This model represents the Venezuelan Air Force (Feruzea Aerea Venesuela – FAV) F-16B with a specially painted tail celebrating 20 years of F-16 service. Venezuela was one of the first export customers for the F-16 which arrived in 1983 to equip the newly formed Grupo Aéreo de Caza 16 at El Libertador airbase.
The F-16 was developed by General Dynamics and first flew in December 1976. The first operational F-16A was delivered in January 1979 to the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill Air Force Base, Utah. In 1993 General Dynamics sold its aircraft manufacturing business to the Lockheed Corporation, now Lockheed Martin. The Falcon's versatility is a paramount reason it was a success on the export market, and it currently serves 24 countries. It is the largest and probably most significant Western fighter program, with over 4,000 aircraft built. Though no longer produced for the United States Air Force, it is still produced for export.
Please note that this is an adult collector model and is not recommended for children under 14.