TAMIYA (2522)

Small, lightweight, and versatile, the F-16 has proven to be an exceptional combat aircraft that is capable of a variety of missions. The aircraft has undergone several updates during its service life, the latest of which is the Block 50, which features a more powerful F110-GE-129 engine and improved radar and avionics. Armed with the AGM-88 HARM anti-radiation missile, it was designated as the F-16CJ and was tasked with "Wild Weasel" missions to suppress enemy air defences. The addition of the CCIP system in 2005 further enhanced its combat capabilities. Features Length: 316mm, Width: 197mm IFF antenna array in front of the cockpit distinguishes this CCIP-equipped model from other F-16s Curved form of the F-16 accurately reproduced with trademark Tamiya precision Moveable horizontal stabilizers. "Flaperons" can be modelled in the up or down positions. Full ordnance load including AGM-88 HARM, AIM-120C AMRAAM, AIM-9M/X Sidewinder, ECM pod, and fuel tanks included. Centerline and inner wing pylons as well as tail assembly feature polycaps to allow easy detachment for storage. 1 pilot figure included with 2 types of flight helmet. 3 types of markings included. Parts also included to depict a pre-upgrade F-16CJ.  

Protector of the Convoys Famous for such feats as the night attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto and damaging the German battleship Bismarck, the British Royal Navy's Swordfish torpedo plane was assigned to the less glamorous, but still vital role of anti-submarine hunter from the latter half of WWII. The Mk.II variant entered service in 1943 with a more powerful engine and metal lower wings which allowed it to carry and fire a formidable payload of rockets. Flying from the decks of MAC ships and escort carriers, the Swordfish Mk.II sank 20 U-boats by war's end and helped protect the vital Atlantic supply convoys. Features 1/48 scale assembly kit of the Fairey Swordfish Mk.II anti-submarine variant. Length: 230.5mm, Width: 289mm Distinguishing features such as metal lower wings, large oil cooler, and radar antenna array all accurately reproduced. Realistic surface texture recreates fabric covering on metal frame structure. Main wings can be modelled in the folded position. Ultra-detailed cockpit interior. Includes such accessories as anti-ship rockets, smoke floats, and extra fuel tank. Includes three crew figures and 3 types of markings. Use with ITEM 61069 Fairey Swordfish Photo-Etched Bracing Wire Set for an extra level of detail.

Defending America's Skies The F-16 is one of the U.S. Air Force's important weapons, and to ensure that the aircraft would be able to handle changing mission requirements and be equipped with the latest weapons, a Multinational Staged Improvement Program (MSIP) was instituted. The Block 25, which featured more advanced avionics, cockpit displays, and AN/APG-68(V) radar as well as a larger fairing at the base of the vertical stabilizer for ECM equipment, first entered service in 1986. The next stage of the MSIP saw the introduction of two different turbofan engines, the Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-220 and the General Electric F110-GE-100, with GE-engined aircraft were designated Block 30 and PW-engined ones were designated Block 32. The Block 25 and Block 32 aircraft have gone on to serve as the basis for even more advanced improvements as the F-16's development continued. These aircraft are still the mainstay of many U.S. Air National Guard fighter units today. Features Length: 316mm, Width: 197mm Distinctive characteristics of the Block 25/32 such as smaller air intake, P&W engine nozzle, and main landing gear are all accurately reproduced. Horizontal stabilizers feature polycaps to enable free movement and flaperons can be built in either up or down positions. AIM-120C and AIM-9M/X missiles, GBU-12 laser-guided bombs, LITENING II targeting pod, and external fuel tanks all included for a variety of weapons loadouts. Pilot figure and 2 types of flight helmets included. 3 types of colorful markings, including California ANG, are included.  

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was the Japanese Navy’s main fighter throughout the course of WWII. In the latter half of the war, the Model 22 was refined to create the Model 52 to counter new U.S. aircraft such as the P-38 Lightning and F4U Corsair. It featured 50cm shorter wings with rounded wingtips, individual exhaust pipes and top speed of 565km/h. A6M5a was produced with a larger capacity (125 rounds) belt-type cannon ammunition system in February 1944. The Model 52 first saw action during the closing stages of the Solomons campaign in the autumn of 1943 and went on to fight in the skies above the Marianas, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, as well as Japan itself, until the end of the war. Features Length: 190mm, width: 229mm Zero fighter’s elongated proportions from nose to tail and the exquisite engine cowling are all accurately reproduced thanks to a complete measurement of the actual plane. Highly detailed cockpit and main landing gear well parts. Choice of an up or down flaps, as well as open or closed cowl flap. A6M5a with belt-type cannon ammunition system can be recreated. Differences from the A6M5 such as wing panels, spinner and wooden drop tank are highly detailed. 3 types of markings are included. In addition to a sitting pilot figure, 4 different types of standing pilot figures are included.

The U.S. Air Force implement a realistic training program called “Red Flag” to improve both pilot air combat skills and survival rate. At Red Flag, pilots are divided into both friendly and hostile forces, with the latter called “Aggressor” which have specially selected pilots at the helm. Making up the core of these “Aggressor” forces are F-16C Block 30, 32, & 42 aircraft which are dressed up as Soviet MiG and Sukhoi aircraft with distinctive blue and brown camouflage patterns. Also, the U.S. Navy's hypothetical enemy force is called “Adversary” and use the F-16N aircraft with training held at their Navy Fighter Weapons School, famously known as “TOPGUN”. Both aircraft have their own individualistic camouflage pattern and contribute to the strategic training of each unit. Features This 1/48 scale compatible plastic assembly kit allows you to create either the U.S. Air Force's F-16C “Aggressor” or the U.S. Navy's F-16N “Adversary” hypothetical enemy aircraft.  Length: 316mm, Wingspan: 197mm. The F-16's flowing form and unique camouflage pattern together create an exquisite model.  Two kinds of main landing gears, air intakes, engine nozzle, and Head Up Displays are included as well as three kinds of main landing wheels to allow you the choice of creating either the F-16C Block 30, 32, 42, and F-16N aircraft.  Producing a sharp finish for these hypothetical enemy aircraft are parts depicting the AN/ALQ-188 jamming pod, ACMI pod, and air intake sensors.  Horizontal stabilizers are moveable thanks to polycaps, and you can choose flaperons to be in an up or down position.  One pilot figure included.  3 kinds of markings for the “Aggressor” and 1 kind for the “Adversary” aircraft included.

Fearless Nighttime Bomber The Avro Lancaster was one of the RAF's main heavy bombers during the WWII. The prototype flew in January 1941 which featured 4 Rolls-Royce Merlin engines on its wings. The Lancaster had a 10m long bomb bay which took up nearly half the length of its fuselage, and coupled with its strong airframe, this enabled the Lancaster to carry bombs up to 9,856kg in weight. The Mk.I was equipped with Rolls-Royce Merlin engines, and the Mk.III was equipped with Merlin engines built by Packard in America; a total of 7,377 Lancasters were produced until the end of the war. The Lancaster first saw action in March, 1942 and went on to fly as the main nighttime bomber over Germany in the latter half of the war and dropped 608,612 tons of bombs in 156,000 sorties overall. The Lancaster caused severe damage against German industrial output and contributed to the victory of the Allied Forces. The Lancaster along with the Spitfire and Mosquito can be considered as one of Britain's best aircraft of the war. Features 1/48 scale plastic static model kit of the Avro Lancaster. Length: 443mm, Wingspan: 648mm. Includes two kinds of the nose windows, rear gun turret, and exhausts. From early to late types of the Mk.I and Mk.III variants can be reproduced. Cockpit interior, rear gun turret, and main landing gear well have a rich finish. The front gun turret, dorsal turret, and rear gun turret are moveable. Two Merlin engines are included and can be reproduced with or without engine covers. Either open or closed bomb bay can be selected. Ordnances such as 200lb and 4000lb bombs are included. Slick type main landing gear tires depict the effect of supporting aircraft’s weight. Pilot, radio operator, bomber, gunner, and ground crew figures are included (5 figures total). 4 kinds of markings included.  

Aerial Armor The Ilyushin Il-2 Shuturmovik was the Russian military's main ground-attack aircraft during WWII. It was so important to the Russian war effort that Joseph Stalin personally intervened to ensure a high rate of its production. Over 36,000 examples were built by the end of the war, making it the most produced military aircraft in aviation history. The aircraft was characterized by armor that was integrated into its airframe to provide protection for vital areas such as the cockpit, engine, and fuel tank. Production of the single-seat version of the Il-2 began in March 1941 but severe losses led to the development of a two-seat version with a rear gunner. A version which featured outer wing sections swept back at 15-degrees for a better center of gravity was introduced in late-1943. Together with the T-34 tank, the Il-2 contributed greatly to the eventual Russian victory. Features Length: 243mm, Wingspan: 305mm. Robust form of the aircraft, including the armament and heavy armor, is accurately reproduced. Sharp nose section, swept outer wing, and wooden rear fuselage are also faithfully rendered. Intake duct as well as radiator and oil cooler parts enable accurate reproduction of the radiator mechanism. Highly detailed fuselage surface details. 2-seat cockpit and wheel well also feature rich finish. Parts included to assemble open and closed canopies. Includes 2 types of 23mm cannon fairings. Parts for 100kg and 250kg bombs as well as 3 types of launch rails for RS-132 rockets are also included. Comes with pilot and gunner figures as well as 3 marking options. Canopy masks also included.

From its first test flights in 1970 through to its retirement in 2006, the F-14 Tomcat is a carrier-based fighter that has captured the imagination; its variable sweep wing allowed automatic adjustment for optimum performance and an impressive combination of speed and maneuverability. It had a powerful AN/AWG-9 fire control system that could use AIM-54 Phoenix missiles to take on multiple targets from range. 477 of the 632 Tomcats supplied to the U.S. Navy were the early F-14A variant; their delivery to units began with carrier squadrons in 1973, and its combat debut was in the 1975 evacuation from Saigon. It was later in action in conflicts in Libya, Iraq and Afghanistan. Seventy-nine F-14As were also supplied to Iran before the 1979 Islamic Revolution and some still remain in service today. This specific model kit depicts the F-14A Tomcat variant. The F-14A was the initial two-seat, twin-engine, all-weather interceptor fighter variant for the U.S. Navy. It first flew on December 21, 1970. As a U.S. Navy fighter it fulfilled the dual roles of long range interceptor and air superiority fighter, and later bomber. Deployed from 1974 to 2006, it successfully employed a "swing wing", which offered variable sweep. The F-14A, which covers most of the early variants, was the most prolifically-produced variant of the Tomcat. 79 were exported to Iran before U.S.-Iranian relations began to deteriorate, and later took part in the Iran-Iraq War. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit of the Grumman F-14A Tomcat. Fuselage length: 398mm, Maximum Wingspan: 408mm. Designed with access to real F-14A Tomcats for superlative accuracy. Features moving depiction of variable sweep wing. 2 sets of parts - interchangeable after completion - depict sealing plates and air bags with wing in fully swept and fully forward positions. Slide molding was used to ensure highly realistic canopy, air intake side and fuselage side sections. Poly caps allow movement of horizontal stabilizers. The model offers a choice of parts to depict open or closed engine afterburner nozzles. Separate parts are included to depict the fuel probe on the right of the nose, and the ladder on the left. Comes with two U.S. marking schemes and one for the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force.

