Pre-order - Kinetic 48175 - 1:48 F-16 X-62

Pre-order item! Your order will be fulfilled once the manufacturer releases the model. Estimated availability: end of September 2026. The delivery date is approximate and may change for reasons beyond our control.

Plastic Model Kit of the Experimental X-62A VISTA Aircraft in 1:48 Scale

Kinetic 48175 is a plastic model kit reproducing the unique General Dynamics X-62A VISTA (formerly NF-16D), a modified version of the two-seat F-16D Block 30. This aircraft – the only example in the world – is operated by the USAF Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB as a variable-stability in-flight simulator and, since 2021, as a test platform for the autonomous Skyborg control program.

Labeled as “New parts,” the kit includes newly tooled components reproducing the unique features of the X-62, including the MATV (Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring) nozzle, which allows control of the aircraft at angles of attack beyond the effective range of conventional control surfaces. The model offers a unique subject unavailable in any other kit in this scale.

Inside the box you will find:

• Gray plastic sprues with fuselage, wing, and equipment parts
• Newly tooled X-62A-specific components (MATV nozzle and dedicated details)
• Clear sprue with canopy parts
• Water-slide decal sheet with USAF/AFFTC markings
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model technical details:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalog number: 48175
• Manufacturer: Kinetic
• Completed model length: approx. 318 mm
• Wingspan: approx. 190 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 kit is based on Kinetic’s proven F-16D tooling, enhanced with newly designed parts specific to the X-62A. Assembly of the air intake and canopy requires careful fitting of seams. It is recommended to paint the twin-seat cockpit interior before joining the fuselage halves, as access to the cockpit becomes impossible once the fuselage is closed.

The X-62A flew in the standard USAF gray camouflage scheme (Light Ghost Grey FS36375 and Dark Ghost Grey FS36320) with distinctive AFFTC markings. To emphasize details, applying a dark wash is recommended, followed by a satin varnish finish. Precision tweezers will help during installation of the smaller components.

Essential tools:

• Model sprue cutters for removing parts from sprues
• Modeling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Paint brushes in various sizes and precision tweezers
• Model paints and satin varnish
• Wash for highlighting panel lines and details

About the aircraft – General Dynamics X-62A VISTA:

The X-62A VISTA (Variable Stability In-flight Simulator Test Aircraft) is an experimental research aircraft derived from the F-16D Block 30, modified jointly by General Dynamics and the Canadian company Calspan for the USAF. The aircraft made its maiden flight in April 1992 under the designation NF-16D. Its unique feature is the MATV (Multi-Axis Thrust Vectoring) system, which enables control at very high angles of attack beyond the effective aerodynamic limits of conventional control surfaces. This gives the aircraft exceptional supermaneuverability.

In June 2021, the aircraft received the new designation X-62A and underwent extensive modernization as part of the Skyborg SACS (System for Autonomous Control of Simulation) program, enabling testing of AI-assisted autonomous flight control algorithms. It was aboard the X-62A that the USAF conducted its first simulated air combat engagements between a human pilot and AI, achieving breakthrough results in 2023. The aircraft remains in service with the USAF Test Pilot School at Edwards AFB.

Technical data of the original aircraft (X-62A VISTA / NF-16D):

• Base aircraft: F-16D Block 30
• Length: approx. 15.03 m
• Wingspan: 9.96 m
• Crew: 2 (pilot and systems operator)
• Powerplant: General Electric F110-GE-100, 76 kN thrust with afterburner
• Modification: MATV multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle
• Number built: 1
• Operator: USAF Air Force Test Pilot School, Edwards AFB

About the manufacturer – Kinetic:

Kinetic Model Kits is a Taiwanese model company that has steadily built a leading position since the early 2000s in the field of modern jet aircraft kits in 1:48 and 1:72 scales. The brand became especially known for its extensive range of F-16 Viper kits covering nearly all block variants, while its major releases also include the F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet, F-104 Starfighter, MiG-17, and M-346 Master. Decals in Kinetic kits are often printed by the renowned Italian company Cartograf, ensuring excellent color quality and precision.