About the F-35B Lightning II
Developed under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program, the F-35 integrates multiple functions into its design and there are three types: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, the F-35B short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C carrier takeoff and landing (CV). The F-35B was developed as a successor of the AV- 8B Harrier II. The F-35B is recognized as the aircraft which accomplished both supersonic flight and STOVL by the 3-bearing engine duct nozzle and lift fan, and following the F-35A, the F-35B deployment started in 2015. The first F-35B to see action was an aircraft belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps VMFA-211 “Wake Island Avengers” in Afghanistan, in September 2018. Not only the U.S. and the U.K. but also Italy employs the F-35B. The Japan Air Self defence Force also plans to launch a new fighter squadron with the F-35B from 2024 onward. As the F-35B can be operated from both aircraft carriers and airfields featuring short runways, many countries are considering its deployment, and the F-35B looks set to become a significant presence in the skies across the world.
About the Model
- 1/72 scale plastic model assembly kit. Wingspan: 148mm, fuselage length: 215mm
- The kit recreates the vertical landing and can be assembled in two ways; landed or hovering, and ensures superior assembly with dedicated angled door parts
- The parts faithfully depict a hovering aircraft with downward engine nozzle and opened doors
- Features realistic renderings of half-open two inner weapon bay doors and interior details such as ribs and pipes
- The nose landing gear and main landing gear can be depicted as extended (for hovering) or retracted (for landing)
- The lift fan is integrated with the nose landing gear bay, and the variable vane underneath is recreated in detail
- Shorter than on the F-35A, the engine nozzle is recreated by a single part
- The 3BSM (3 Bearing Swivel Module) is faithfully recreated with a dedicated parts breakdown for this kit
- RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) are moulded into fuselage surfaces
- Clear parts recreate canopy and EOTS fairing under the nose
- Includes parts for AIM-9X Sidewinder x2 and AIM-120C AMRAAM x2
- Y-shaped air intake duct for highly advanced stealth characteristics
- Detailed cockpit, landing gear bays and roll posts
- Martin-Baker US16E ejection seat
- RCS (radar cross section) enhancers affixed to top and bottom sections during basic training exercises
- One pilot figure with the helmet mounted display (HMD)
- A stand is included to use if you are making a hovering model
- Comes with 5 marking options from a total of three countries (United States Marine Corps, Royal Air Force, Italian Navy)
- Includes masking stickers and a painting guide
At a glance
- Scale: 1:72
- Type: Assembly Kit
- Subject: Aircraft
- Nation: American
- Era: 2010s
- Brand: Tamiya
- Product code: 60793
Supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and tools are sold separately.
Special Order - ETA 2-4 Weeks. We order this in for you from the UK distributor, so please allow 2 to 4 weeks for it to reach you.
