Kinetic 48152 - 1:48 Hellenic Air Force F-16C Block 52+ with CFT

Plastic Model Kit of the F-16C Block 52+ Hellenic Air Force with CFT in 1:48 Scale

Kinetic 48152 is a self-assembly plastic model kit representing one of the most advanced variants of the multirole F-16 fighter — the F-16C Block 52+ in Hellenic Air Force configuration with conformal fuel tanks (CFT). The 1:48 scale model captures the characteristic silhouette of the F-16 equipped with additional side-mounted conformal fuel tanks attached to the upper fuselage — a solution that significantly increases operational range without sacrificing wing-mounted combat stores.

Greece was the first country in the world to operate the F-16 Block 52+ variant. These aircraft were ordered in December 2005 under the Peace Xenia IV program. The Hellenic Air Force primarily operates them from Souda Air Base on Crete. Kinetic 48152 is a reboxing of the refined Block 52+ tooling with additional Cartograf decals produced in Italy, dedicated to two Greek Air Force paint schemes.

Inside the box you will find:

• Plastic sprues with fuselage, wing, and tail components
• Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT) mounted to the fuselage
• Cockpit interior details including instrument panel and ejection seat
• External weapons: AIM-9M/X Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120B/C AMRAAM missiles, GBU-12 Paveway II bombs, GBU-38 JDAM bombs
• External fuel tanks
• Photo-etched parts sheet
• Clear canopy parts
• Cartograf water-slide decals for two Hellenic Air Force paint schemes
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalog number: 48152
• Manufacturer: Kinetic
• Completed model length: approx. 314 mm, wingspan approx. 208 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints, or modeling tools. The model requires assembly and painting.

Building the model:

The model requires careful assembly of the cockpit interior, which is best painted and detailed before joining the fuselage halves — once closed, the area becomes difficult to access. It is also recommended to plan the weapons configuration in advance, as the kit includes a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance, allowing the aircraft to be displayed in various combat mission loadouts.

Typical Greek F-16 paint schemes use the classic three-tone Have Glass gray camouflage. Popular paint choices include AK Real Colors, Mr. Hobby Aqueous, and Tamiya ranges. A common technique is to apply decals over a glossy clear coat to prevent silvering, followed by a satin finish typical of modern jet aircraft. For enhanced realism, modelers may consider adding a metal Pitot tube, metal exhaust nozzle, and aftermarket photo-etched upgrade sets available separately in our store.

Essential tools:

• Model sprue cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing mold attachment points
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched parts
• Precision modeling tweezers
• Paint brushes in various sizes
• Model paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Modeling wash for highlighting panel lines
• Masking fluid or masking tape for the canopy

About the aircraft – F-16C Block 52+ Hellenic Air Force:

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American multirole fighter developed during the mid-1970s by General Dynamics (now Lockheed Martin), becoming one of the most widely used jet fighters in the world. The aircraft features a relaxed-stability aerodynamic layout, a single-piece bubble canopy offering excellent visibility, fly-by-wire controls, and a side-stick controller. The F-16 family evolved through dozens of variants, from the earliest A/B versions to the latest Block 70/72 aircraft.

The Block 52+ version represents one of the most advanced export configurations. It is distinguished by the addition of Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFT) mounted along the upper fuselage — greatly extending operational range without sacrificing underwing hardpoints for weapons. Two-seat Block 52+ versions also received the characteristic dorsal spine housing additional avionics equipment. The F-16 Block 52+ is powered by the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine and equipped with the advanced AN/APG-68(V)9 radar along with a full suite of modern avionics and self-defense systems.

In December 2005 Greece ordered 30 F-16C/D Block 52+ aircraft under the Peace Xenia IV program, becoming the first country in the world to operate this version. Greek F-16 Block 52+ aircraft serve among others in 343 Squadron (343 Mira) and 335 Squadron (335 Mira) based at Souda Air Base on Crete. These aircraft fulfill both air defense fighter and strike aircraft roles.

Technical data of the original aircraft (F-16C Block 52+):

• Length: 15.06 m
• Wingspan: 9.96 m
• Height: 4.88 m
• Empty weight: approx. 8570 kg
• Maximum takeoff weight: approx. 19,200 kg
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 turbofan engine, approx. 129 kN thrust with afterburner
• Maximum speed: approx. Mach 2.0
• Service ceiling: over 15,000 m
• Gun armament: M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm cannon
• External stores: up to 7700 kg on 9 hardpoints (including AIM-9, AIM-120, GBU-12, GBU-38)

About the manufacturer – Kinetic:

Kinetic Model Kits is a plastic model manufacturer based in Hong Kong, active since the early 21st century and specializing primarily in modern military aircraft kits in 1:48 scale. The company is known for carefully engineered tooling representing contemporary Western combat aircraft, including various F-16, F-104, A-4, AMX, and carrier-based aircraft variants. Kinetic also regularly releases special and anniversary editions dedicated to commemorative liveries and individual squadrons. Kinetic kits are especially popular among modelers seeking unusual export variants of well-known aircraft, particularly from Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Southeast Asian air forces.