Calibre Does the F-16 Justice But will others Follow Suit?

Calibre Wings adds the F-16 to its ever-expanding line up of 1:72 scale aircraft. Look for several of the more advanced F-16s to be modeled first ahead of the legacy aircraft

Never one to sit on their laurels, Calibre Wings has officially gone on record to indicate plans for modelling the venerable F-16 Falcon. As you can see from the accompanying CAD diagram, plans initially call for modelling several of the more advanced F-16s, beginning with the Block 50/52 Plus which features bulbous Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT) attached to the center line of the aircraft. CFTs are external, pod-like fuel reservoirs that are attached to the upper surface of the F-16’s fuselage, with the tank’s lower surface conforming to the aircraft’s shape. Further, the Block 50/52 sports a dorsal spine compartment for electronics, the APG-68(V9) radar, an On-Board Oxygen Generation System (OBOGS), and a JHMCS helmet.

According to research, “Poland took delivery of its first F-16C Block 52+ aircraft on September 15th, 2006. The “Poland Peace Sky program” includes 36 F-16Cs and 12 F-16Ds. All 48 aircraft were delivered in 2008. The Hellenic Air Force took delivery of its first F-16C Block 52+ aircraft on May 2nd, 2003. The Hellenic Air Force is the first Air Force in the world to operate this F-16 type. The total Greek order was 60 F-16C/D. The Israeli F-16I and its Singapore equivalent variant are based on the block 52+ aircraft. In March 2010, it was announced that the Egyptian Air Force would purchase 20 Block 52 aircraft (16 F-16Cs and 4 F-16Ds), the first of which arrived for testing in April 2012.” Therefore, its not clear which livery will be covered first and how many other variants will be included in their ambitious modelling program.

The Lockheed Martin F-16V configuration provides relevant combat capabilities in a scalable and affordable package. The core of the F-16V configuration is an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, a modern commercial off-the-shelf (COTS)-based avionics subsystem, a large-format, high-resolution display; and a high-volume, high-speed data bus.

What makes this development so coincidental is that, according to The National Interest, earlier this month “the Slovak Republic has requested the sale of 14 advanced Lockheed Martin F-16V Block 70/72 Fighting Falcon fighters to replace its increasingly obsolete fleet of Soviet-built Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrums. The new jets would give the Slovak air force a huge boost in capability with the addition of advanced new sensors such as an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar and other capabilities that are not found onboard the Cold War-era Fulcrums.”

“The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Slovakia of F-16 Block 70/72 V configuration aircraft for an estimated cost of $2.91 billion,” the U.S. State Department said in a statement. “The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 3, 2018.”

Of all of the operators of the F-16 — and there are indeed many — it would be interesting if this tiny, former East Block nation would be the first to add this advanced aircraft to their inventory and do so at a time when many nations are looking towards obtaining low observable stealth aircraft as a means of guaranteeing their safety should an air war erupt.

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Calibre Wings Catches a Wave

Never one to shy away from the more intimidating projects, Calibre Wings unveiled their first-ever purpose-built display base designed to accommodate any of their F-14 Tomcats.The diorama is aimed at giving the model a sea-skimming appearance, kicking up a pair of waves as it rockets to its destination. According to the manufacturer, the twin supports shown in these photos will actually come in a transparent acrylic, which preserves the illusion of near-the-deck flying. No word on pricing or a release date just yet so keep your eyes peeled for further announcements if you’re interested in nabbing this cool-looking accessory. Ordering information should be passed along towards the end of April.

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Eaglemoss Adds Six New Exclusives to their Star Trek Stable

Six new Eaglemoss exclusives were announced on Facebook, meaning you’ll need a bigger curio cabinet to hold them all, and a fatter wallet.

