Hobby Master 1/72 Lockheed F-35B Lightning II RAF ZM137 HA4601
Hobbymasters HA4601 1/72nd scale diecast model of the RAF new Naval Fighter the Lockheed F-35B Lightning II.
The Subject is one of the three UK F35B models operated by 17 Sqn OCU at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida USA
ZM137 will by then with a bit of luck have made it across the pond and be in the hands of the UK military.
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.
April 1, 2013 Lockheed F-35B line number BK-03 made its first flight. This is the third of 48 F-35Bs requested by Britain and was given serial ZM-137. The serial numbers assigned to the F-35B Lightning II are the same issued to the Lightning F.1 in 1959 and 1960. After initial flight tests for Lockheed and all involved parties BK-03 will transfer to Eglin AFB, Florida for pilot and maintenance training. After Florida the aircraft and personnel will go to Edwards AFB, California for Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.