The F-35's maiden flight was in December 2006, and deployment with air arms in the U.S., Italy, Japan and more is planned,

The model can be assembled with different ordnance patterns: choose from stealth, air-to-air and "beast" mode configurations. qualities such as their highly advanced stealth characteristics and network connectivity set them apart from earlier fighters. Aircraft and ordnance parts are a product of Italeri. This plastic model kit requires paint and glue to complete. Multiple sensors are at the heart of its advanced capabilities, and the wealth of data harvested is shared via multifunction advanced data link, The canopy can be depicted open or closed, while parts for extended and retracted boarding ladders are included. Choices, choices...

Tamiya | No. 61124 | 1:48

Parts are included to recreate ordnance such as AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, plus a missile troley. RCS (radar cross section) enhancers affixed to top and bottom sections (two for each, four in total) during basic training exercises Exceptional detail is also on display inside the front landing gear bay. The EOTS sensor fairing is recreated in clear plastic.

The internal bomb bay can be posed open or closed. It seems a shame to pose it closed given the all the amazing detail provided here. This is a very nice piece of molding that will look awesome under paint and a wash. Like the gear doors, the bomb bay doors are nicely molded with well detailed hinges and actuators should you choose the open option. Two nicely molded AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles are provided for the bomb bay. Painting and decalling (3 per missile) instructions are provided.This picture is of the model with closed weapons bay doors, showing off the stunning detail achieved on the underbelly.

The main wheels/tires are comprised of halves while the nose wheel is a single piece. All have a flattened area simulating weight; nice. The gear doors and hinges/actuators are all nicely molded and free of flash. Instructions are provided for placing the many decals that adorn the outer faces of the gear doors, which will look very convincing. This kit can be-assembled with one choice of the three ordnance patterns – stealth mode, air-to-air mode, and beast mode. Ordnance parts can be-attached under wing. The F-35B entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. The F-35 was first used in combat in 2018 by the Israeli Air Force. The U.S. plans to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044, which will represent the bulk of the crewed tactical airpower of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for several decades. Take a look at the F-35A in "Beast mode," with ordnance attached to all six of the weapons stations on the belly of the aircraft. The kits grey styrene parts (by Italeri) are conveyed on two large and one small sprue, all individually bagged. Parts are clear of flash and the fidelity of detail is quite nice. The surface details are finely rendered and scale appropriate. The plastic has a satin finish that’s perfect for receiving a coat of primer. Parts layout and engineering are conventional for modern-day jets suggesting this will be a straightforward build.Full-size color documentation is included to explain the depiction of RAM coatings, stencils and U.S. Air Force aircraft. Marking options cover aircraft with earlier (use of lighter gray around panel lines) and later (mostly dark gray) spec paint schemes. Parts are included to build up separate open and closed canopy units, which can then be swapped in and out after assembly. Choose from open or closed weapons bay covers and canopy (the latter is interchangeable), up or down flaps, and extended or retracted boarding ladder. The kit includes a pilot figure with HMD and ejection seat. This image shows parts unpainted with Tamiya panel line accent color applied.

The builder is directed to assemble the nicely detailed nozzle assembly next, which can be built pointed to the rear as if in flight or vectored downward as for take-off/landing. Two different sets of nozzle cover doors (for flight and landing) are provided. Dedicated open and closed canopy parts can be switched in and out after completion. They come molded with a tint to save a paint job.the F-35A conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft, the F-35B short take-off, vertical landing (STOVL), and the F-35C, with its larger wing and tail;