In Desperate Defense The Hien was officially adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) in 1943, and stood out among its Japanese aircraft contemporaries in the Pacific War on account of its liquid-cooled Ha-40 engine, slimline fuselage and long, elegant wing. A number of different variants were produced, among them the Ki-61-Id which featured a 20cm-elongated nose to house 20mm cannons, plus 12.7mm machine guns in the wing. In fact, with 1,360 units it was the most prolifically produced Hien variant; its superior performance at higher altitudes meant that it was often given the brief of taking on incoming U.S. B29 bombers in the skies around the home islands of Japan. One IJA unit which notably deployed the Hien was the 244th Air Group led by Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi. Features Fuselage length: 187mm, wingspan: 250mm. The model accurately depicts the Ki-61-Id Type Hien with elongated nose and slim fuselage. The inverted Ha-40 V12 is depicted complete with supercharger and other details. Cramped cockpit interior features 20mm cannon ammo cases, oil tank and more. Fuselage underside radiator showcases superb detail and accuracy, right down to the depiction of air intake slats. Canopy can be assembled open or closed. Comes with parts to recreate 2 drop tanks, 1 figure, and 2 marking options recreating aircraft of the 244th Air Group.

Gustav with Gusto! With over 30,000 produced, the Messerschmitt Bf109 is the most prolifically manufactured fighter in history; of its variants, the G-6 was the most numerous at 13,000 aircraft. In response to improving Allied foes in the air, Bf109 G aircraft had the more powerful DB605 engine, and from the G-6 were equipped with dual 13mm MG131 machine guns that required the distinctive bulges on either side of the cockpit cowling known as "Beule." Some were even given a 20mm cannon gondola under each wing for further improved firepower. The Bf109 G-6 was deployed on both the Western and Eastern fronts, in particular dominating Soviet adversaries as it continued in service through to the end of WWII. Features Length: 188mm, wingspan: 207mm. In depth study of actual aircraft led to this highly detailed kit. Features an exquisite recreation of the DB605 engine. Separate parts are included to recreate wing underside 20mm cannon gondolas. Poly cap allows detachment and attachment of drop tank. Choose from 2 different types of air intake part - standard and with dust filter. Can be assembled with standard or Galland panzer canopy rear armor plate. Construct with canopy open or closed. Main and radiator flaps can be depicted up or down. Comes with a seated pilot figure for further realism. 3 marking options are included, plus canopy masking stickers and a color painting guide. The Gustav This definitive kit has its roots in the study of real aircraft, allowing superb accuracy in its recreation. Choices abound, with options available to the modeler for engine cowlings, canopy and flaps. Magnet-attached parts for both open and closed engine cowlings are included and are interchangeable after assembly. Marvel at the beautiful depiction of the powerful DB605 engine, enabled by the interchangeable cowlings. Superlative detail is on display across the kit; here in the form of the dual 13mm machine guns. Modelers can choose whether to assemble with standard air intakes or those with dust filters. Main and radiator flaps can be assembled up or down, and leading edge slats deployed or flush. Poly cap attachment method allows later removal and re-affixing of the drop tank at will. Multi-part recreations of the under-wing 20mm cannon gondolas give an authentic finish. Highly realistic pilot figure in seated position adds a further level of detail to the kit! The boxy canopy center section can be assembled open or closed. Sight uses separate clear part. 3 marking options are included on the decal sheets. Masking stickers aid with canopy paint job.  

This is a model assembly kit of the Tomcat F-14D, which is an updated version of the aircraft that served until the Tomcat was withdrawn from Navy service in 2006. It featured an improved engine in the shape of the General Electric F110, and the aircraft’s transition from the earlier carrier-based fighter models to the F-14D multi-role aircraft was facilitated by digital updates to radar and fire control systems. Some F-14Ds were newly-constructed, while conversions from F-14As also existed. Features 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 398mm, wingspan: 408mm (with variable sweep wing in fully forward position).Captures F-14D-specific features such as the engine afterburner nozzles, vertical stabilizers and even minute panel lines. A detailed cockpit includes depictions of updated instrument panels and ejection seats. Model parts depict late variants of Phoenix, Sparrow and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles. Also included are parts for drop tank, laser- and GPS-guided bombs, LANTIRN targeting pod, TARPS reconnaissance pod and jamming pod. Features moving depiction of variable sweep wing. 2 sets of parts - interchangeable after completion – depict sealing plates and air bags with wing in fully swept and fully forward positions. Poly caps allow movement of horizontal stabilizers. Comes with realistic figures depicting pilot and RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) in seated pose. Includes high-quality decals. Masking stickers for use when painting the canopy included.  

