F-16A block 24

[Shasper]

Here's my current work (flash of inspiration I had while laying around douped up on meds last wkend), Base kit is a 1/100 revell easy kit F-16, repainted in a pseudo-RoKAF camo.

[Brian da Basher]

I really like that blue canopy Shas! Those meds seem to have had some beneficial side effects. I hope you're feeling better.

Brian da Basher

[Shasper]

Underside, note that the RATO mount has replaced the barrier arrest tailhook. Centerline droptank and 4 missiles are the normal warload. hopefully I'll get her done by the wkend.

[Captain Canada]

Pretty cool, Shas !

I like the funky missiles !

Get well soon.........

 

[Sisko]

Hey Shas nice looking model.

Are you doped up on meds because of the model?!  

[Shasper]

Nope, flippin doc at the ER told me (with out Xray proof) that it's a abcessed-tooth   , BS I say but I'll find out in 3 wks.

Anyway, the bird is done, pics at 10


Shas B)

[Shasper]

Done!

[Shasper]

Assigned to the 1776th FS (Det A), Wash. DC ANG in Sept. '02 after becoming operational.

[Shasper]

Underside, note the ZEL booster behind the centerline tank.

Shas B)

[Brian da Basher]

Shweeeeeeeeeet Shas! I really like your blue canopy and high-viz markings!

Brian da Basher

[anthonyp]

Very cool, Shas!  I like the concept of ZEL launches.

   

[B777LR]

Interesting. I like the blue canopy, and the deep panel lines.

[Shasper]

And finally the back story, which features a few Tech PRAV faculty:

F-16AM (blk. 24)
1776th FS det. A "Freedom Defenders" DC ANG
Deployed to 'Hostle-1', DC area
Project Zelda, Operation Noble Eagle
Oct. 2002

In the aftermath of the events of 9/11 both the Dept. of Defense and the newly-created Dept. of Homeland Security were rushing to get new defense measures installed in and around the countries major cities. Some argued that the Army's Avenger airspace defense system would be adaquet, while others pushed for Patriot batteries and adding new Air National Guard units. The DHS and DoD contracted the Odom group, a leading think-tank organization for the Pentagon, to advise on this decision. One day while doing research at the Pentagon's archives, Dr. Leroy Stenzle came across some of the old material from the ZEL/Mat and ZELL studies done in the '50s and '60's. He concluded that a similar system could be rigged for the F-16 and the forthcoming "Liberty Defender" fighter (Based on the ATG Javelin mk.30). After much research, Dr. Stenzle concluded that a revived ZEL concept would not only be viable, but very practical. The joint board approved the idea for further R&D under Project Zelda. In December Zelda was approved for Full Scale Development.


14 newly update F-16s were selected to be converted to Blk. 24 spec. for ZEL operations. Minor modifications were made to the flight control software, the removal of the Barrier arresting hook to facilitate installation of the JATO booster, and 4 support attachment arm anchor points were added to the aft ventral engine housing. 1st modification started in Jan 2002 with both ground and flight testing of the hardware soon afterwards. The 1st test of the new ZEL system took place April 12th at White Sands NM using a remote control F-16A. After a few more unmanned flights the 1st manned Blk. 24 launch took place in May with Col. Sistrunk at the controls. After much testing and refinement the Blk. 24 / ZEL system reached FOC in August 2002.


The 1st unit to be activated was the 1776th FS, which was attached to the DC ANG in July 2002. They gained FOC in Sept. with 6 F-16s deployed in pairs around the DC area in camouflaged revetments. All Aircraft wear non-standard Camouflage and full color markings, as well as the ONE emblem on the Vert. tail instead of the normal 2 letter USAF base code. While the 1776th is attached to the ANG, both DHS and the DC ANG share control over the operational deployment of Project Zelda. It has been stated that the ZEL mission will pass to DHS when the ATG F-39 Liberty Defender aircraft becomes cleared for ZEL operations.  

[Allan]

Somehow those patches of camo on the wings and fuselage that just go up to the edges are really appealing, aren' they?

Lovely model, Shas.

Allan in Canberra