Lockheed Martin® F-35®B Lightning II® (Tamiya 1/72)

Following the releases of Items 61124 (1/48 F-35A), 60792 (1/72 F-35A) and 61125 (1/48 F-35B), we are proud to announce Item 60793 (1/72 F-35B) as a new addition to our F-35 Lightning II series!

Inheriting the very detailed depictions from Item 61125, this kit focuses on the recreation of the vertical landing. Modelers can choose from two assembly types; landed or hovering. Although this is an F-35 like Item 60792, over 60% parts are newly designed for this kit.

Developed under the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program , the F-35 integrates multiple functions into its design and there are three types: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) aircraft, the F-35B short takeoff, vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C carrier takeoff and landing (CV).

The F-35B was developed as a successor of the AV- 8B Harrier II, and the U.K. - which along with the United States Marine Corps. employed many Harrier II - joined this program at early stage. The F-35B is recognized as the aircraft which accomplished both supersonic flight and STOVL by the 3-bearing engine duct nozzle and lift fan, and following the F-35A, the F-35B deployment started in 2015.

The first F-35B to see action was an aircraft belonging to the U.S. Marine Corps VMFA-211 “Wake Island Avengers” in Afghanistan, in September 2018. Not only the U.S. and the U.K. but also Italy employs the F-35B, and the Japan Air Self-Defense Force also plans to launch a new fighter squadron with F-35B from 2024 onward.

As the F-35B can be operated from both aircraft carriers and airfields featuring short runway, many countries are considering its deployment, and the F-35B looks set to become a significant presence in the skies across the world.

About the Model
• This is a 1/72 scale plastic model assembly kit. Wingspan: 148mm, fuselage length: 215mm.
• The distinctive F-35B design featuring both highly advanced stealth characteristics and STOVL is authentically captured in style, with ergonomic parts breakdown.
• The kit recreates the vertical landing, and can be assembled in two ways; landed or hovering, and ensures superior assembly with dedicated angled door parts.
• The parts faithfully depict a hovering aircraft with downward engine nozzle and opened doors. (Please refer to the table on the next page.)
• Features realistic renderings of half-open two inner weapon bay doors and interior details such as ribs and pipes.
• Nose landing gear and main landing gear can be depicted as extended (for hovering) or retracted (for landed).
• The lift fan is integrated with nose landing gear bay, and the variable vane underneath is recreated in detail.
• Shorter than on the F-35A, the engine nozzle is recreated by a single part.
• The 3BSM (3 Bearing Swivel Module) is succinctly yet faithfully recreated with a dedicated parts breakdown for this kit.
• Fine recreations of RAM (Radar Absorbent Material) are molded into fuselage surfaces.
• Clear parts recreate canopy and EOTS fairing under the nose.
• Includes parts for AIM-9X Sidewinder x2 and AIM-120C AMRAAM x2.
• This kit also features realistic renderings of the following sections:
- Y-shaped air intake duct for highly advanced stealth characteristics
- Details such as cockpit, landing gear bays and roll posts
- Martin-Baker US16E ejection seat
- RCS (radar cross section) enhancers affixed to top and bottom sections during basic training exercises
- One pilot figure with the helmet mounted display (HMD)
• A stand is included to use if you are making a hovering model.
• Comes with 5 marking options from a total of three countries (United States Marine Corps, Royal Air Force, Italian Navy).
• Includes masking stickers and a painting guide