Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1441 Douglas A-4E Skyhawk Diecast Model USN VF-126 Bandits, Blue 55, USNFWS TOPGUN, NAS Miramar, CA, 1985 | |
1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
---|
Douglas A-4E Skyhawk | | 6.75" | | 4.75" |
In an effort to improve the poor performance of USN aircrews in Vietnam the USN Fighter Weapons School was established in 1969 at NAS Miramar, California. The first aircraft used by the school to teach the F-4 pilots better tactics were the A-4 Skyhawk and the F-5 Freedom Fighter. A-4E Bu.No. 151095 s/n 55 c/n 13265 was flown by Lt. "Mick" Michell (not Mitchell) at the Top Gun School and this same aircraft was used as "Jester's" (Michael Ironside) aircraft in the 1986 movie "Top Gun" with Tom Cruise.
Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale A-4 Skyhawk is a sturdy model constructed almost entirely from diecast metal with only the smallest amount of plastic used. This model has an opening canopy with pad-printed dials and gauges, control stick and pilot seat. Each release features a pair of 20mm cannons, a delicate refueling probe and a variety of wing-mounted weapons ordnance and fuel tanks. The series includes the early B and E variants as well as the F and M variants, which have a hump on the top of the fuselage to house upgraded avionics (also seen on retrofitted E variants).
© Copyright 2003-2024 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.