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Help needed : RSAF F-16D Bl52+ from F-16I : 1/72


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Hi all,

I have relatively good documentation on F-16 versions until block 40-42 aircraft but find it difficult to get precise information over these marks.

I am seeking information before starting a new F-16 project in 1/72nd scale.

My aim is to build an advanced F-16C/D block 52 aircraft of the RSAF (Singapore).

Am I right thinking that the best is to start from a F-16I (Sufa?) for that version?

I have a Hasegawa 1/72nd scale F-16I in my stash (plus some parts to improve cockpit and wheel wells).

Is it really the best starting point? What are the detail differences between both versions (I understand that antennaes, various intakes and bulges paybe quite diferent between the 50+/52+/I/6x versions).

Second choice might have been to go for a Polish birds but it seems differences maybe more important?

Cheers

Eric B.

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The RSAF operates 2 types of F-16D.

The first is known locally as the Block 52 and is broadly similar to the Greek/Polish birds. Take note of the extended parapack housing and AIFF antenna on the nose which is mounted on a plate. They are operated by 140 and 143 Squadrons in Singapore as well as the 425th FS at Luke AFB.

http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/aau

http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/aav

The second is known as the Block 52+. This one is visually similar to the Israeli F-16I. Take note of the enlarged RWR housing on the nose, presence of extra air scoops along the lower fuselage and AIFF antenna bolted straight to the air frame in front of the canopy. Unlike the Israeli F-16I however, these jets use the WAR HUD. They usually sport the conformal tanks but there are photos which show them dismounted. These aircraft are operated exclusively by 145 Squadron in Singapore.

http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/ady

http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/100_001

Hope this helps!

Mark

Edited by gb_madcat_sl
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Hi all

Thank you Mark

The second is known as the Block 52+. This one is visually similar to the Israeli F-16I. Take note of the enlarged RWR housing on the nose, presence of extra air scoops along the lower fuselage and AIFF antenna bolted straight to the air frame in front of the canopy. Unlike the Israeli F-16I however, these jets use the WAR HUD. They usually sport the conformal tanks but there are photos which show them dismounted. These aircraft are operated exclusively by 145 Squadron in Singapore.

http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/ady

http://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/100_001

Hope this helps!

Mark

That's definately the 52+ I had in mind and yes it helps a lot.

First because it helps me to differ both RSAF F-16 versions, second because it helps me to link RSAF F-16D Bl52+ with the appearance of the F-16I.

More over your 52+ photos seem to give me a conformation that the small airscoops/air intakes (air conditiong?) between lower front fuselage and engine air intake ramp are deleted on this version. I would there fore have to alter the Hasegawa model in this area.

By the way, if you allow me a question : are decals available for this version? I remember I have quite some aftermarket decals from RSAF aircraft but I am not sure for the dedicated Bl.52+ 145 squadron.

Thanks a lot really. Regards.

Eric B.

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By the way, if you allow me a question : are decals available for this version? I remember I have quite some aftermarket decals from RSAF aircraft but I am not sure for the dedicated Bl.52+ 145 squadron.

Thanks a lot really. Regards.

Eric B.

The first version of Isradecal's F-16I sheet also offered the option for a RSAF 52+ on the bottom of the sheet. See here:

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Rev2/1301-1400/rev1305-Isradecals-IAF55-Efrati/00.shtm

Zotz Vivacious Vipers Part 2 also has the aircraft specific markings, but not much in the way of stencils.

Cheers,

Hoops

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HI,

The first version of Isradecal's F-16I sheet also offered the option for a RSAF 52+ on the bottom of the sheet. See here:

http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com/Rev2/1301-1400/rev1305-Isradecals-IAF55-Efrati/00.shtm

Zotz Vivacious Vipers Part 2 also has the aircraft specific markings, but not much in the way of stencils.

Cheers,

Hoops

Wow, thank you.

The problem of having collecting all those decals sheets along the years : I have to check but I might well have these decals in my stash. In that case I was not even aware there were RSAF decals included.

I'll search my decals first or will try I get one set online. I would then be to start my project.

Thank you Hoops and Mark for your precious help.

Eric B.

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Hi Andre,

Thank you. Scale Nutz sheets seem to be the Block 52 aircraft as operated by 140 and 143 Squadrons in Singapore and 425th FS at Luke AFB as Mark described above, not the Block 52+ that are F-16I Sufa similar.

Starting from a Hasegawa Sufa model and willing to build a very different F-16 with CFTs I think I definately need either the Vivacious Viper sheet or the IsraDecal sheet.

I'll look out for these ones. Thank you all for your precious help.

Regards.

Eric

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Hello,

Hi Pep yes I am going the Sufa route for my RSAF 52+ as I have the Hasegawa Sufa boxing in my stash. Mark information confirms Sufa is the closest F-16 version to a RSAF advances F-16D Bl.52+

And Mark, thank you again for your kind information. I am a decal nut and I did not know about this brand. What are they like design, decal film and printing quality wise? I might well buy one each of their already available references and same for future decals.

(Edit : Mark - information found about decals quality. I will get myself their A-4, F-15, F-16 decals and check for futures releases : thank you again)

Thank you again.

Eric B.

Edited by Eric B.
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