In a rather surprising move, Eaglemoss is priming the pumps by coming out with six more exclusive ships in their rapidly expanding standard-sized Star Trek starships series. The six new bonus (chase) exclusives include:

– Rick Sternbach’s Federation USS Voyager Concept

– Klingon Bird-of-Prey configured in a landing position

– Federation Odyssey Class Starship – USS Enterprise NCC-1701-F

– Federation Bonaventure Class Starship – USS Bonaventure (10281NCC)

– Doug Drexler’s Federation Voyager Concept – USS Altair

– Federation Assimilated USS Voyager

We’re of the opinion that they will most likely get released in staggered fashion over the course of the summer and fall, thereby giving people enough time to recharge their wallets if they are looking to collect all six ships. Naturally, each will come with a full-color collector magazine and will likely be sought after by Trekies world over.

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Anatomy of War: Future Fight

If there was a clash between the superpowers, it would likely occur within a three-dimensional battle space that would include, among other things, a struggle for near space. Such a war could be catastrophic for either side, since it would likely mean the denial of communication and reconnaissance satellites to gather intelligence about the enemy’s capabilities.

Heather Wilson, the US Air Force Secretary, has long advocated for the build up of forces to defend our heavenly frontiers as well as potentially taking the war to the enemy should the opportunity present itself. Earlier this morning, she conducted an interview with CNBC at the Space Symposium held in Colorado Springs, Colorado, in which she laid out plans for defending our assets given the current geopolitical threats around the world. 

While many books, articles and videos have been produced concerning the importance of space as the next battlefield, I have continued to wonder why diecast manufacturers seem loathe to replicating some of the weaponry that will likely be called upon to protect our interests. Seems a shame no one is taking the bull by the horns and boldly going where no company has gone before.

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The Online Sales Tax Debate is Finally Being Heard

 

On Tuesday, April 17th, the US Supreme Court will hear the case for imposing sales tax on all online purchases even if an online retailer does not have a physical presence in the state where the purchase is being made. While the debate will likely rage for some time, and advocates on both sides will present their case, we are of the opinion that the Court will likely rule in favor of imposing the tax on all online purchases, thereby leveling the playing field somewhat with brick-and-mortar stores and helping to raise revenue for many cash-strapped states. If they do rule in favor of the tax, it will likely go into effect beginning in 2019, obviously making it more costly to shop online, no matter if you purchase from an online megalith such as Amazon or a vastly smaller operation such as The Motor Pool.

For us, it will make the collection and disbursement of said taxes across all fifty states extremely cumbersome and time-consuming, requiring added paperwork and a revamped infrastructure that monitors when sales tax fluctuates across the entire nation, on a county-by-county basis. If the Court is indeed serious about levying an Internet sales tax, they might want to consider a low-rate flat tax of say 4% across the entire nation, thereby making the collection of taxes, particularly for smaller businesses, a less problematic issue.

We’ll keep an eye on the Supreme Court’s ruling when it breaks and let everyone know how we will approach things going forward should the Court rule in favor of the tax imposition.

 

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Hobby Master Passes the Ammunition for April

Among the many new items filling our warehouse shelves this April is this 1:48 scale Imperial Japanese Navy Mitsubishi A6M2B “Zero” Fighter that was piloted by Lieutenant Commander Shigeru Itaya, then deployed aboard the IJN Akagi during December 1941

Its been a busy week as far as Hobby Master is concerned, first announcing a spate of new items for a September release, then posting imagery for a number of new items and finally shipping nearly twenty vehicles and aircraft to their dealer network. Slated to arrive later this week are a pair of 1:72 scale M35 trucks, their first ever space shuttle, and their inaugural 1:48 scale Mitusbishi Zero fighter. Lots of other sharp looking aircraft are swooping in, all of which can be currently viewed in our Products in Transit section.

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Anatomy of War: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

Boeing is currently hard at work developing the Block III Super Hornet — a low cost alternative to the F-35C variant that while not as stealthy as the Joint Strike Fighter is stealthy enough to engage in stand-off clashes or support the F-35 when it must call upon its low observable profile to complete its mission. The thinking behind the Block III Super Hornet is as follows: why call upon a second flight of F-35s to protect a stealth attack when larger more capable aircraft loitering in friendly air space can do the job at a fraction of the cost?