Lighting Strikes! The P-38 Lightning was developed by Lockheed in response to a 1937 proposal from the United States Army Air Corps. Its twin V12 engines were housed one each in twin booms that stretched back to the tailplane, flanking a central nacelle containing the cockpit and weaponry. A combination of superb range, firepower and carrying capacity ensured that the P-38 was a superior fighter-bomber, and it made a considerable impact after joining fighting in Europe in 1942. It was also active in the Pacific War from late that year, its escapades including the shooting down of Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto in 1943 that provided a significant morale boost for the Allied cause. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 240mm, width: 330mm. Exhaustive studies of actual P-38 aircraft enabled this precise recreation of the distinctive twin boom aircraft form, with particular highlights being early model slimline engine cowlings, wing shape and rounded canopy design. Integrated landing gear bay and wing spar parts ensure sturdy assembly and accurate recreation of angle. Choose between P-38F and P-38G canopy designs, with each able to be assembled open or closed. The detailed cockpit features recreations of the control wheel, bulletproof glass plate, rear-mounted radio equipment and more. One-piece tailplane horizontal stabilizer slides on and is secured by rudder components. Metallic finish decals are used on main and nose landing gear strut cylinders. The nose has depictions of four 12.7mm machine guns and the 20mm cannon. Weights are included to ensure correct balance of the model when on display. Comes with a seated pilot figure, two marking options and an informative background information leaflet in four languages. The highly realistic pilot figure was created using the latest 3D scanning techniques, and seating it in the cockpit will add plenty of extra realism. Parts are included for 150- and 300-gallon drop tanks. P-38Gs in Operation Vengeance carried one of each, and can be recreated. Choose whether to assemble this kit with the ladder in extended or stowed positions, with dedicated parts in the box to recreate either. The slimline engine cowlings are captured with aplomb. Special decals are used to recreate the mirror sections on the inner faces. Inside the box, modelers will find a comprehensive decal sheet to recreate markings, plus masking stickers to aid with the canopy paint job. Landing gear sections feature a sturdy design, with plenty of detail to admire on the depictions of their interior workings. A full color painting guide is included in the kit to ensure that you have all the information needed to accurately finish your very own P-38 masterpiece!

