More 1:48 F-16 Kits

1:48 scale F-16 kits by Italeri, Revell of Germany,
Heller, Academy, AFV Club, Zhengdefu (KiTech)

The Italeri kits have lots of features but suffer from several inaccuracies and problems. Panel lines are nicely engraved but in some places they don't line up across adjacent kit parts, and rivet detail is overdone in some areas. This is one of the few kits to include the static discharge wicks on the wings and tail. There is a mold problem along the top and bottom wing root on both wings that will be difficult to fix or hide. The ACES II seat is well done but the console panels in the cockpit are pure fiction. Lots of (inaccurate) detail is included in the landing gear struts and bays. All kits include both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles but both nozzles have the wrong number of 'feather' segments. The real PW nozzle has 15 segments and the GE nozzle has 12 segments, yet the kit parts both have 14 segments - incorrect for either engine. Only the small-mouth NSI inlet is provided so you cannot accurately built a late Block 30, 40 or 50 GE-powered bird. Stores are different for each release, and different parts are included for different versions. The kit design utilizes a 'turtleback' to allow the same upper fuselage mold to be used for both single and two-seat models.
The Heller and Revell of Germany kits are reboxed Italeri kits with extra parts for their specific versions.

Manufacturer: Italeri
Kit # 840
Date Released: 1994

This kit can be built as a Block 30 (GE F110) or Block 32 (P&W F100) F-16C with the NSI small-mouth intake.
Also included are the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version. Larger inlet mounted nav light housings are included for the IADF version.
Stores include a single LANTIRN AAQ-14 Nav pod (no AAQ-15 Targeting pod) and an ALQ-131 ECM pod, two AIM-9s and two AIM-120s, two MERs and four CBUs, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks.
The main instrument panel depicts an F-16A and is inaccurate for an F-16C.
The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

(1) 363rd TFW, 17th TFS, SW Shaw AFB, USAF SerNo 83-1145, Block 25B
(2) Israeli Air Force, #534, USAF SerNo 90-0866, Block 40K
Note this kit does not include the correct MCID (large mouth) inlet, HUD or main gear doors for these markings.
(3) Hellenic Air Force (Greece), #141, USAF SerNo 88-0141, Block 30L with MCID (large) inlet
Note this kit does not include the correct MCID (large mouth) inlet for these markings.

Manufacturer: Italeri
Kit # 841
Date Released: 1995

Similar to Italeri #840 above, with different parts for various NATO F-16As.
The kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A with the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version.
Both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles are included, but only the P&W nozzle is applicable to the F-16A.
Stores include an ALQ-119 ECM pod and Rapport III antennas on the intake, four AIM-9s and two AIM-120s, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks.
The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

(1) Belgian Air Force, #FA-61, USAF SerNo 80-3552, Block 15F
(2) Royal Netherlands Air Force, #J-644, USAF SerNo 80-3644, Block 15K
(3) 120th FIG, 186th FIS, Montana ANG, USAF SerNo 82-0979, Block 15M (later converted to ADF)

Manufacturer: Italeri
Kit # 848
Date Released: 1997

Similar to the Italeri kits above, with different parts for various F-16B/Ds.
This is the only non-Hasegawa kit available in this scale that depicts a two-seat F-16B/D.
This kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16B with the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version, or as an F-16D with the dorsal avionics spine.
Both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles are included, the P&W nozzle is for the F-16B and the GE nozzle is intended for the F-16D.
Stores include two AIM-9s and four AIM-120s, two LGBs with folded fins, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks.
The front instrument panel depicts an F-16B and is inaccurate for an F-16D. The rear instrument panel is completely ficticious and is inaccurate for any version of the F-16.
The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

(1) 363rd TFW, SW Shaw AFB, USAF SerNo 82-1041, Block 15M F-16B (later converted to ADF)
(2) Royal Norwegain Air Force, #691, USAF SerNo 80-3691, Block 15D F-16B
(3) Israeli Air Force, #083, USAF SerNo 88-1720, Block 30F F-16D
Note this kit does not include the correct MCID (large mouth) inlet, ASHM (Aft Seat HUD Monitor) or bulged main gear doors for these markings.

