Start building your LEGO Air Force today with this Mini LEGO Custom F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter jet! This Custom Set is made from 100% real LEGO bricks. Small, but mighty this Mini F-16 is 6 inches long and is built by using 89 LEGO pieces, including 46 unique pieces. This set arrives un-assembled and includes printed, easy to follow instructions that take you step by step through this fun build! Check out a sample of the instructions in the photos above! I take great pride in designing and offering these sets using 100% new LEGO, and hope to inspire others to get building! -Thanks Matt
The USAF Thunderbirds, officially the United States Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, were established on May 25, 1953, as a response to the Navy’s Blue Angels, founded seven years earlier. Formed at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, under the 3600th Air Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds aimed to showcase the skill and precision of Air Force pilots while boosting public support for the service during the early Cold War. The original team flew the Republic F-84G Thunderjet, performing their first show on June 7, 1953, at Luke AFB. Led by Captain Robert Kanaga, the squadron quickly gained fame for tight formations and daring maneuvers, embodying the Air Force’s motto of “Aim High” and reflecting America’s postwar aviation prowess.
Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Thunderbirds evolved with the Air Force’s technological advancements, transitioning aircraft to match frontline capabilities. In 1955, they switched to the swept-wing F-84F Thunderstreak for greater speed, followed by the supersonic F-100C Super Sabre in 1956, making them the first demonstration team to break the sound barrier in performance. By 1964, they adopted the F-105B Thunderchief, though its brief tenure ended after a fatal crash, prompting a shift to the F-4E Phantom II in 1969. These transitions mirrored the Air Force’s combat fleet, showcasing reliability and power, though the fuel crisis of the 1970s led to a temporary downgrade to the lighter T-38 Talon in 1974, a jet they flew until 1982. Each change balanced spectacle with safety, cementing their reputation across thousands of shows worldwide.
The modern Thunderbirds took flight in 1983 with the F-16A Fighting Falcon, a nimble, multi-role fighter that remains their aircraft as of March 12, 2025, now upgraded to the F-16C Block 52 variant. Based at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, since 1956, the team—typically six pilots plus support personnel—performs for millions annually, executing maneuvers like the Delta Formation and opposing solos with margins as tight as 18 inches. Their red, white, and blue livery became iconic, symbolizing national pride during events like Super Bowl flyovers and international tours in over 60 countries. Notable moments include their 1987 European tour amid Cold War tensions and a 2003 show honoring troops post-9/11, though tragedy struck in 1982 when four T-38s crashed during training, killing all pilots—a somber reminder of the risks involved.
As of 2025, the Thunderbirds have completed over 4,700 performances in their 72-year history, maintaining a rigorous schedule of about 70 shows annually. The team, drawn from elite pilots with at least 1,000 flight hours, trains year-round, with new members selected biennially to uphold precision standards. While they’ve faced budget cuts—like a 2013 sequestration hiatus—and occasional mishaps, including a 2016 crash after a flyover for President Obama (pilot ejected safely), their mission endures: inspire awe, recruit talent, and project Air Force excellence. With the F-16 nearing its operational twilight, speculation swirls about a future transition—perhaps to the F-35—but for now, the Thunderbirds soar on, a living legacy of skill and spectacle in American skies.
Guarantee: All sets come with a 100% money back guarantee. If you are not satisfied for any reason- just ship it back for a 100% refund. -Thanks Matt
Shipping Info:
You will get an email with USPS tracking info once it ships. These sets ship securely in a white, sturdy, corrugated cardboard BLOCKJets mailer box. The box will then be sealed in a white poly mailer bag to protect your set and the printed color instructions from the elements during transit and delivery.
DISCLAIMER: This is not a LEGO® Product. These are new LEGO elements that have been repackaged. LEGO is a trademark of the LEGO Group, which does not sponsor, authorize or endorse this product. The LEGO Group and BLOCK Jets are not liable for any loss, injury or damage arising from the use or misuse of this product.
