Lockheed F-35B Lightning II

USMC VMFA-533 Hawks, MCAS Beaufort, SC, 2025

Beast Mode Configuration

Hobby Master 1:72 HA4625

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 533, known as the "Hawks," received its first F-35B Lightning II on October 11, 2024, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Beaufort, South Carolina. This marked the squadron's transition from the F/A-18 Hornet to the fifth-generation F-35B, enhancing its capabilities with advanced stealth, agility, and sensor fusion. VMFA-533 became the first operational F-35 squadron aboard MCAS Beaufort, joining Marine Fighter Attack Training Squadron 501, which had previously conducted training with the F-35B. The squadron's transition signifies a significant step in the Marine Corps' modernization efforts.

The F-35 is designed to be stealthy, concealing up to 5,700 pounds of ordnance within its internal weapons bays. When stealth isn't the priority however, it can be configured in "Beast Mode", carrying a total of 22,000 pounds both internally and externally via conventional wing pylons

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.