Lockheed F-35A Lightning II

USAF 48th FW, 495th FS Valkyries, no.19-5473

RAF Lakenheath, England December 2021

Hobby Master 1:72 HA4428

The first four USAF F-35A Lightning IIs arrived at RAF Lakenheath on December 15, 2021. These aircraft were 19-5473, 74, 75 and 76 with 3 more F-35As arriving two months later to the 48th FW "The Statue of Liberty Wing". After some debate over a name for the 495th FS, in mid February the name "Valkyries" was chosen. "Valkyries" were Norse mythology female figures who decided who lived or die in battle. The 495th FS motto: "Mala Ipsa Nova" means "Bad News Itself" along with "Valkyries" is a very menacing combination.

Lockheed F-35A 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.