Hobby Master 1/72 F-2A: JASDF Tsuiki AB

The JASDF 8th Hikotai is based at Tsuiki AB on Kyushu Island along with its sister squadron 6th TFS. On November 25, 2018 Tsuiki AB held its annual open house air show. For this occasion the 8th TFS paint F-2A in a very eye-catching paint scheme. Since the 8th squadron name is "Black Panther" they decided to add an outline of a ferocious panther's head on the tail. The bright yellow panther is on a very dark background making the image really stand out.

Designed as a strike fighter for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force, the Mitsubishi F-2 was first flown on October 7, 1995. Manufactured with a 60/40 split between Japan and the US, the F-2 is a cooperative production effort between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Lockheed Martin. Based on an enlarged version of the F-16 (known as the Agile Falcon), the F-2 replaced the aging Mitsubishi F-1. The Japanese ordered 94 F-2s between 2000 and 2008, and in July of 2010 ordered an additional 50. Armed with ASM-1 and ASM-2 anti-ship missiles, this capable aircraft can also carry 500lb bombs and drop tanks with a 4,400kg fuel capacity.

Hobby Master's 1:72 scale Mitsubishi F-2 is constructed using an intelligent mix of diecast metal and plastic, which allows for the greatest possible detail. Among this model's most remarkable features are an articulating hinged opening canopy that closes with almost no visible gap, a large number of pad-printed flight instruments, landing gear that has been constructed as subassemblies for easy configuration and a rudder and engine intake that are accurately replicated in plastic. The solid metal wing features wingtip mounted sidewinder missiles, delicate static wicks on the trailing edge and a full complement of removable ordnance and fuel tanks.

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.