Tamiya Aircraft Series No.124 - 1/48 F-35A Lightning II

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.

- 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.

Take a look at the F-35A in "Beast mode," with ordnance attached to all six of the weapons stations on the belly of the aircraft.

Fuselage weapons bay doors can be assembled open or closed; if open, they display detailed depictions of various cables and lines.

This picture is of the model with closed weapons bay doors, showing off the stunning detail achieved on the underbelly.

Exceptional detail is also on display inside the front landing gear bay. The EOTS sensor fairing is recreated in clear plastic.

The canopy can be depicted open or closed, while parts for extended and retracted boarding ladders are included.

Dedicated open and closed canopy parts can be switched in and out after completion. They come molded with a tint to save a paint job.

The kit includes a pilot figure with HMD and ejection seat. This image shows parts unpainted with Tamiya panel line accent color applied.

Plenty of realism is on display in the busy cockpit area. This image shows parts unpainted with Tamiya panel line accent color applied.

Have a closer look at the five-part breakdown for the distinctive engine nozzle, which leads to a highly accurate finish.

Separate parts are included to recreate the augmenter duct, fan, and other details visible inside the nozzle itself.

Choose between up or down flaperons.

The drag chute container unique to the Royal Norwegian Air Force marking option is recreated using a separately molded part.