Anyway, despite what the current White House administration might have thought before the election, it will still be awhile before the Block III Super Hornet is fully fleshed out, tested and ready to carry out such a mission in the near future. In the meantime, the F-35C, lagging behind schedule due to software issues, is still struggling to become carrier qualified and meet the Navy’s deadline to join the fleet later this year. In the interim, it would be nice to see someone attempt to replicate the Block III Super Hornet now rather than later, as tensions rise in the Far East and models of would-be adversaries should be available to study their respective characteristics.

For more information on the Block III Super Hornet, take a stroll over to the Boeing web site: Boeing

 

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Product Spotlight: Saburo Sakai’s Mitsubishi Zero

Back in the nineties, when I wrote for and led a few computer gaming publications, I was offered the chance by Microsoft to meet none other than Saburo Sakai, the leading Japanese naval ace during World War II. In those days, Microsoft was heavily into flight simulations, so getting the opportunity to meet and possibly discuss the exploits of Sakai was a dream come true. A few years earlier, Microsoft was able to gather together several surviving members of the Tuskegee Airmen – the famed all-black squadron that had served in the MTO and, through their own efforts, ably demonstrated to the world that they had the same abilities as white pilots in dealing with the cream of the German Luftwaffe.

By 2000, Sakai was already getting on in years, so I knew the trip for him from the Japanese home islands to the US Pacific Northwest was going to be arduous at best. Nonetheless, I boned up on his military career, and set about putting together a list of questions I would pose to him to better gauge his interest in flight simulations as well recount his wartime record in the South Pacific. A few days before I was scheduled to fly out to Seattle, however, Microsoft’s public relations point person called to indicate that Sakai had suffered a fatal heart attack while still in Japan, thus ending my chance to meet the man that had sent so many of my fellow countrymen down in flames fighting against the Japanese empire.

Yesterday, when I learned that Hobby Master planned on replicating his Zero, it gave me a moment’s pause as I reflected on the missed opportunity I was initially given and how a person of his standing could so easily get swept up over the course of time and the pages of history. So, from a personal standpoint, I just want to stress how important it is to remember the man as well as the machine we crave to collect in this wonderful hobby of ours.

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Hobby Master: April Showers Brings September Flowers

Hobby Master’s 1:72 scale US Air Force Douglas B-26K Counter Invader Attack Aircraft – 609th Special Operations Squadron “Nimrods”, 56th Special Operations Wing, Nakhom Phanom, Thailand, 1969

Like clockwork, Hobby Master debuted their monthly introductions, this one scheduled for a September release. The range includes a second look at the B-26K Counter Invader (HA3225), the first having sold out nearly as quickly as it was first introduced. A number of handsomely painted aircraft are also being touted, including a digital cam Ukranian Su-25 Frogfoot (HA6105), a red hot Czech MiG-23 (HA5307) and D-Day Commemorative A-10 Warthog (HA1326).

The 1:48 scale line up reintroduces the Kettenkrad tractor

Also, of note, are a pair of 1:48 scale Kettenkrad tractors, which bodes well for both their military vehicle line up as well as their larger 1:48 scale grouping. We are still fine tuning the new additions but in the mean time, you can begin to pre-order any of the new products from our web site.

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Star Wars: Solo or Duo, We Can’t Decide

Mattel’s 1:18 scale Star Wars VI Return of the Jedi – Millennium Falcon

Just in time for the premiere of Solo: A Star Wars Story comes word that we are to expect the first pairing of 1:18 scale Star Wars ships from Mattel’s Star Wars Elite series. Slated to arrive before the weekend is the Millennium Falcon (HWCMC93), the ship of lore that made the Kessel Run in twelve parsecs, and piloted by none other than Han Solo and his hairy, oversized side kick, Chewbacca.

Mattel’s 1:18 scale Star Wars V The Empire Strikes Back – TIE Fighter

Also up for your consideration is an insidious TIE Fighter as seen in the series’ second feature film, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (HWCMC92). Both are packed in handsome black boxes reminiscent of some of the older Kenner packaging used to promote the toys seen in several of the earlier Star Wars films.

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