General Background
The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining
speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A
CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations
in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B
STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier
Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the
USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
The Aircraft
The first international partner involved in the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning
II project to receive the new aircraft was the Royal Netherlands Air Force.
Their first F-35A was c/n AN-1, tail code F-001 and assigned a USAF serial
number 09–5008. It made its inaugural flight on August 6, 2012 and on July
25, 2013 the aircraft was officially handed over to the Dutch with the first
flight by an RNLAF pilot taking place on December 18, 2013. The RNLAF are
expected to obtain 85 F-35As in total.
This quality diecast aircraft model features include:
- True 1/72 scale.
- Professionally painted.
- Great attention to detail.
- All markings are Tampoed (pad applied).
- Option to display the model on a stand that is provided.
- Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions.
- Optional armament provided.
- Canopy can be displayed open or closed.
- Pilot figure included.
- Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic.