For their second new F-16 sheet, Caracal Models has concentrated on several nations of what is now the Middle East. This area used to be considered the Near East until British bureaucracy decided to combine two government sections into one back in the late 1800s, immediately wiping the term 'Near East' out of people's vocabulary.

Anyway, this sheet concentrates on the F-16s flown by Egypt, Iraq and Jordan.

The Jordanian Air Force flies block 20 MLU F-16A/B aircraft and the sheet provides markings for two single seat and one two seat aircraft. The Kinetic F-16A/B kits are those recommended for these aircraft. There is graffiti for the bombs included in this section. 

For the Egypian Air Force there is a single seat and twin seat option provided These planes have a simpler and different camouflage scheme compared to most F-16s. These planes also have large orange panels outlined in black. These black outlines are provided (designed for the Tamiya kit), and the modeler will need to paint the orange bits. Note that Egyptian Vipers do not carry AMRAAMs, but use Sparrows instead.

Finally, some pretty new planes from Block 52 production for the new Iraqi Air Force. I often wonder if Iraqi pilots are actually flying these or not and how much they are really used. Anyway, these have parabrakes and the Road Warrior IFF antennas with the Hasegawa kit being the one recommended. These planes also have a somewhat different camo scheme from the norm. Since they are new, they have the walkway markings, which are supplied on the sheet.

The instructions are very good and provide the differences between the aircraft. More information is available on-line. The decals are printed by Cartograf so you know you are getting the best.

February 2016