Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1023
Mitsubishi F-104J Starfighter Diecast Model
JASDF 207th Hikotai, Japan |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Mitsubishi F-104J Starfighter | | 9.25" | | 3.75" |
The F-104J was the Japanese Starfighter with the "J" standing for Japan . In 1959 the F-104J was chosen as the replacement aircraft for the F-86 and the first flew was in March 8, 1962. A total of 210 was received in December 1967. The Japanese referred to the Starfighter as "Eikou (Glory) while other countries called it the "Widow Maker". These aircraft equipped seven squadrons (Hikoutai) with the 207th Sq. 83rd Air Group assigned to the Southwestern Air Defense Force, Naha Airbase, Okinawa . In March 1986 the 207th who were referred to as "F-104 Brothers" were the last to retire the Starfighters for the F-15J. Over the years 15% of the F-104s were lost to accidents.
Designed to meet a need for an aircraft that could successfully compete against the MiG-15 in Korea, the F-104 Starfighter was first flown on February 20, 1958. American pilots believed that the F-86 Sabre was too large and complex to outmaneuver the lighter MiG, and they wanted a smaller, simpler, high-performance aircraft to replace it. The resulting design was a light, aerodynamic airframe wrapped around a powerful J79 turbojet engine. The F-104C was used by the USAF from 1958 until 1967, but most of the 2,578 production Starfighters were built and flown by members of NATO, including the Italian Air Force, which didn't retire it until 2004. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-104 Starfighter is a good looking model with many quality features. The exceptionally long fuselage is constructed in diecast metal, with plastic side-mounted engine intakes. The rear turbine blades and the exhaust with its "turkey feathers" are some of the high points of this model, along with a canopy that opens to reveal an ejection seat and pad printed front and side instrument panels. The M61 Vulcan Gatling gun port is beautifully recreated, and the complex main landing gear is accurately rendered, securely locking into place for ground display. Most releases include removable wingtip fuel tanks, with fuselage mounted missiles on some versions.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