Manufacturer: Italeri
Kit # 2654
Date Released: 2006

Similar to Italeri #841 above, with different parts for various NATO and USAF ADF F-16As.
The kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A with the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version.
Includes add-on bulges for the base of the vertical stabilizer and upper/lower IFF antennas to represent the ADF version.
Both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles are included, but only the P&W nozzle is applicable to the F-16A.
Stores include an ALQ-119 ECM pod, four AIM-9s and four AIM-120s, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks.
The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

(1) Royal Netherlands Air Force, #J-248, USAF SerNo 78-0248, Block 10A, "Dirty Diana" 50th Anniversary markings
(2) Venezuelan Air Force, #0220, USAF SerNo 84-1357, Block 15V, 20th Anniversary markings
(3) Italian Air Force, #72-62, USAF SerNo 82-1005, Block 15N (converted to ADF)
(4) Italian Air Force, #72-38, USAF SerNo 80-0615, Block 15B (converted to ADF)
(5) 147 FIG, Texas ANG, USAF SerNo 82-0958, Block 15L (converted to ADF)
(6) Belgian Air Force, #FA-112, USAF SerNo 87-0056, Block 15AC (converted to MLU)

Manufacturer: Revell of Germany
Kit # 4543
Date Released: 1999

In spite of what the box says, this is a rebox of the Italeri kit with decals by DACO.
This kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A. The kit contains additional parts for the Belgian-specific CARAPACE ECM system that are not included in any of the other Italeri releases.
Stores include four AIM-9s four AIM-120s, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks.
The decals are by DACO but are not the same ones you can get direct from DACO. The black areas of the decals seem to have a greenish hue, making it difficult to match the paint to the decals. The decals available directly from DACO do not have this problem.
Molded in black with engraved panel lines.

Belgian Air Force, #FA-71, USAF SerNo 80-3562, Block 15H, colorful Tiger Meet 1998 markings

Manufacturer: Heller
Kit # 80429
Date Released: 1999

In spite of what the box says, this is a rebox of the Italeri kit.
This kit can be built as a Block 30 (GE F-110) or Block 32 (P&W F-100) F-16D with the NSI small-mouth intake.
Stores include a single LANTIRN AAQ-14 Nav pod (no AAQ-15 Targeting pod) and an ALQ-131 ECM pod, two AIM-9s and four AIM-120s, two MERs and four CBUs, an ECM pod, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks.
The front instrument panel depicts an F-16B and is inaccurate for an F-16D. The rear instrument panel is completely ficticious and is inaccurate for any version of the F-16.
The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

63rd FS 56th FW, LF Luke Field, USAF SerNo 90-0793, Block 42
Note this kit does not include the correct HUD or bulged main gear doors for these markings.

The Academy kit has many similarities to the Hasegawa kits (except for parts fit) and is therefore one of the more accurate models in this scale. Both the F-16A and F-16C style vertical stabilizer bases are included so the kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A or a Block 32 F-16C. If you shave the bumps off the rudder dorsal it can be built as a Block 25 F-16C as well. Only the NSI small mouth intake and P&W F-100 engine nozzle are included. The two-piece canopy can be positioned opened or closed. These kits have finely engraved panel lines.

Manufacturer: Academy
Kit # 1688
Date Released: 1990

Stores include four AIM-9s, six AGM-65s with two triple-rail racks, two Mk 84s, two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.
The box art is a modified version of Hasegawa early F-16A kit #V1.

86 TFW, 512 TFS, USAF SerNo 84-1286, Block 25D
Note that the USA and Korea releases had slightly different decals, neither of which is entirely accurate for the kit as molded (Block 15 or 32)

Manufacturer: Academy
Kit # 1695
Date Released: 1990

Same kit as Academy #1688 above, reboxed with new markings for USAF Thunderbirds.
Stores include two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks. Thunderbirds F-16s do not carry gun pods and usually don't carry wing tanks.
Molded in white with engraved panel lines.
The box art is a modified version of Hasegawa's F-16A Thunderbird kit #V2.

USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, markings for aircraft #2

Manufacturer: Academy
Kit # 12204
Date Released: 2005

Same kit as Academy #1688 above, reboxed with new markings.
Stores include four AIM-9s, six AGM-65s with two triple-rail racks, two Mk 84s, two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

184 FS, Arkansas ANG, USAF SerNo 86-0252, Block 32C
158 FS, Vermont ANG, USAF SerNo 84-1287, Block 25E
Republic of Korea AF, USAF SerNo 85-1575, Block 32

Manufacturer: AFV Club
Kit # 48001
Date Released: 2004

In spite of what the box says, this is a rebox the Academy kit with additional resin parts.
Added resin parts include an extended parabrake housing, AIFF antenna, RWS antenna ("beer cans" on the leading edge of the wings) and other small details to represent either a Block 20 or MLU aircraft.
Stores include four AIM-9s, six AGM-65s with two triple-rail racks, two Mk 84s, two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks.
Molded in gray with engraved panel lines.

Markings for Taiwan's Republic of China Air Force

The Zhengdefu kits are Chinese copies of the Hasegawa F-16A Block 15 kit in every respect but two - this copy has raised panel lines where the Hasegawa has engraved panel lines, and the decals are poor. The assembly instruction artwork is also copied from the Hasegawa instruction sheet, and the box art is a modified version of Hasegawa's early F-16A kit #V1. Considering this kit seems to command a price greater than or equal to what you can pick up a Hasegawa kit for, I see no reason to seek out this kit. Consider my loss your gain.

