Lockheed F-16AM – 301 Sqn. “Jaguares”, Portuguese Air Force, NATO Tiger Meet 2011

Hobbymaster 1/72 scale HA3889: Lockheed F-16AM 301 Sq. “Jaguares”, Portuguese Air Force, NATO Tiger Meet 2011. Production run of 500 models.

Length 8.25 inches Wingspan 5.25 inches

The F-16 Fighting Falcon was produced by General Dynamics who became Lockheed who then merged with Martin Marietta to become Lockheed Martin. The F-16 entered service in January 1979 as a multi-role jet fighter that evolved into an all-weather multi-role aircraft capable of sustaining 9-g turns. The F-16 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and maintain so the U.S. and 25 other countries added it to their inventory. The Fighting Falcon is referred to by its pilots as the “Viper” and will remain in USAF service until 2025.

In 1978 the Portuguese Air Force 301 Squadron “Jaguares” equipped with the G-91R Gina took part in their first NATO Tiger Meet held in Belgium. In 1979 the 301st gained full membership in the NATO Tiger Meet Association. In 1987, 1996 and 2002 the 301st hosted the NTM at Montijo AB. In 1993 the squadron re-equipped with the Dassault/Dornier Alpha Jet A which they flew until 2005. In November 2005 the 301st received the F-16 Fighting Falcon AM/BM. In 2011 the Portuguese 301st won the Silver Tiger Trophy and the Best Flying Unit Award.