Caracal Models CD 48117: Dark Vipers Part 2

A recent camouflage scheme used on F-16Cs used in the wild weasel scheme is a radar absorbent paint called Have Glass 5th Generation and is similar to that used on the F-35.

It represents the evolution of the standard Have Glass program that saw all the F-16s receiving a two-tone grey color scheme made with a special radar-absorbing paint capable to reduce the aircraft Radar Cross Section: in fact, “Vipers” are covered with RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) made of microscopic metal grains that can degrade the radar signature of the aircraft.

Initially, the JSF-like paint job was to be applied to the F-16CM (formerly CJ) Block 50 Fighting Falcon aircraft that can carry a variety of air-to-air and air-to-surface ordnance, including  HARM (High-speed Anti-Radiation Missiles) and precision-guided munitions. However, it seems to be gaining greater acceptance on other versions as seen by the use on these ANG jets from last year and this year.

The sheet has markings for three planes. One is a Block 42 plane with the 112 FS, Ohio ANG. this is a small mouth plane with the P&W engine.

Next is a Block 42 plane with the 125 FS, Oklahoma ANG.

Finally, a Block 40 big mouth aircraft with the GE engine assigned to the 175 FS South Dakota ANG.

For those wonder what paint to use, the instructions state it is FS 36170 Dark Grey (yes that is a gloss paint) with the leading edge of the intake and the radome in FS 36270 Neutral Grey.

Note that the line through the drawings is a printing glitch

The markings are printed by Cartograf with enough insignia and data markings to do two aircraft.  While not kit is specified, there are some nice ones out there and I think most will choose the Tamiya version if buying a kit for this sheet.

March 2017

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