Legendary Aircraft The deployment of the F-4 Phantom II started in the early 1960s and over 5,000 were manufactured during its production run. The F-4 Phantom II was operated by not only the Navy and Air Force in America, but also other countries on account of its long range and superlative loading capacity. In 1952, the Navy desired a supersonic aircraft and while the F-8 Crusader produced by the Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. was employed, the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation continued to develop a two-seater interceptor with powerful dual engines. This aircraft equipped four each of AIM-7E Sparrows and AIM-9G/H Sidewinders, and was officially adopted as the F4H-1 in December 1958 (which was later renamed the F-4A). The F-4B's production started in 1961 and its delivery began with the Fighter Squadron VF-74. In 1965, two F-4Bs shot down two North Vietnamese MiG-17 each, but the most enemy kills in the early stages of the Vietnam War were carried out by the F-8. However, from Operation Linebacker in 1972 onward, F-4 deployment increased and it was operated for air-to-ground strikes. After that, various kinds of F-4 aircraft were developed and some have even been in service with some countries for half a century. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 370mm, wingspan: 244mm. Exhaustive studies of the actual aircraft enabled this precise recreation of the distinctive form. The parts breakdown offers ease of assembly. J79-GE-8 engine nozzles, cockpit, and landing gear bays are realistically recreated. Choose between folded and extended wingtips. One-piece horizontal stabilizer right and left sides move in concert. Choose between open and closed canopy, and extended and retracted refueling probe/boarding ladder. Different types of antennae and cockpit consoles can be chosen depending on the marking option selected. Air-to-air missiles (AIM-7E Sparrow and AIM-9G/H Sidewinder) and two types of drop tanks are included. Includes 2 sitting crew figures, 3 marking options, and masking stickers. Extensive research enabled this highly accurate kit recreation of the F-4B.  One-piece horizontal stabilizer facilitates easy and accurate assembly, and recreates actual movement using poly caps. The canopy cross section is realistically captured by the use of slide molded parts, and complex air intake areas are impressively recreated. Choose between open and closed canopy, as well as extended and retracted boarding ladder. Comes with figures depicting seated pilot (left) and Rader Intercept Officer (RIO) (right). Ejector seats are also accurately captured. Choose between extended or retracted refueling probe. Features realistic pilot position, and aft station with instrument panel. Choose parts to depict consoles depending on the marking option. Radome undersurface chin pod offers two options - standard type and that with APR-30 antenna sensor depicted. Four each of AMI-7E Sparrow and AIM-9G/H Sidewinder air-to-air missiles are included. Choose between open and closed wind speed brakes, plus up and down flaperons. Comes with one center drop tank (600-gallon) and two outer wing drop tanks (370-gallon). Minutely detailed nose landing gear bay is firmly attached to fuselage thanks to long rear section on the part. The spar prevents wings from deforming and allows easy assembly. Engine sections visible from the air exhaust outlet doors are depicted. The high mobility J79-GE engines include realistic renderings of nozzle interiors. The engine nozzles are spread into 6 pieces for a highly realistic end result. Finely recreated panel lines and rivets give a sophisticated image to the model. Comes with three marking options recreating Vietnam War-era aircraft. Inside the box, modelers will find a comprehensive decal sheet plus masking stickers to aid with the canopy paint job. A full color, full size painting guide is included to ensure that you have all the information needed to accurately finish your very own masterpiece. Use the decals in Item 12692 (sold separately) to give your model an even more detailed finish!

Ready for Take-Off! The F-14 Tomcat is a legend of the skies, which served between 1973 and 2006 and - with powerful radar and long-range missiles - was developed for carrier-based units. Its most prolifically produced variant was the F-14A, which itself was given a number of upgrades throughout its production; late F-14As (those produced from the late 1980s) featured a more reliable engine design, and notably, the AN/AXX-1 TCS camera pod, plus the AN/ALQ-126 ECM antenna ahead of the wing gloves. Some even had alterations to the fuselage allowing installation of the TARPS reconnaissance pod. From the early 1990s, the aircraft was capable of mounting bombs on its belly; in conjunction with the AN/AAQ-25 LANTIRN pod, these were laser-guided - the F-14A had evolved into a multi-role fighter. Carrier launches required a steam catapult, to which the aircraft would be harnessed with its nose lowered, variable sweep wing forward, and flaps and slats down. Numerous flight deck crew would be engaged in the launch, including a "Shooter," who gave the signal for take-off. This model kit recreates the Grumman F-14A Tomcat. The F-14A Tomcat U.S. Navy Fighter is famous for being the first mass-production and the most-produced model among the F-14 series. This kit realistically depicts the F-14A Tomcat (Late Model) - in service from the late 1980s to the early 2000s- with wings featuring separate flaps and slats. The kit includes one crew figure and paper flight deck sheet for use on a super realistic diorama set. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 398mm, wingspan: 408mm. Features dedicated parts to depict a late model F-14A rady for carrier launch, plus a paper flight deck sheet. Choose between two types of catapult spreader (shuttle). Durable wing spar components ensure secure fit. Late model features such as chin pod with camera, antenna and so on are depicted. Plenty of accessories are included: standard and laser-guided bombs, reconnaissance camera pod, and air-to-air missiles. Parts accurately depict late model ejector seats and instrumentation. Comes with 2 crew figures featuring late model standard flight uniform.

