Part 1: First Look

MSRP: $64.95 Website: www.kineticmodel.com Review sample provided by Stevens International: www.stevenshobby.com The Lockheed Martin built F-16 has long been a force in the USAF. It has undergone numerous upgrades to become one of the top fighters in the world. The Israeli Air Force has long been recognized as one of the world's finest air forces, and the second largest operator of the F-16. So, in April 2004, the IAF took possession of the newest incarnation of the F-16 Falcon, the F-16I "Sufa". The Sufa [Storm] is the most advanced F-16 to date. The Sufa is equipped with a Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine with a top speed over Mach 2. The Sufa is the first F-16 built from the ground up specifically for the Israeli Air Force. Nearly identical to other F-16s, the Sufa is set apart by the Conformal Fuel Tanks [CFT] that can be seen on either side of the fuselage, above the wings. These increase the fighter's fuel load by 50% and free up hardpoints normally taken by external fuel drop tanks [however the plane can also carry two drop tanks for an additional 1600lbs of fuel]. The Sufa also features an improved radar system, a helmet mounted cueing system [exclusive to the IAF], a large dorsal spine avionics bay, and upgraded dual satellite communications systems. The Sufa carries the most advanced air-to-air missile developed, the Python 5, but can be equipped with a large variety of weapons and reconnaissance pods.

Kinetic Model has been on a roll lately with an entire series of F-16 kits. The latest in the series is the Sufa. Scaled in 1/48, the kit features finely engraved panel lines and is packed with details. The kit comes with 20 sprues of various sizes, as well as a few un-sprued parts, 2 decal sheets including every stencil you could imagine, a turned brass pitot tube, and a small sheet of photo-etch for the CTFs. Having been up close and personal with F-16s in the past, I can say that the kit faithfully reproduces the fighter in great detail. I was amazed at the level of detail in the cockpit. The fine detail on the instruments is almost as good as resin aftermarket kits. The instruction booklet includes a brief history of the F-16I, and is printed in book form with 16 pages. The steps are very well done, and leave little guess work as to where parts go. They also include warnings to be careful with the static discharge "tails" on the trailing edge of the wing and elevators. One big part of the kit is the dorsal spine and CTF tanks on the top of the fuselage. Kinetic was right on target in duplicating these, even matching the Israeli style dorsal spine [which is different from the F-16D, also from Kinetic]. The kit comes with a HUGE assortment of armaments, including drop tanks, Sidewinders, AMRAAMs, Paveways, Mavericks and much more. There quite possibly might be enough weapons included in the kit to arm TWO F-16s. Another big win is the separate tires and hubs. That's right folks, no masking to paint the wheels. Another plus is the separately molded flaps for added detail. Markings are provided for 4 aircraft from two units, the Negev Sqn and the Bat Sqn, both from 2007. Markings are also provided for the weapons payload. A full color, two-sided paint reference is also included.

So, the final verdict? A resounding HOORAY!!!! This is an excellent kit, and quite possibly one of the best representations of an F-16 to date. [Not to mention the ONLY F-16I kit.] Kinetic seems to have set the bar high, matching kits from Dragon and Trumpeter with ease. There did seem to be a bit of warping on the lower wings, but once glued it should not be an issue. Also, the instructions only give color codes for Mr. Color and Creos Aqueous Hobby color paints. But fear not, the appropriate color names are also given, so conversion to Tamiya and Model Master isn't a problem. This is a highly recommended kit, and I can't wait to start building it. I would like to extend my gratitude to Kinetic Models, Stevens International, and IPMS/USA for giving me the opportunity to review and build this kit.