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Lockheed F-35A in 1/72...

...a Diecast Model by Hobby Master

As a modeller, is there enough time to actually build examples of all the models you would like to?  The answer for so many of us is that we have a loft, or cupboards, stacked with boxes of unbuilt kits.  So, the potential answer might be to join in the interests of a different group of collectors, and consider the ready built market of diecast models.  This one is made by Hobby Master, who are producing some super models.

 

General Background
The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.
 

The Aircraft
On April 15, 2017 6 Lockheed F-35As from the 344th FS/388th FW based at Hill AFB, Utah landed at RAF Lakenheath. This was the first operational deployment for USAF F-35As and crossing the Atlantic was made possible by air-refuelling provided by Air Mobility Command and the RAF 100th Air Refuelling Wing that combined off-loaded 400,000 pounds of fuel. F-35A 14- 5097 was one of the 6 aircraft and used call-sign “Atlas 23”. These F-35As will remain in Europe for several weeks to conduct air training with other units.

 

Specifications :


Role:  Multi-role stealth fighter
First Flight:  December 16, 2006
Crew:  

F-35A CTOL:  1
F-35B STOVL:  1
F-35C CV:  1

Powerplant: 
F-35A:  1 x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100, 40,000 lbs thrust with afterburner,25,000 lbs without.
F-35B:  1 x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-600, 38,000 lbs thrust with afterburner,26,000 lbs without and 40,500 lbs vertical.
F-35C:  1 x Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100, 40,000 lbs thrust with afterburner,25,000 lbs without.
Internal Fuel Capacity: 
F-35A:  18,250 lbs (8,278 kg)
F-35B:  13,500 lbs (6,125 kg)
F-35C:  19,750 lbs (8,960 kg)
Weights:

Empty:  

F-35A:  29,300 lbs (13,000 kg)
F-35B:  32,300 lbs (14,700 kg)
F-35C:  34,800 lbs (15,800 kg)
Maximum:

F-35A:  70,000 lbs (31,800 kg)
F-35B:  60,000lbs (27,300 kg)
F-35C:  70,000 lbs (31,800 kg)
Dimensions:

F-35A:

Length:  51.4 ft (15.7 m)
Wingspan:  35 ft (10.7 m)
Height:  14.4 ft (4.38 m)
F-35B:

Length:  51.2 ft (15.6 m)
Wingspan:  35 ft (10.7 m)
Height:  14.3 ft (4.36 m)
F-35C:

Length:  51.5 ft (15.7 m)
Wingspan:  43 ft (13.1 m)
Height:  14.7 ft (4.48 m)
Performance:

Speed with full internal weapons load:

F-35A:  Mach 1.6
F-35B:  Mach 1.6
F-35C:  Mach 1.6
Combat Radius with internal fuel:

F-35A:  590 nm (1,093 km)
F-35B:  450 nm (833 km)
F-35C:  600 nm (1,100 km)
Range with internal fuel:

F-35A:  1,200 nm (2,200 km)
F-35B:  900 nm (1,667 km)
F-35C:  1,200 nm (2,200 km)
Weapons (Standard Internal):

F-35A:  1 x 25 mm GAU-22/A cannon

2 x AIM-120C air-to-air missiles

2 x 2,000 pound GBU-31 JDAM guided bombs
Weapons Payload: 18,000 lbs (8,160 kg)
F-35B:  2 x AIM-120C air-to-air missiles

2 x 1,000 lb GBU32 JDAM guided bombs
F-35C:  2 x AIM-120C air-to-air missiles

2 x 2,000 pound GBU-31 JDAM guided bombs

​

Robin

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