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,

to the point where modern day aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor are often called "fifth generation" fighters; 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-35 is a family of single-engine, supersonic, stealth multirole fighters. The second fifth generation fighter to enter US service and the first operational supersonic STOVL stealth fighter, the F-35 emphasizes low observables, advanced avionics, and sensor fusion that enable a high level of situational awareness and long range lethality. The USAF considers the aircraft its primary strike fighter for conducting suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) missions, owing to the advanced sensors and mission systems. 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.

Tamiya | No. 60792 | 1:72

The kit layout is simple and straightforward with no apparent issues laying in wait. There’s no flash to contend with and detail abounds in areas like the internal bomb bay, ordinance, and wheel wells. The option to build the airframe configured for flight or take-off/landing will make a lot of builders very happy. Ditto that for the decal sheet, which is crisply printed with an abundance of airframe details that will look very convincing when complete. Highly recommended!

to see images of an assembled prototype of the model and an overview of the sprues included in the kit. 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.

Comes with nine marking options - U.S. Air Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force, Royal Norwegian Air Force, Royal Danish Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Israeli Air Force, Italian Air Force, Republic of Korea Air Force, and Royal Netherlands Air Force. (Also, drag chute fairing component is-included only for the Royal Norwegian Air Force.) 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. Parts are included for the recreation of AIM-9X and AIM-120C missiles, plus GBU-12 and GBU-31 JDAM bombs.

After completing the internal bomb bay the builder is directed to assemble the wing hard points (3 per side) and the associated ordinance, which includes four GBU-12 Paveway II guided bombs and two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles. As with the AIM-120 missiles, detailed painting and decalling instructions are provided. The kit includes a pilot figure with HMD and ejection seat. This image shows parts unpainted with Tamiya panel line accent color applied. Aircraft and ordnance parts are a product of Italeri. This plastic model kit requires paint and glue to complete.across these three variants, the F-35 can accomplish various missions without impacting upon its observability and exemplary maneueverability. Parts are included to recreate ordnance such as AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, plus a missile troley. The clear parts are molded in a bronze-brown colored plastic that is crystal clear with scale appropriate framing. The canopy, which hinges forward, can be posed open or closed.