5th Gen Viper Stencils

The United States Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon has worn many colors over its decades of service, but none have sparked as much interest among scale modelers as the latest 5th Generation Have Glass paint scheme. Reid Air Publications has answered the call with its comprehensive 5th Gen Viper Stencils decal sheet, designed to help you finish nearly any current USAF F-16C or F-16D in this modern, radar-absorbing livery. Printed by the renowned Italian decal manufacturer Cartograf, this sheet provides all the airframe stencils, unit markings, and serial numbers you need to create an accurate replica, no matter which wing or squadron you choose to represent.

The Have Glass Era and the 5th Generation Scheme

Since its introduction in the late 1970s, the F-16 has typically sported a two- or three-tone gray camouflage designed primarily for visual concealment against the sky and ground. In recent years, however, the USAF has been progressively shifting its combat aircraft toward a more uniform, darker appearance intended to reduce radar cross-section and infrared signature. This evolution has culminated in the so-called 5th Generation Have Glass scheme, which replaces the familiar multi-gray patterns with an overall dark gray (often described as “Have Glass 5” or “FS 36170”) that gives the Viper a sleek, almost stealthy look.

For modelers, this new paint job is both exciting and challenging. The uniform color simplifies the main camouflage application, but it places greater emphasis on the fine details: the hundreds of tiny stencils, warning placards, and maintenance markings that cover the airframe. These markings are not only numerous but also unique to the new scheme, using a low-visibility style that often appears in a slightly contrasting shade of gray. The 5th Gen Viper Stencils sheet from Reid Air Publications is specifically tailored to meet this need, ensuring that every “NO STEP,” “RESCUE,” and system placard is accurately reproduced for the modern Viper.

What’s Included in the Sheet

The 5th Gen Viper Stencils decal sheet is a comprehensive package that covers the entire aircraft, not just the fuselage. The set includes all necessary markings for the airframe itself, but it goes much further. Modelers will find decals for external stores such as the standard 370-gallon wing tanks, the centerline 300-gallon tank, and the pylons that carry a wide variety of ordnance. Additionally, the sheet provides complete stenciling for the LITENING targeting pod, a common sensor on modern F-16s, as well as the ejection seat and missile launch rails. This breadth of coverage ensures that no matter what configuration you choose for your build, the markings will be correct and complete.

One of the standout features of this set is the inclusion of multiple wing and squadron badges, allowing you to represent a specific unit if you wish. Along with these, a generous selection of tail codes is provided, covering many of the active-duty, Air National Guard, and Air Force Reserve units that operate the F-16. This flexibility is further enhanced by the inclusion of enough serial numbers to build any USAF F-16C or F-16D currently in service. Unlike some decal sheets that are tailored to a single aircraft or unit, this set is intentionally designed to be a universal stencil sheet, giving you the freedom to choose your subject.

This sheet is not designed to be specific to any one single aircraft, squadron, or wing. It is merely meant to provide stencil data for a wide variety of options.

Cartograf Printing Quality

Any experienced modeler knows that a decal sheet is only as good as its printing, and that is where the Italian company Cartograf shines. Cartograf is widely regarded as one of the finest decal printers in the world, known for their razor-sharp registration, ultra-thin carrier film, and excellent color density. The 5th Gen Viper Stencils sheet benefits from all these qualities. The tiny text and intricate symbols remain crisp and legible even under magnification, and the low-visibility gray tones are accurately reproduced to match the Have Glass scheme. The carrier film is minimal, reducing the risk of silvering, and the decals respond well to standard setting solutions.

The sheet itself is printed on a continuous piece of decal paper, with markings organized logically by subject. This organization makes it easier to locate the specific stencil you need during the building process. The color fidelity is exceptional, with the stencil markings appearing in the correct shade of dark gray that contrasts subtly with the overall finish. For modelers who have struggled with poorly printed aftermarket decals in the past, the Cartograf quality alone is a strong reason to consider this set.

Flexibility and Options

One of the primary advantages of the 5th Gen Viper Stencils sheet is its design philosophy: it is not a one-aircraft sheet. Instead of being locked into a single tail number or unit, you are given the building blocks to create nearly any modern F-16 in the USAF inventory. This is particularly useful for modelers who enjoy building multiple Vipers or who want to replicate an aircraft from a lesser-known unit that might not have dedicated aftermarket decals available. With the included tail codes and badges, you can mix and match to represent a specific aircraft from a particular base, or you can simply use the stencils as a high-quality replacement for kit decals on a generic build.

Furthermore, the sheet is not limited to a specific kit. Whether you are building a Tamiya, Kinetic, or Hasegawa F-16 in 1/48 scale (or even other scales with appropriate adjustment), this sheet provides all the essential markings. The tail codes are provided in a variety of styles, and the wing badges cover many of the major F-16 operators. This flexibility makes the sheet an excellent value, as it can be used for multiple projects over time.

Potential Applications

The sheet is ideal for:

• Replacing missing or inaccurate kit decals on any modern F-16C/D model
• Building a current operational jet with the Have Glass scheme
• Creating a model of a test or evaluation aircraft that has the new paint but few aftermarket decals available
• Building multiple Vipers with different unit markings but consistent stencil data

Using the Sheet

When applying these decals, a few best practices will help achieve the best results. Since the decals are printed by Cartograf, they are thin and conform well to surface details, but a glossy clear coat is still recommended before application to prevent silvering. Using a setting solution such as Micro Sol or Solvaset will help the decals settle into panel lines and rivet details. After the decals have dried, a flat or semi-gloss clear coat should be applied to blend them into the final finish. The low-visibility nature of the markings means that they should appear subtle, almost part of the paint scheme itself.

For the Have Glass scheme, many modelers prefer a semi-gloss or satin clear coat to replicate the slightly metallic sheen of the real aircraft’s radar-absorbing paint. The decals on this sheet are designed to work well with that finish. It is also worth noting that the sheet includes some markings that may be specific to certain configurations, so careful study of reference photos is always recommended to ensure you place each stencil in the correct location.

Conclusion

The 5th Gen Viper Stencils decal sheet from Reid Air Publications is a must-have for any modeler planning to build a modern USAF F-16 in the Have Glass scheme. Its comprehensive coverage, excellent printing by Cartograf, and flexible design make it a valuable addition to your decal stash. Whether you are building your first 5th Generation Viper or adding another to your collection, this sheet will provide the accurate and complete markings you need to bring your model to life.

For those interested in other high-quality decal options, Reid Air Publications offers a full range of products, including the popular Speed Hunter Graphics 1/48 decals, which provide similarly detailed markings for a variety of modern military aircraft.