RSAF F-16DJ Blk 52+ Refs

[F4DPhanv3]

All:

 

Planning and putting together references for 1/48th scale RSAF(Republic of Singapore) F-16DJ Blk 52+ Peace Carvin I (I think?) based at Cannon AFB with 428th FS/27th FW in early 2000's.....

 

...thinking of the Kinetic kit with the spine (kit K48007) vs Hasegawa F-16DJ w/ CMK conversion kit 4190 'F-16D Block 52+' kit.....

 

....prefer the 428th FS w/ CC tail codes, as I have a few photos from F-16.net with USAF roundels on aircraft vs the RSAF Lion roundels....did find a few image of 425th FS aircraft 'LF' with USAF roundels, but leaning to Cannon markings for now.....

 

Fortunate to get the Zotz sheet w/ 428th FS markings; but picked up Afterburner 425th sheet as well.....

 

....soooooo: looking for thoughts on:

 

1. Kinetic kit vs Hasegawa w/ conversion kit for this project

2. Comments on USAF roundels/markings on aircraft vs RSAF Lion roundels. I have at least 6 images from F-16.net that show USAF roundels on the aircraft; but want to figure our how accurate it is- I want to build the aircraft with USAF markings, cause its so cool and unique....but want to be somewhat accurate.....USAF doesn't have the big spine 🙂

3. I've read these aircraft are very close to IAF F-16I's, so using a lot of info from those references with regards to larger wheels, intakes, etc....any further comments?

 

 

Appreciate my fellow modelers comments and suggestions!!! Thank you!

 

Best,

 

Mike

 

 

[Thadeus]

I don't know about availability outside Poland, but there is a new line of F-16 resin accesories that features spines for both Hasegawa and Kinetic Gold kits - AWC-Models. I wanted to make a Polish AF F-16D out of Hasegawa F-16F, and I'm a bit changing my mind right now with these releases. They also have some nice full lenghth intakes for Hasegawa.

 

For a long spined RSAF F-16D You'd need to shave off both antennae on the tail extension though.

 

https://www.super-hobby.com/products/F-16-D-Conversion-Large-Spine-Drag-Chute-And-Vertical-Tail-For-Block-52-For-Kinetic-Gold-Series.html

 

https://www.super-hobby.com/manufacturers/AWC-MODEL.html

 

 

[F4DPhanv3]

Thadeus,

 

Cool!! Thanks for the info and links!!! ....will look into for conversion options...look nice........thank you!!!!

[habu2]

I believe the RSAF D-models with the dorsal spine were Peace Carvin III & IV (not I). A timeframe might narrow down which "buy" you plan on. 

 

As far as kits, Kinetic has more detail but Hasegawa goes together better/easier. Hasegawa has released several boxings with the dorsal spine included, no need for aftermarket. 

 

.

 

Edited February 5, 2025 by habu2

[F4DPhanv3]

Thanks Habu- much appreciated. Will have to see if I can find one of the Hasegawa kits.

[habu2]

All these have the dorsal spine tree:

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-09466-f-16d-fighting-falcon-brakeet-idf--115159

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-09803-f-16d-block-52-plus-fighting-falcon-hellenic-air-force--106023

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-07244-f-16f-block-60-fighting-falcon--106945

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-09857-f-16i-fighting-falcon-israeli-air-force--101207

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-09906-f-16d-block-52-advanced-fighting-falcon--101228

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-07393-f-16d-block-52-advanced-fighting-falcon-singapore-air-force-special--692908

 

https://www.scalemates.com/kits/hasegawa-07412-f-16iq-block-52-advanced-fighting-falcon-iraqi-air-force--951247

[gb_madcat_sl]

RSAF operates 2 variants of the spine-backed Viper:

- The one with the long parapack housing known locally as F-16D

- The one with no parapack housing and are CFT-capable i.e. essentially an F-16I known locally as F-16D+

 

If you are looking to do one from PCIII at Cannon AFB, those will be of the former.

[Niels]

The Singaporian F-16D+'s are one of my favourite versions of the F-16.
The F-16D+'s were for years only operated by 145sq stationed in Singapore. These are the ones who are buildt on the F-16I and hence have the same appearance. Although classified, it is considered to be similarly equipped on the inside as the Israeli version. 

Those allocated to the 425FS 56FW were "regular" F-16D block 52's with the big spine including "parachute" housing at the tailbase. Except they carry ECM equipment and not a chute. 
The rest of the regular F-16D block 52's fly with 140 and 143sq in Singapore. 

The airplanes are Singapore owned and carry Singapore roundels, however with US style unit markings and serials on the tail. This to confirm to the unit it is assigned to. 

