Hobby Master 1/72 HA3878 Lockheed F-16AM 75 Years D-Day FA-124 349 Sqn. Belgian Air Force 2019

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.

The Belgian Air Force 349 Squadron was formed in 1942 as part of the Free Belgian Forces assigned to the RAF. During D-Day and throughout the invasion of Normandy the 349th carried out beachhead patrols and escorted bombers. In 1946 the 349th detached from the RAF and moved back to Belgium. To mark the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, F-16AM FA-124 GE-S U.S. that was received by the BAF in October 1990 was given a special paint scheme to commemorate the event. Another F-16AM from 350 Squadron also received a special scheme.