Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA4615B
Lockheed F-35B Lightning II Diecast Model
JASDF 301st Hikotai, #24-8808, Gifu AB, Japan, Beast Mode Configuration | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Lockheed F-35B Lightning II | | 8.5" | | 5.75" |
The JASDF (Japan Air Self-Defense Force) 301st Hikotai (Tactical Fighter Squadron) is part of the 3rd Air Wing at Misawa Air Base in Aomori Prefecture. The Japanese Constitution states that the country renounces war and JASDF fighter squadrons have never been deployed in combat overseas. One of the main activities of JASDF fighter squadrons is providing Quick Reaction Alert intercepts to Chinese and Russian aircraft nearing or violating Japanese airspace.
The JASDF has ordered 147 F-35 aircraft consisting of 105 F-35As and up to 42 F-35Bs making Japan the largest foreign customer. The first F-35A will go to Misawa along with nine others by the end of 2018. Because of restrictions barring military aircraft from operations at the Shimochijima Airport on Ryukyu Islands the longest runways the JASDF have decided to deploy the F-35B variant to airports with shorter runways. Using F-35Bs on Izumo-class helicopter destroyers is under consideration. Perhaps changing some F-35A orders to F-35B.
The F-35 is designed to be stealthy, concealing up to 5,700 pounds of ordnance within its internal weapons bays. When stealth isn't the priority however, it can be configured in "Beast Mode", carrying a total of 22,000 pounds both internally and externally via conventional wing pylons.
Designed to meet the US Military's requirement for a multi-role Joint Strike Fighter, the F-35 was first flown on December 15, 2006. This single-seat fighter is one of the most advanced aircraft of our time, said to be four times more effective at air-to-air combat and eight times more effective at air-to-ground combat than any other existing aircraft. It uses a low-maintenance stealth technology, and some versions have an innovative Lift System, which gives the F-35 vertical take-off and landing capabilities. The US plans to buy a total of 2,443 F-35s at a cost of $323 billion, which makes the F-35 the most expensive defense program in history. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-35B can be configured for display in the Vertical Take-Off/Landing mode (with open lift-fan doors and rotated exhaust nozzle) or in the forward flight mode (with closed lift-fan doors) and rear-facing exhaust nozzle.
© 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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
