This new resin cockpit set from Cutting
Edge Modelworks includes parapack conversion parts for any F-16A kit. This set will permit you to convert any
1/48
F-16A kit into the parapack F-16A model. This type of F-16 is used by
airforces that use drag chutes when landing their F-16's. The parts include
all you'll need to do a correct conversion including a new fin and rudder.
The resin casting is very good
and the detail is very well done.
If you're building the
an 1/48 F-16A kit for an
airforce that uses the parapack, then this set from Cutting Edge
Modelworks is the ticket you need to complete your project.
Steve
I would like to
thank Cutting Edge
Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.
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The following text
and photos was supplied by Bob Verhegghen in Belgium.
The parapack tail
was first introduced on Belgian F-16's in the mid-eighties as a container for a
planned US Loral ECM equipment . This equipment was not installed and was
replaced by French carapace ECM (as seen on the attached picture-- see below).
In between, it was also used as a luggage compartment for overnight flights.
This model conversion will suit any Belgian F16 but not with the parachute
in it.
Bob
Click
on images below to see larger images |
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The following text
was supplied by Niels Christian Boman.
Parachute
housings on F-16:
The first user to
incorporate this was the Royal Norwegian Air Force to
help shorten the landing run on ice covered runways during wintertimes
in Norway, starting with the
deliveries of the first RNoAF Vipers in 1980.
Later RNLAF and RBAF also
incorporated these during mid- to late 1980`s,
but the difference was that the Belgians wanted to use the housing to
carry ECM equipment instead of a
parachute.
Later deliveries of F-16`s to
Indonesia, Greece, Israel and others have since
also had the parachute housing at the base of the tail. This is
however not
a standard feature for the F-16, regardless of operator, but
subject to the users needs most of all.
Israeli F-16`s use it for (Israeli)
ECM equipment in a similar fasion as the Belgian
Air Force, while the remaining users mostly
use it for parachutes for shortening landing
runs.
Mr.
Verhegging is however correct when it comes to the Belgian ECM equipment
installed in Belgian F-16A Vipers. (The B-models however don`t have the
housing!)
For
further reading I strongly suggest www.F-16.net
as a good source for further info on the F-16.
Niels
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