Manufacturer: Zhengdefu
Kit # 08M-L314
Date Released: ???

Out of the box this kit is a Block 15 F-16A.
Stores include two AIM-9s and two AIM-120s, a travel pod, one centerline and two external under-wing fuel tanks.
Molded in white with raised panel lines.

Markings for YF-16 prototype #1, 72-01567.
Note this kit represents a Block 15 production airframe, not the YF-16 prototype.

Manufacturer: Zhengdefu
Kit # DF314
Date Released: ???

Out of the box this kit is a Block 15 F-16A.
Identical to the previous kit, only the box art is new.
Molded in white with raised panel lines.

Markings for YF-16 prototype #1, 72-01567.
Note this kit represents a Block 15 production airframe, not the YF-16 prototype.

If you find this information helpful, or if you notice any discrepancies I can correct
to improve the accuracy of these pages please email me

	Manufacturer: Italeri Kit # 840 Date Released: 1994 This kit can be built as a Block 30 (GE F110) or Block 32 (P&W F100) F-16C with the NSI small-mouth intake. Also included are the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version. Larger inlet mounted nav light housings are included for the IADF version. Stores include a single LANTIRN AAQ-14 Nav pod (no AAQ-15 Targeting pod) and an ALQ-131 ECM pod, two AIM-9s and two AIM-120s, two MERs and four CBUs, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks. The main instrument panel depicts an F-16A and is inaccurate for an F-16C. The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. (1) 363rd TFW, 17th TFS, SW Shaw AFB, USAF SerNo 83-1145, Block 25B (2) Israeli Air Force, #534, USAF SerNo 90-0866, Block 40K Note this kit does not include the correct MCID (large mouth) inlet, HUD or main gear doors for these markings. (3) Hellenic Air Force (Greece), #141, USAF SerNo 88-0141, Block 30L with MCID (large) inlet Note this kit does not include the correct MCID (large mouth) inlet for these markings.
	Manufacturer: Italeri Kit # 841 Date Released: 1995 Similar to Italeri #840 above, with different parts for various NATO F-16As. The kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A with the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version. Both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles are included, but only the P&W nozzle is applicable to the F-16A. Stores include an ALQ-119 ECM pod and Rapport III antennas on the intake, four AIM-9s and two AIM-120s, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks. The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. (1) Belgian Air Force, #FA-61, USAF SerNo 80-3552, Block 15F (2) Royal Netherlands Air Force, #J-644, USAF SerNo 80-3644, Block 15K (3) 120th FIG, 186th FIS, Montana ANG, USAF SerNo 82-0979, Block 15M (later converted to ADF)
	Manufacturer: Italeri Kit # 848 Date Released: 1997 Similar to the Italeri kits above, with different parts for various F-16B/Ds. This is the only non-Hasegawa kit available in this scale that depicts a two-seat F-16B/D. This kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16B with the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version, or as an F-16D with the dorsal avionics spine. Both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles are included, the P&W nozzle is for the F-16B and the GE nozzle is intended for the F-16D. Stores include two AIM-9s and four AIM-120s, two LGBs with folded fins, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks. The front instrument panel depicts an F-16B and is inaccurate for an F-16D. The rear instrument panel is completely ficticious and is inaccurate for any version of the F-16. The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. (1) 363rd TFW, SW Shaw AFB, USAF SerNo 82-1041, Block 15M F-16B (later converted to ADF) (2) Royal Norwegain Air Force, #691, USAF SerNo 80-3691, Block 15D F-16B (3) Israeli Air Force, #083, USAF SerNo 88-1720, Block 30F F-16D Note this kit does not include the correct MCID (large mouth) inlet, ASHM (Aft Seat HUD Monitor) or bulged main gear doors for these markings.
	Manufacturer: Italeri Kit # 2654 Date Released: 2006 Similar to Italeri #841 above, with different parts for various NATO and USAF ADF F-16As. The kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A with the standard rudder dorsal for the USAF version and the extended parabrake housing for the export version. Includes add-on bulges for the base of the vertical stabilizer and upper/lower IFF antennas to represent the ADF version. Both P&W F100 and GE F110 engine nozzles are included, but only the P&W nozzle is applicable to the F-16A. Stores include an ALQ-119 ECM pod, four AIM-9s and four AIM-120s, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks. The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. (1) Royal Netherlands Air Force, #J-248, USAF SerNo 78-0248, Block 10A, "Dirty Diana" 50th Anniversary markings (2) Venezuelan Air Force, #0220, USAF SerNo 84-1357, Block 15V, 20th Anniversary markings (3) Italian Air Force, #72-62, USAF SerNo 82-1005, Block 15N (converted to ADF) (4) Italian Air Force, #72-38, USAF SerNo 80-0615, Block 15B (converted to ADF) (5) 147 FIG, Texas ANG, USAF SerNo 82-0958, Block 15L (converted to ADF) (6) Belgian Air Force, #FA-112, USAF SerNo 87-0056, Block 15AC (converted to MLU)
	Manufacturer: Revell of Germany Kit # 4543 Date Released: 1999 In spite of what the box says, this is a rebox of the Italeri kit with decals by DACO. This kit can be built as a Block 15 F-16A. The kit contains additional parts for the Belgian-specific CARAPACE ECM system that are not included in any of the other Italeri releases. Stores include four AIM-9s four AIM-120s, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks. The decals are by DACO but are not the same ones you can get direct from DACO. The black areas of the decals seem to have a greenish hue, making it difficult to match the paint to the decals. The decals available directly from DACO do not have this problem. Molded in black with engraved panel lines. Belgian Air Force, #FA-71, USAF SerNo 80-3562, Block 15H, colorful Tiger Meet 1998 markings
	Manufacturer: Heller Kit # 80429 Date Released: 1999 In spite of what the box says, this is a rebox of the Italeri kit. This kit can be built as a Block 30 (GE F-110) or Block 32 (P&W F-100) F-16D with the NSI small-mouth intake. Stores include a single LANTIRN AAQ-14 Nav pod (no AAQ-15 Targeting pod) and an ALQ-131 ECM pod, two AIM-9s and four AIM-120s, two MERs and four CBUs, an ECM pod, one centerline and two under-wing external fuel tanks. The front instrument panel depicts an F-16B and is inaccurate for an F-16D. The rear instrument panel is completely ficticious and is inaccurate for any version of the F-16. The two-piece canopy can be positioned open or closed. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. 63rd FS 56th FW, LF Luke Field, USAF SerNo 90-0793, Block 42 Note this kit does not include the correct HUD or bulged main gear doors for these markings.

