Back in the early 1980's, the US Navy was looking for an aircraft that was a bit more modern than the A-4s and F-5s that it was using as an adversary (Navy's term for aggressor) aircraft. It was decided that the F-16 would be a perfect airplane to fill that role. However, the Navy didn't need all that useless USAF stuff cluttering up their aircraft so had the plane built without the USAF radar, and without the gun (which wasn't needed). These aircraft were designated F-16N.

The F-16N was purchased in 1985 soley for use as aggressors in DACT (dissimilar air combat training).  They have no combat capabilities and as such were probably the most maneuverable F-16s produced.  Basically block 30 small mouth F-16Cs, the F-16N and two seat TF-16N were a pleasure to fly. The Naval F-16s were flown by four units;  FWS (fighter weapons school or Top Gun), VF-43, VF-45, and VF-126.

Unfortunately, since these were basically USAF aircraft, they were unable to handle the kinds of stress and strain placed on normal Navy aircraft.  Having prematurely reached their fatigue life, they were withdrawn from service in 1993 after only eight years of service. Despite such a short active life, the F-16N wore a number of interesting color schemes. Delivered in what is commonly known as a 'glop' scheme of greys and blues, some wore desert and other interesting camouflage schemes, especially during the last few years of service. These planes are now sitting in storage at AMARC, providing parts for USAF aircraft. It is doubtful that they will ever fly again as they need major work on wing spars and other airframe parts.

This is a very typical Hasegawa kit. In fact, it is basically their F-16C kit without weapons and with the Navy chin sensors and different exhaust added. The kit even includes the full weapons suite of the F-16C kit. Underwing stores include drop tanks, bomb and missile pylons as well as two AAMRAM and two Sidewinder missiles. There are also a couple of bombs and a centerline drop tank. Like I said, it is the F-16C kit. The only bits that are peculiar to the F-16N are shown in the block in the image above.

Other highlights of the kit are the required engraved panel lines, pilot figure and canopy that can be displayed in the open position if desired. The instrument and console panels are represented by decals, which is adequate in this scale. Instruction sheet is the usual excellent one that Hasegawa has used for years, giving nice clear build sequences. There is the usual color callout using FS numbers where applicable and relating all colors to the Gunze range.

Decals are given for two aircraft, one from Top Gun and the other being the ceremonial scheme for the first aircraft delivered. They are in-house Hasegawa decals so are a bit thick, but should work ok as long as you don't use setting solution on it. My luck with setting solution and Hasegawa, Fujimi or Tamiya decals is not good, that is why the recommendation that you don't use them.

Despite the age of the molds, which must be nearing15 years by now, this will make into a very nice model. Back when I was heavily into 1/72 modern aircraft, I built a lot of F-16s and this one builds just like its bigger 1/48 brother. If you don't want to build this one as an F-16N, just delete the chin sensors and grab an aftermarket decal sheet!

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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