Lockheed F-35B Lightning II

RAF No.617 (Dambusters) Sqn, ZM161, JS Kaga, Philippine Sea, August 2025

Hobby Master 1:72 HA4624

In 2025, a Royal Air Force F-35B Lightning II conducted a successful vertical landing aboard the Japanese helicopter destroyer JS Kaga, demonstrating interoperability between UK and Japanese forces. The operation, part of a joint exercise in the Western Pacific, highlighted the F-35B's short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) capabilities, allowing it to operate from smaller decks typically reserved for helicopters. RAF pilots tested deck handling, communications, and integrated flight operations with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. This milestone underscored the expanding role of fifth-generation aircraft in multinational naval exercises and the growing strategic partnership between the UK and Japan.

Lockheed F-35B Lightning II
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 "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.