Hobby Master 1/72 F-35B: 617Sqn RAF

On May 1, 2021 HMS Queen Elizabeth sailed from Portsmouth to take part in "Operation Strike Warrior/ Operation Fortis 2021". This is the first operational deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group since 2011. This is the largest deployment in the world of the F-35. It is also the first time the ship has sailed with a full complement. One of the F-35s onboard is ZM148 (BK-14) modex 014. The aircraft was seen in "Beast Mode" armament, two internal Paveway IV, two AIM-132 and two AIM-120 AMRAAMs. Up to 22,000 lbs of firepower.

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.

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.

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.