Developed in response to a February 1937 request from the armed forces for a fighter excelling in speed, firepower and range, the P-38 Lightning would be a wildly successful design that had around 10,000 units produced and spawned numerous US ace pilots. While its design was constantly evolved from its maiden 1939 flight onwards, more powerful engines eventually overtook the P-38's cooling function, and output was limited to 1,250hp at higher altitudes. In August 1943 the answer to this problem appeared: the P-38J, which featured intercoolers moved from the wing leading edges to the underside of the engines. The superior cooling enabled use of its full 1,425hp even at high altitudes, while the newly-available leading edge space was not put to waste, being filled with auxiliary fuel tanks to improve the fighter's range. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 240mm, wingspan: 330mm. This is a highly accurate model based upon extensive study of full-size aircraft. Accurately captures late-production P-38 features such as engine nacelle-underside intercoolers, flat first canopy glass, and more. Air ducts connecting intercoolers and oil coolers are faithfully recreated. Wing spar and nose landing gear bay are integrated for exemplary solidity and angle. A busy and detailed cockpit includes recreations of the Lynn-3 sight, distinctive steering yoke and more. Comes with marking options to recreate a choice of three different ace aircraft. The classic P-38 form features twin booms extending from behind the engine nacelles, flanking a central cockpit. Larger engine cowlings are faithfully recreated, as are depictions of ducts connecting the intercoolers. An authentic cockpit area captures late features like the flat-fronted first canopy and the two-piece third canopy. The model can be assembled with the canopy open or closed. Inside the cockpit, details such as sight and radio abound. Updated turbocharger shapes are accurately captured by the model. The elegant lines of the larger radiator fairings are faithfully depicted. This image lets you see the larger turbocharger air intakes, which use separate parts. The model features depictions of the landing gear bays without air filters. One of the marking options recreates ace Richard I. Bong's aircraft with distinctive nose art. Two each of 150- and 300-gallon drop tanks are included. (Image shows 150-gallon design). Clear parts recreate identification lights. A seated pilot figure is included to add that extra layer of detail, created using the latest 3D scanning techniques. Wing spar and nose landing gear bay are an integrated part, ensuring great solidity and angle. Weights help balance the model. A clever parts breakdown on the tailplane gives fuss-free assembly and alignment. Three marking options are included in the kit, plus a full-color, 1/48 scale painting guide. A full array of markings includes colorful graphics and even mirror finish decals. Masking stickers are included to help with the canopy paint job.

Cutting-Edge Aircraft Fighter jets have continued to develop since they were first seen in late WWII, to the point where modern day aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor are often called "fifth generation" fighters; qualities such as their highly advanced stealth characteristics and network connectivity set them apart from earlier fighters. Developed under the Joint Strike Fighter Program (JSF), the F-35 integrates multiple functions into its design and there are three types at the time of writing: the F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft, the F-35B short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C, with its larger wing and tail; across these three variants, the F-35 can accomplish various missions without impacting upon its observability and exemplary maneueverability. Multiple sensors are at the heart of its advanced capabilities, and the wealth of data harvested is shared via multifunction advanced data link, helping provide the crew with outstanding information via a large cockpit display and the helmet-mounted display system. The F-35's maiden flight was in December 2006, and deployment with air arms in the U.S., Italy, Japan and more is planned, as the aircraft appears set to take on a major role in the defense landscape in years to come. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 326mm, wingspan: 222mm. Features refined molded depictions of radar absorbent material (RAM) sections on the surface. Highly accurate renderings of the internal Y-shaped air intake ducts. Choose between open and closed weapons bays. Parts are included to build up separate open and closed canopy units, which can then be swapped in and out after assembly. Build with the boarding ladder retracted or extended. The engine nozzle is broken down into five separate pieces, for a crisp look. Plenty of detail is on show across the model, with highlights such as the cockpit and landing bay interiors. Parts are included for the recreation of AIM-9X and AIM-120C missiles, plus GBU-12 and GBU-31 JDAM bombs. Comes with a pilot figure depicted with helmet mounted display (HMD). Choose between the 9 marking options supplied. Masking stickers for the canopy are also included.

