Hot on the heels of its new-tool 1/48 F-16A MLU NATO Viper, Kinetic has also released a same-scale F-16C Block 25/42.
A true air combat workhorse, the F-16 ‘Viper’ has been employed in the Balkans, the First and Second Gulf Wars, Afghanistan and beyond. It has always been a popular modelling subject, so it was with much excitement that fast-jet fans awaited Kinetic’s recent new-tool F-16A MLU.
Now, the company has expanded on its new F-16 tooling to provide a Block 25/42 C-model Viper. Produced from 1984, the Block 25 introduced Multi-Stage Improvement Program II features such as the APG-68 radar, a glass cockpit with new multi-function displays and a wide-angle head-up display. The Block 42 was branded ‘Night Falcon’ for its introduction of the double-pod LANTIRN system, and HARM missile capability. It was also equipped with larger wheels, undercarriage legs and doors.
This Kinetic Gold kit (K48102) has many common parts from the F-16A MLU (the weaponry is the same), but also the larger Block 42 undercarriage… and a whole new selection of appropriate markings. As Block 25/42 airframes are a staple of the US Air National Guard, that organisation is represented here via three schemes. Modellers who like colour are well served, because ANG markings are often more flamboyant than standard USAF garb. Two of the machines wear standard low-vis grey paint, while the third is a ‘Dark Viper’ in the single-shade Have Glass scheme:
• Block 25, 83-147/147FW Don’t Mess With Texas, 147th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard, Houston, 2007
• Block 25, 83-155/148th FW, Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth, 2008
• Block 42, 90-702/OH, 112th Fighter Wing, Ohio Air National Guard, Toledo, 2020
Viper fans have a great option here, especially as the decal sheet offers so much interest, with decorative tails on all jets. The wealth of stencilling provided with the MLU is also present here, that including markings for the weaponry as well as the airframe itself. This Block 25/42 product costs £69 from the Lucky Model UK website but it's also expected (and priced differently) at Hannants in the UK.
