hasegawa PT44 (07244) – 1/48

Prototype: Originally, the designation Block 60 was intended in 1989 for a structurally reinforced “F / A-16” that was intended to replace the A-10. However, this variant did not reach production status. The new Block 60 F-16 represents an evolutionary step forward from the current Block 50 aircraft. Initially, a delta wing concept was considered, but this was abandoned in favor of a less significant change in the basic structure.

The Block 60 aircraft have a large number of new capabilities. First of all, the F-16E / F is able to carry CFT (conformal fuel tanks, i.e. additional fuel tanks attached to the fuselage), but this also applies to other series such as the F-16ES and Block 50/52 Plus. The Northrop Grumman AN / ASQ-28 IFTS (Internal FLIR and Targeting System) replaces the previously carried pods. This is an advanced multifunctional FLIR / Laser system, with the help of which the F-16 has increased offensive and defensive capabilities, with lower weight and less air resistance than a system in a nacelle. Eliminating these pods also reduces the F-16’s radar signature.

The F-16 E / F Block 60 also has integrated Eloka components. The Northrop Grumman ALQ-165 ‘Falcon Edge’ system for electronic countermeasures (Airborne Self-Protection Jammer – ASPJ), the Northrop Grumman AN / APG-80 “Agile Beam Radar” with AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array), a management system for electronic warfare, a fiber optic avionics data bus and up to 8 chaff/flare dispensers (i.e. decoys against radar and IR-guided missiles), of course, an advanced friend-foe identification system is also integrated. Nevertheless, avionics leaves room for further development and improvement. The modular mission computer in block 60 processes 12.5 million instructions per second and enables sensor and weapon integration.

The pilot of the F-16 can fulfill his mission objectives “head up” and “hotas” (hands-on throttle and stick). The cockpit has modern color displays and an advanced helmet display. The entire spectrum of weapon loads of the Block 50 F-16 is also available to the F-16 E / F. The Block 60 design is also compatible with planned future weapons, such as the AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM). The aircraft will also be able to deploy all-weather standoff weapons such as the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) or the AGM-84E Standoff Land Attack Missile (SLAM). Basically, the developers tried to consider improvements and technological progress in all directions (e.g. weapons, avionics, engines) and to enable their later integration.
Source: F-16.net

Kit: Hasegawa has been offering this most modern variant of the F-16 as a kit since the beginning of the year. The kit contains the Hasegawa F-16D injection molded parts, which have been supplemented with a few additional parts (avionics block on the fuselage, CFT, tail unit, etc.). The modified radome without a pitot and with other engravings is unfortunately not taken into account. The reinforced chassis with larger wheels and all the changes that result from it are also missing! Neither does the modern cockpit, of course. However, there are hardly any documents on this. It should be similar to the Mitsubishi F-2 cockpit.

As described above, the E / F has a lot of internal avionics, which can be seen externally through a number of dents and a modified radome. Not all of it is shown in the kit, for example, the radome is that of the F-16D. In contrast to the Israeli F-16I Sufa (P&W), it is equipped with the GE F110, which requires the “big mouth” air intake. All in all, there is a lot of scope for initiative or the accessories sector. Wolfpack is releasing an accessory kit in August that contains some important fixes and additions and brings the Hasegawa F-16 closer to the Block 60 standard

So far the only user in the UAE, which also limits the marking options of the kit to this, whereby the “most colorful” is the training unit stationed in Arizona.

  • F-16F, 00-3001, UAE Air Force
  • F-16F, 00-3005, UAE Air Force
  • F-16F, 00-3008, F-16 OCU, Arizona ANG, Tucson (USA)
  • F-16F, 00-3010, F-16 OCU, Arizona ANG, Tucson (USA)

Conclusion: Despite the mentioned criticism, the F-16F from Hasegawa offers a very good basis for building a Viper Block 60, but it requires some adjustments to create a real F-16F.

Kit: F-16F Block 60 Fighting Falcon UAE Air Force Tactical Fighter
Scale: 1/48
Price: $80.00
Manufacturer: Hasegawa

Hasegawa F-16F Block 60 UAE Air Force 1-48 Box Review Detail
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