An Ambitious Design The F-35® Lightning II is an ambitious project that aims to provide - in a single overarching design - aircraft tailored to three different services' distinct needs; that it does in the form of the F-35A (for the Air Force), F-35B (Marines) and F-35C (Navy). Perhaps the most stunning of the three is the innovative F-35B, which was designed to succeed the AV-8B Harrier II, and is a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) aircraft thanks to a lift fan installed between the cockpit and the engine, plus the 3 Bearing Swivel Module mechanism. Rather impressively, it also manages to combine extremely low observability characteristics with exemplary situational awareness provided by the numerous sensors across the aircraft. The F-35B is expected to serve mainly from aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships; as of 2023, the British Royal Navy and the Italian Navy have started deployment, and the Japan Air Self Defense Force also expects to see F-35Bs with its units from 2024. Features This is a 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Length: 325mm, wingspan: 222mm. The model can be assembled as one of three types: parked, short takeoff and vertical landing. Fine recreations of Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) are molded into fuselage surfaces. Engine duct and nozzle are assembled into one of three positions depending upon the type of model chosen. The engine nozzle is made up of 5 parts and gives an accurate, crisply detailed finish. Parts are included for raised and lowered versions of control surfaces. A stand is provided for use when assembling a vertical landing model. The lift fan is integrated with the nose landing gear bay. This model offers excellent fuselage interior detail. A full complement of ordnance includes AIM-9X and AIM-120C missiles, plus GBU-12 and GBU-32 bombs. A total of seven marking options is included, covering aircraft from three nations.

Based upon our popular 1/48 Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat (Item 61034), this kit authentically recreates the FM-1 featuring four machine guns with both the U.S. Navy and Royal Navy markings and one sitting pilot figure. The deployment of the Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat, which was one of the main U.S. Navy carrier-based fighter, started in 1940, and in 1942, the F4F-4 was introduced into service. This aircraft employed a foldable wing for efficient use on flight decks while 12.7mm machine guns were increased from four to six. With its bulletproofing, rigid fuselage and its pilots' tactics, the F4F-F was more than equal to the Zero fighter. Although the F4F-F gave its position to aircraft equipped with 2,000hp-class engine such as the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair after WWII onward, this aircraft, which was suitable for use on small flight decks, constructed its presence as the aircraft to be deployed on escort carrier and to enhance air force. While the Grumman focused on the F6F production, Eastern Air Lines took over the production of the F4F-4 variant which was called as the FM and its first production variant FM-1 was mostly the same as the F4F-4 except for decreased (from six to four) machine guns. The Wildcat was introduced to the Royal Navy and was known as the Martlet (fictitious bird often seen in the English coats of arms). This aircraft continued to see action as anti-submarine patrol and convoy escort until the end of war. Features 1/48 scale plastic model assembly kit. Fuselage length: 184mm. The kit faithfully depicts the wing equipped with four machine guns; parts depict wing top surface without machine gun access door and wing under surface without cartridge exhaust port and with enlarged magazine panel. Includes a new rear-view mirror part to recreate the Marlet Mk.V of the Royal Navy. Features realistic renderings of fuselage surfaces with panel lines and rivets. The complex structure around the main landing gear is realistically recreated. Comes with decals to depict 3 marking options: 846th Fighter Squadron, Royal Navy, HMS Tracker (D24), Normandy, June 1944 (*), 58th Mixed Fighter Squadron, U.S. Navy, USS Guadalcanal (CVE-60), North Atlantic, January 1944, 33rd Mixed Fighter Squadron, U.S. Navy, USS Nassau (CVE-16), California Coast , September 1943 *Invasion stripe: black and white stripe paints on the fuselage and wing of the Allied forces' aircraft to identify allies during the Normandy Landings Masking stickers for the canopy, one sitting pilot figure and black-and-white painting guide are included.