COBI Building Set AF F-16 (YF-16) First Flight 1974 (COBI-5892)

American multirole fighter aircraft F‑16 (YF‑16) First Flight 1974 | COBI 5892 | Armed Forces 1:48

Building set of the first functional prototype of the American multirole fighter aircraft YF‑16, today known as F‑16, in US Air Force colors. The assembled model has tilting control surfaces and an opening cockpit canopy for the test pilot Phil Oestricher figure. The model can stand on its own landing gear or on the included stand with a description. The building set is produced under the official license of Lockheed Martin.

Technical data of the building set

» Version (series): 07/2024
» Number of figures: 1 pc
» Scale: 1:48
» Dimensions when assembled: 31 × 22 × 11 cm
» Number of bricks: 375 pcs
» Box dimensions (packaging): 40 × 28 × 6 cm
» Package weight: 590 g
» Recommended age: 8+
» Bricks can be combined with another well-known brand: Yes
» Collection: Armed Forces
» Contains glowing bricks: No
» Material: Plastic

In 1967, Colonel John Boyd assembled a team of designers nicknamed „Fighter Mafia“, to prepare a lighter, more maneuverable, and cheaper fighter than the aging F‑104. The theory of „energy and maneuverability“ by Thomas Christie was applied in the development of the aircraft.

The official first flight of the fighter under the designation YF‑16 took place on February 2, 1974, but the actual first takeoff occurred on January 20, 1974, completely unplanned. During a test run, the front landing gear shook so violently that pilot Phil Oestricher had to lift the aircraft off the ground.

The first tests already showed that an extraordinary aircraft had been created, which maintained air superiority even after more than 50 years. The construction withstands 9G overload even with full tanks, and the aircraft is capable of operating in any conditions day or night.

Falcon is equipped with a system for jamming enemy weapons. Thanks to continuous modernization, it still has high demand, and production continues at least until 2025. A total of more than 4500 units have been produced, and the price of one aircraft is approximately 20,000,000 €.

Technical parameters

» Dimensions: wingspan 9.1 m, length 14.08 m, height 5.09 m
» Weight: empty 5983 kg
» Power unit: jet engine General Electric F100 with thrust of 110 kN
» Fuel tank capacity: 3104 kg
» Maximum speed: 2145 km/h
» Climb rate: 254 m/s
» Maximum flight altitude: 15,000 m
» Maximum range: 2897 km
» Armament: built-in rotary cannon M61A1 Vulcan caliber 20 mm (511 rounds)
» Crew: 1 person

Test pilot Phil Oestricher on the YF-16 aircraft:
It was a feeling of complete freedom. Just me, the aircraft with extraordinary capabilities, and endless space. That machine had only one flaw. I couldn't tell anyone about it and share my joy.