A couple of years back some of the F-16D+'s transferred from 145sq to 428sq in connection with the block 72 upgrade. These also carry the CFT's. Also some of the regular D models are now flying in 145sq markings. Can be a bit confusing but possible to keep track of. 

Here is a quick link to a good selection showing what I describe: AIRFIGHTERS.COM - Military Aircraft Photo Database and Aircraft Info

Edited February 5, 2025 by Niels

[potez]

The problem is all injection made F-16Ds have very simplified or wrong shaped spine. The one from AWC is correct down to RAM panels on late Blocks. 
if not from Poland one could order from the48ers.com:

https://the48ers.com/1-48/upgrade-sets/?features_hash=1-26799_4-12465

Edited February 5, 2025 by potez

[F4DPhanv3]

Wow! Thank you all for the helpful info! My project is for the earlier F-16D w/ the 428FS at Cannon. I'll look into trying to get the AWC spine for the Hasegawa kit.

 

Thanks again for all the help!!

 

Mike

[BillS]

I’ve built numerous Has and Kinetic F-16s. I lean toward Kinetic for fidelity and amount of detail and options in one box. The only big fit issue is the joint between the upper forward and mid fuselage which needs a little finesse.

Glad you chose a 428th jet. I always loved their patch! I was a “Buc” at Nellis in the mid 80s

[F4DPhanv3]

Thanks, BillS! I was able to pick up one of the Kinetic kits and Zotz decals for 428th FS

[F4DPhanv3]

These are the RSAF F-16D images I'm working with, in addition to those mentioned by the contributors to this thread:

 

https://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/abj

 

https://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/96-5033

 

https://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/acz

 

https://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/94-0280

 

https://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/96-5031#google_vignette

 

https://www.f-16.net/g3/f-16-photos/album39/album33/96-5031_001

 

So, theses are the images I'm basing at least one model project on for depicting an RSAF F-16D with USAF roundels/stars & bars.....

 

...basically, I'd like to accurately depict a USAF 'Big Spine' F-16D with USAF markings from the 428th FS 'CC'...rare, but I generally only build US aircraft....so it fits....

 

...while researching, didn't realize some fo the 425th FS aircraft rarely carried the USAF stars & bars as well......so, may do second RSAF F-16D project......

 

...have Zotz decals for the 428th FS 'CC' project; have afterburner decals 48-067 sheet for 425th FS 'LF' project if I do a second....

 

....still mixed on using the nice Kinetics kit ( I have) vs Hasegawa F-16D kits w/ big spine (expensive, ebay...)......

 

...appreciate comments on the aircraft and my planned projects.

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[F4DPhanv3]

Gentlemen:

 

So for particulars of my 1/48th build, I'm currently planning on using the Kinetic kit K48007 and Zotz decals sheet ZTX48016 for a RSAF F-16D while deployed at Cannon AFB (1990's?) for aircrew training. Have been using Jake Melampy's excellent book, ' The Modern Viper Guide, 2nd edition: The 16C/D Exposed.....great reference, as it has many photos/comments on RSAF F-16D's.

 

1. Understand NCI/Smallmouth intakes. I guess there is a 'bump'  in the intake to accomadate the heavier nose landing gear, but hardly think it will be visible in 1/48th scale. Anyone have recommendations for aftermarket seamless intake for this kit?

 

2. Cockpit: was going to try to fit the Quinta F-16D 'decal' to the Kinetic kit with some modifications; understand there is a HUD repeater in rear cockpit; any recommendation for cockpit detail sets and after market correct ejection seats? Any recommended Eduard detail/PE sets to consider?

 

3. RHAW antenna/lumps & bumps: any thoughts/recommendation for additional lumps/bumps that need to be added and/or removed from stock Kinetic kit?

 

4. LANTIRN/NAV Pods: for the intake mounted LANTIRN & NAV Pods, can I use the Eduard AN/AAQ-14 & An/AAQ-13 pods?

 

5. Landing gear/landing gear doors: assume heavier/larger nose wheels & Main wheels and enlarged landing gear doors for each? Any aftermarket recommendations?

 

6. Since portraying an RSAF aircraft while deployed at Cannon for training, what would be a reasonable set of ordnance loads to display? ...would like to have both LANTIRN & NAV pods on.......

 

Appreciate everyones thoughts and recommendations!

 

 

Thanks!

 

Mike

 

 

[Niels]

1, 4 and 5: Yes 
2: Believe Quinta have specific Kinetic cockpit parts, but check Scalemates.com as I am not sure. 

3: Belive everything you need is in the kit. Alternatively check the Hasegawa instructions you can find on Scalemates if the Kinetic don't advise all you need? 
6: Being a training unit, you can use the full LANTIRN pods. For ordinance, practice GBU-12 (Blue bomb body), CATM-9M and CATM-120B is one option.  

