Douglas A-4K Skyhawk

RNZAF No.75 Sqn, NZ6205, New-Zealand, 1970s

Hobby Master 1:72 HA1443

No. 75 Squadron of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) operated the A-4K Skyhawk from 1970 until its retirement in 2001. Based at RNZAF Base Ohakea, the squadron flew the upgraded A-4K in strike, close air support, and maritime attack roles. In the 1980s, the fleet underwent the Project Kahu modernization, adding advanced avionics, a head-up display, and compatibility with modern weapons. No. 75 Squadron maintained a high level of readiness and often deployed overseas for joint exercises with allied air forces. The Skyhawks served as New Zealand's primary combat aircraft for over three decades, earning an excellent reputation.

Douglas A-4E Skyhawk
Designed to replace the antiquated, propeller-driven AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk was first flown on June 22, 1954. Douglas exceeded the original design requirements by delivering a carrier-capable aircraft that was only half the Navy's weight specification and so compact that it did not need folding wings. The A-4 was the first to use "buddy" air-to-air refueling (an A-4 could refuel other aircraft of the same type), which was helpful when operating in remote locations where dedicated tankers were impractical. The A-4 served the US Navy until 2003 and remained the preferred warplane for the Marine Corps until the 1980s, even after the introduction of the A-7 Corsair II.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

• Molded metal construction with plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
• opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
• Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
• Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.