F/A-18A and F-16 Aggressor/Adversary - what do I need?

[mogin]

Hi there,

Im looking at building two of these birds as splinter camo and arctic aggressor, respectively. Im not expert so I wanted to know what is usually mounted on such aircraft, and where could I get the necessary aftermarket pods etc....

Thanks

B.

[Hajo L.]

You´ll need an ACMI-pod, which looks very much like a Sidewinder without wings. Often different ECM-pods are used as well, like the AN/ALQ-167. Also, blue Sidewinder training rounds are common.

For aftermarket.... Which scale do you plan to build the model?

HAJO

[Parabat]

What scale? In 1/48 the Tamiya F-16C/N has everything you'll need for the Viper, the F/A-18A would be easy to convert the Kinetic bird to an A by omitting several antennae and removing the middle rounded lump on each tailfin. Or you could find a Hasegawa F/A-18A and update it a bit with resin/pe if you like.

[mogin]

Thanks very much for the great replies. Im doing them in 1/32. In my stash, I already have an Academy 18A+ and the Tamiya F-16. Sadly neither of these will do what I need OOB so I will follow your suggestions and look online for aftermarket stuff. It looks like I also have most, if not all the decals I need for an arctic aggressor F-16. The F18 is destined to be done in VFC-12's 'Ambush' splinter pattern, I can get masks for that but will need to handprint some of the decals.

Thanks very much for the help.

[Emvar]

If you can find the Canucks Models resin A Tails in 1/32nd scale get them. Avionics/black box made a cockpit set which included the tails.

Cheers

Emil

[habu2]

The black/gray/white arctic aggressor Vipers ("AK" tailcodes) were Block 30D jets, with GE engines and MCID "big mouth" inlets.

[mogin]

Thanks, I will be doing it oob, doubt I will be able to spring for extra cockpits too. I happy with having a slightly incorrect airframe but I wouldn't mind getting the load outs approximately right.

Cheers.

[CF104]

What boxing of the Tamiya F-16 are you using?

The Alaska F-16 aggressor will require an AN/ALQ-188 Jamming Pod, an ACMI pod and a CATM-9. This is the most common configuration and can be seen with external tanks on the wings as well.

USAF Image

Cheers,

John

[mogin]

Think it's the CJ boxing. Thanks for great info and picture. The CTAM 9, isn't just a normal AIM 9L panted blue?

[andrew.deboer]

Aires makes a nice jammer pod for your F-16 Block 30.

A CATM-9 is a Sidewinder seeker paired with an inert back section (warhead, motor) and aft fins without rollerons. Lets the pilot acquire targets all he/she wants but not accidentally kill them. Paint that back tube section blue. Paint the aft fins gray.

[mogin]

Thanks ... Heaps :)

[CF104]

Think it's the CJ boxing. Thanks for great info and picture. The CTAM 9, isn't just a normal AIM 9L panted blue?

Actually the CATM-9 is on the #1 station on the photo I posted. The blue is just a standard color to denote an inert round whether it's the warhead or motor. There is a blue stripe on the warhead and there are no Rollerons on the aft fins. CATM-9's come in a variety of colors so a bit of research will direct you to what you want.

Cheers,

John

Edited August 24, 2016 by CF104

[Solo]

Tamiya F-16C/N Aggressor contains both AN/ALQ-188 pod and AMCI's.

You can find it here.

[CF104]

Tamiya F-16C/N Aggressor contains both AN/ALQ-188 pod and AMCI's.

You can find it here.

That's the 1/48 kit. The OP is building the 1/32 Tamiya F-16.

Cheers,

John

[mogin]

Love that paint job. Thanks for taking the time.