Preorder Expected Arrival - MARCH 2025

Beginning in 2021, a handful of US fighter aircraft have been spotted wearing some unusual experimental metallic "chrome" paint finishes. At least two F-22A Raptors and two F-35C Lightning II aircraft have been flown with different patterns of angular mirror-like chrome and carbon black panels. The exact purpose of these paint finishes is not known, but there is some speculation that it may help reduce the aircraft's Infra-Red signature in an attempt to combat modern Infra Red Search and Track (IRST) sensor technology.

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:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.

Info:   F-35C Lightning II - USN VX-9 Vampires, XE105, NAS Point Mugu, CA, August 2022, Black Chrome Finish