Douglas A-4E Skyhawk

USN Blue Angels, no.8, Tokushima, Japan 2008

Hobby Master 1:72 HA1438C

This particular A-4E is on display outside the Francisco. D. Penie Medical Center in Tokushima, Japan. Although this particular airframe was not used by the Blue Angels, it is painted in classic Blue Angels colors. It cheekily wears #8 on its tail when the team, in reality, only flew six single-seat A-4Fs (#1 - #6) and one two-seat TA-4F (#7).

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.