Lockheed F-35C Lightning II Aircraft "VMFA-251" (2024) United States Marine Corps "Air Power Series" 1/72 Diecast Model by Hobby Master
- Brand new 1/72 scale diecast model of a Lockheed F-35C Lightning II Aircraft "VMFA-251" (2024) United States Marine Corps "Air Power Series" diecast model by Hobby Master.
- Brand new box.
- Detailed exterior.
- True-to-scale detail.
- Has opening canopy.
- Includes display stand.
- Officially licensed product.
- Includes missile accessories.
- Has detachable landing gear.
- Manufacturer's original unopened packaging.
- Dimensions approximately Length- 8.5, Wingspan- 7.25 inches.
- Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel.
- It is a highly detailed and accurate model, perfect for collectors and enthusiasts of military history.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels, and surface details for an authentic representation of the real-life airplane.
- HISTORICAL ASPECTS:
- The F-35C Lightning II, Bureau Number 170501, serves with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251 (VMFA-251), the legendary "Thunderbolts," as part of the United States Marine Corps’ carrier-capable stealth strike force. By 2024, this aircraft had entered operational service, representing the Navy and Marine Corps’ first fully integrated fifth-generation fighter capable of penetrating advanced air defenses while conducting precision strike, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The F-35C’s larger wingspan, reinforced landing gear, and tailhook allow it to operate from aircraft carriers, providing VMFA-251 with unmatched reach and flexibility in projecting power from the sea.
- In 2024, F-35C 170501 and its squadron deployed in support of ongoing U.S. and coalition operations in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific regions. Equipped with internal weapons bays capable of carrying a combination of AIM-120 AMRAAMs, Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs), and air-to-ground ordnance, the aircraft provided stealthy strike capabilities against high-value targets while reducing exposure to enemy radar. Crews from VMFA-251 leveraged the F-35C’s sensor fusion and networked communications to conduct coordinated strikes, protect coalition air assets, and maintain air superiority in contested environments, continuing the squadron’s long legacy of operational excellence.
- The introduction of 170501 and other F-35Cs marked a major leap forward in U.S. carrier aviation, combining low observable technology, supersonic performance, and advanced avionics into a single platform. Its deployment reinforced VMFA-251’s ability to operate effectively in highly contested theaters, supporting both conventional operations and the evolving strategic requirements of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The aircraft symbolizes a new era in tactical aviation, blending legacy Marine Corps aviation traditions with next-generation capabilities.
- This 1:72 scale model captures the sleek stealth lines, carrier-capable configuration, and VMFA-251 markings of one of the Marine Corps’ most advanced fighters. With precise detailing and a dynamic stance, it is an essential addition for collectors and aviation enthusiasts, celebrating the cutting-edge technology and combat-proven legacy of the Lightning II.
