1/72 F-111A Aardvark early 1970s

Hobby Master 1/72 F-111A Aardvark, early 1970s 67-0067, 429th TFS/474th TFW, Thailand

The 474th TFW was the first operational wing to be equipped with the F-111. In early 1968 the USAF sent a small number of F-111s to South East Asia where 3 aircraft were lost. The losses were the result of structural defects. The defects were corrected and replacement aircraft were sent with 67-0067 and 67-0062 arriving on October 23, 1970 with others to follow. F-111 67-0067 can be seen on display at the "National Museum of the USAF" at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio painted in 428th TFS.

Designed to meet the combined requirements of the US Air Force and the US Navy, the F-111 Aardvark was first flown on December 21, 1964. Several versions of the F-111 were developed, but the Navy canceled its version in 1968 leaving the Air Force the F-111's sole US operator. The Aardvark was well ahead of its time, pioneering such technologies as terrain following radar, afterburning turbofans and variable sweep wings. Though it was originally conceived as a multi-role fighter, it was better suited to a role as a long-range attack aircraft. It was armed with air-to surface ordnance and was equipped to carry free-fall nuclear weapons.

Features:
- Scale 1:72
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight"
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads