Academy 1/72 F-35B Lightning II USMC VMFA-242 Bats Model Kit – ACD12592

Academy 1/72 F-35B Lightning II USMC VMFA-242 "Bats" Plastic Model Kit

Build one of the most advanced military aircraft in modern aviation with the Academy 1/72 Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II USMC VMFA-242 "Bats" plastic model kit (ACD12592). This detailed aircraft model recreates the short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the fifth-generation F-35 Lightning II, featuring the distinctive markings of United States Marine Corps Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242.

Academy's 1/72 scale F-35B captures the stealth fighter's unique airframe, advanced propulsion arrangement, internal weapons bays, and carefully designed low-observable exterior. With selectable conventional-flight and vertical-landing configurations, detailed cockpit components, modern aircraft weapons, and three marking options, this kit offers an excellent modeling project for enthusiasts of contemporary military aviation.

Academy F-35B Lightning II Model Kit Features

• 1/72 scale Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole fighter
• Authentic US Marine Corps VMFA-242 "Bats" aircraft markings
• Detailed cockpit with multi-part ejection seat and instrument panel
• Approximately 150 gray plastic parts and two clear components
• Finely engraved panel lines and raised stealth aircraft surface details
• Choice of conventional-flight or vertical-landing display configurations
• Detailed lift fan assembly with optional open configuration
• Deflected engine exhaust nozzle for STOVL operations
• Detailed internal engine ducting and propulsion components
• Internal weapons bays with optional open or closed doors
• Detailed landing gear and wheel well assemblies
• Two AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles
• Two AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles
• Two GBU-31(V)3 precision-guided bombs
• Four GBU-38 precision-guided bombs
• Three aircraft marking options for US Marine Corps and Japanese aircraft
• Waterslide decals and illustrated assembly instructions
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly

History of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation stealth multirole combat aircraft developed through the Joint Strike Fighter program. Designed to replace several earlier American and allied military aircraft, the F-35 combines low-observable technology, advanced sensors, electronic warfare capabilities, and precision-guided weapons in a single aircraft.

Development of the F-35 involved Lockheed Martin as the primary contractor, with major contributions from Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The program produced three principal versions: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A, the short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B, and the carrier-based F-35C.

Unlike traditional fourth-generation fighters, the F-35 was designed around integrated sensor systems and reduced radar visibility. Its sophisticated avionics help pilots gather and share information while conducting air-to-air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and other demanding missions.

F-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing Capabilities

The F-35B Lightning II was developed specifically for military organizations requiring advanced combat aircraft capable of operating from short runways, amphibious assault ships, and other locations without conventional fighter-length runways.

Its distinctive STOVL capability is made possible by the aircraft's Pratt & Whitney F135 propulsion system, a shaft-driven lift fan located behind the cockpit, and a three-bearing swivel exhaust nozzle that redirects engine thrust downward during vertical landing operations.

Additional roll-control systems help stabilize the aircraft during low-speed and vertical flight. These technologies allow the F-35B to combine supersonic performance and advanced stealth capabilities with operational flexibility previously associated with aircraft such as the AV-8B Harrier II.

Academy's model provides parts for depicting the aircraft in either a conventional-flight configuration or a vertical-landing configuration, allowing builders to highlight the F-35B's unusual propulsion arrangement.

VMFA-242 "Bats" – United States Marine Corps

Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242), known as the "Bats," is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit associated with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

The squadron previously operated the F/A-18D Hornet before transitioning to the F-35B Lightning II. This transition provided the unit with fifth-generation stealth capabilities and the flexibility to support Marine Corps expeditionary aviation operations.

VMFA-242's distinctive bat insignia and squadron markings make its aircraft particularly recognizable among modern US Marine Corps fighters. Academy's release features special 2025 markings associated with the squadron, offering an appealing subject for modelers interested in contemporary American military aviation in the Pacific region.

Three Historical F-35B Aircraft Marking Options

The Academy F-35B Lightning II VMFA-242 "Bats" model kit includes waterslide decals representing three aircraft configurations from 2025:

• USMC VMFA-242 "Bats" – 2025 Special Markings: A United States Marine Corps F-35B featuring distinctive squadron identification and special markings.
• USMC VMFA-242 "Bats" – Izumo, 2025: A Marine Corps F-35B associated with operations involving the Japanese helicopter destroyer JS Izumo.
• Japanese F-35B BX-1 – 2025: An early Japanese F-35B aircraft representing Japan's introduction of the STOVL Lightning II.

These options provide modelers with a choice between American Marine Corps aircraft and a Japanese F-35B, reflecting the aircraft's expanding operational role in the Pacific.

Detailed Internal Weapons Bays and Modern Aircraft Armament

One of the defining features of the F-35 Lightning II is its ability to carry weapons inside the fuselage, helping preserve the aircraft's low-observable characteristics during combat operations.

Academy's F-35B includes detailed internal weapons bays with optional open or closed doors. The model also provides a selection of modern air-to-air missiles and precision-guided bombs for different display configurations.

The included AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120C AMRAAM missiles represent the aircraft's air combat capabilities, while the GBU-31(V)3 and GBU-38 bombs represent precision ground attack weapons.

Builders can use the supplied armament and configuration guidance to select an appropriate loadout for their finished model.

Build a Detailed 1/72 Scale Modern Stealth Fighter

The Academy F-35B Lightning II offers an engaging project for modelers interested in modern fighter jets, military technology, and United States Marine Corps aviation.

The aircraft's distinctive stealth geometry, internal weapons bays, single-engine layout, and specialized vertical-lift system provide opportunities for detailed construction and careful finishing.

Modelers can recreate the characteristic F-35 Have Glass-style gray appearance using appropriate aircraft paints, subtle metallic tones, carefully applied panel detailing, and restrained weathering. The aircraft's radar-absorbent material patterns and angular exterior surfaces provide additional opportunities for realistic finishing.

The completed F-35B makes an excellent addition to a modern military aircraft collection alongside the AV-8B Harrier II, F/A-18 Hornet, F-22 Raptor, and other American combat aircraft.

Explore additional modern fighter jets, historic military aircraft, bombers, and helicopters in our Academy Airplane & Helicopter Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy F-35B Lightning II Model Kit

This plastic aircraft model kit requires assembly and painting. Model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For realistic modern USAF and USMC aircraft finishes, primers, metallic colors, clear coats, and weathering supplies, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional military aircraft, armored vehicles, naval ships, and specialty modeling projects in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.