	Manufacturer: Academy Kit # 1688 Date Released: 1990 Stores include four AIM-9s, six AGM-65s with two triple-rail racks, two Mk 84s, two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. The box art is a modified version of Hasegawa early F-16A kit #V1. 86 TFW, 512 TFS, USAF SerNo 84-1286, Block 25D Note that the USA and Korea releases had slightly different decals, neither of which is entirely accurate for the kit as molded (Block 15 or 32)
	Manufacturer: Academy Kit # 1695 Date Released: 1990 Same kit as Academy #1688 above, reboxed with new markings for USAF Thunderbirds. Stores include two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks. Thunderbirds F-16s do not carry gun pods and usually don't carry wing tanks. Molded in white with engraved panel lines. The box art is a modified version of Hasegawa's F-16A Thunderbird kit #V2. USAF Thunderbirds Air Demonstration Squadron, markings for aircraft #2
	Manufacturer: Academy Kit # 12204 Date Released: 2005 Same kit as Academy #1688 above, reboxed with new markings. Stores include four AIM-9s, six AGM-65s with two triple-rail racks, two Mk 84s, two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. 184 FS, Arkansas ANG, USAF SerNo 86-0252, Block 32C 158 FS, Vermont ANG, USAF SerNo 84-1287, Block 25E Republic of Korea AF, USAF SerNo 85-1575, Block 32
	Manufacturer: AFV Club Kit # 48001 Date Released: 2004 In spite of what the box says, this is a rebox the Academy kit with additional resin parts. Added resin parts include an extended parabrake housing, AIFF antenna, RWS antenna ("beer cans" on the leading edge of the wings) and other small details to represent either a Block 20 or MLU aircraft. Stores include four AIM-9s, six AGM-65s with two triple-rail racks, two Mk 84s, two GAU-5 (GEPOD-30) 30mm gun pods and two external under-wing fuel tanks. Molded in gray with engraved panel lines. Markings for Taiwan's Republic of China Air Force

	Manufacturer: Zhengdefu Kit # 08M-L314 Date Released: ??? Out of the box this kit is a Block 15 F-16A. Stores include two AIM-9s and two AIM-120s, a travel pod, one centerline and two external under-wing fuel tanks. Molded in white with raised panel lines. Markings for YF-16 prototype #1, 72-01567. Note this kit represents a Block 15 production airframe, not the YF-16 prototype.
	Manufacturer: Zhengdefu Kit # DF314 Date Released: ??? Out of the box this kit is a Block 15 F-16A. Identical to the previous kit, only the box art is new. Molded in white with raised panel lines. Markings for YF-16 prototype #1, 72-01567. Note this kit represents a Block 15 production airframe, not the YF-16 prototype.