[F4DPhanv3]

Thanks Niels!

[F4DPhanv3]

Anyone have any idea if any of the reinforcement plates are on these aircraft?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

[Niels]

7 hours ago, F4DPhanv3 said:

Anyone have any idea if any of the reinforcement plates are on these aircraft?

 

Thanks,

 

Mike

Block 50/52 do not have external reinforcement plates. They were all incorporated internally, which is why you on ie the Tamiya F-16C block 50 have small bulges on the wing attachment points to reflect these. 
The external reinforcement plates where installed on just about all other earlier blocks though in one way or another.  

[F4DPhanv3]

Thanks again Niels! Much appreciated!

 

Mike

[gb_madcat_sl]

On 2/17/2025 at 3:42 AM, F4DPhanv3 said:

Gentlemen:

 

So for particulars of my 1/48th build, I'm currently planning on using the Kinetic kit K48007 and Zotz decals sheet ZTX48016 for a RSAF F-16D while deployed at Cannon AFB (1990's?) for aircrew training. Have been using Jake Melampy's excellent book, ' The Modern Viper Guide, 2nd edition: The 16C/D Exposed.....great reference, as it has many photos/comments on RSAF F-16D's.

 

1. Understand NCI/Smallmouth intakes. I guess there is a 'bump'  in the intake to accomadate the heavier nose landing gear, but hardly think it will be visible in 1/48th scale. Anyone have recommendations for aftermarket seamless intake for this kit?

 

2. Cockpit: was going to try to fit the Quinta F-16D 'decal' to the Kinetic kit with some modifications; understand there is a HUD repeater in rear cockpit; any recommendation for cockpit detail sets and after market correct ejection seats? Any recommended Eduard detail/PE sets to consider?

 

3. RHAW antenna/lumps & bumps: any thoughts/recommendation for additional lumps/bumps that need to be added and/or removed from stock Kinetic kit?

 

4. LANTIRN/NAV Pods: for the intake mounted LANTIRN & NAV Pods, can I use the Eduard AN/AAQ-14 & An/AAQ-13 pods?

 

5. Landing gear/landing gear doors: assume heavier/larger nose wheels & Main wheels and enlarged landing gear doors for each? Any aftermarket recommendations?

 

6. Since portraying an RSAF aircraft while deployed at Cannon for training, what would be a reasonable set of ordnance loads to display? ...would like to have both LANTIRN & NAV pods on.......

 

Appreciate everyones thoughts and recommendations!

 

 

Thanks!

 

Mike

 

 

1. No need for the small bump in the intake. The only Ds with the bump are D+s aka the Sufa to accommodate its beefier nose tire. The bump can be seen in this photo of a D+: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RSAF_F-16D_Block_52%2B_Fighting_Falcon_with_Conformal_Fuel_Tanks_04.jpg

2. Quinta cockpit set. Resin or 3D printed seats from any of your favourite brands

3. Nil. But do look at reference photos for the correct lumps and bumps to attach. In general, the RSAF Ds are pretty slick in this regard compared to say Greek or Polish examples

4. Yes, RSAF Ds operated with the LANTIRN system. These have now been replaced by Sniper XR

5. They're provided in the kit. Unsure what aftermarket is available for these

6. Blue (inert) GUB-10s or 12s. CATM-9Ms, ACMI pods if at the range. No AMRAAM. Detachment at Cannon pre-dated the release of AMRAAM to the RSAF by the US. As such, use only 16S210 rails for both underwing pylons and wing tip stations.

 

Hope this helps! Looking forward to seeing your build. 

Edited February 19, 2025 by gb_madcat_sl

[F4DPhanv3]

Thank you for the additional info- much appreciated!

[potez]

On 2/19/2025 at 3:06 PM, gb_madcat_sl said:

1. No need for the small bump in the intake. The only Ds with the bump are D+s aka the Sufa to accommodate its beefier nose tire. The bump can be seen in this photo of a D+: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RSAF_F-16D_Block_52%2B_Fighting_Falcon_with_Conformal_Fuel_Tanks_04.jpg

 

I can not agree because every heavy gear F-16 have bump inside ( see F-16C Block 52 photo.)

 

 

 

 

 

This very bump is space for fork while folding fatter front undercarriage . A view of the space from inside is marked with red oval

Edited February 20, 2025 by potez

[habu2]

If the jet is capable of carrying CFTs then it will have the intake bump.  The CFTs require the increased strength/size landing gear over non-CFT capable jets.

[gb_madcat_sl]

428FS jets at Cannon were not CFT-capable so no intake bump.