{"product_id":"acd12592","title":"Academy 1\/72 F-35B Lightning II USMC VMFA-242 Bats Model Kit – ACD12592","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAcademy 1\/72 F-35B Lightning II USMC VMFA-242 \"Bats\" Plastic Model Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuild one of the most advanced military aircraft in modern aviation with the \u003cstrong\u003eAcademy 1\/72 Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II USMC VMFA-242 \"Bats\" plastic model kit (ACD12592)\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAcademy F-35B Lightning II Model Kit Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/72 scale Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II stealth multirole fighter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAuthentic US Marine Corps VMFA-242 \"Bats\" aircraft markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed cockpit with multi-part ejection seat and instrument panel\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 150 gray plastic parts and two clear components\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely engraved panel lines and raised stealth aircraft surface details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChoice of conventional-flight or vertical-landing display configurations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed lift fan assembly with optional open configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDeflected engine exhaust nozzle for STOVL operations\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed internal engine ducting and propulsion components\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal weapons bays with optional open or closed doors\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed landing gear and wheel well assemblies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo AIM-120C AMRAAM air-to-air missiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTwo GBU-31(V)3 precision-guided bombs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFour GBU-38 precision-guided bombs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThree aircraft marking options for US Marine Corps and Japanese aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWaterslide decals and illustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eLockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDevelopment 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eF-35B Short Takeoff and Vertical Landing Capabilities\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eF-35B Lightning II\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIts distinctive STOVL capability is made possible by the aircraft's Pratt \u0026amp; 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdditional 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVMFA-242 \"Bats\" – United States Marine Corps\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMarine Fighter Attack Squadron 242 (VMFA-242), known as the \"Bats,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e is a United States Marine Corps aviation unit associated with Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVMFA-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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree Historical F-35B Aircraft Marking Options\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Academy F-35B Lightning II VMFA-242 \"Bats\" model kit includes waterslide decals representing three aircraft configurations from 2025:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSMC VMFA-242 \"Bats\" – 2025 Special Markings:\u003c\/strong\u003e A United States Marine Corps F-35B featuring distinctive squadron identification and special markings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUSMC VMFA-242 \"Bats\" – Izumo, 2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e A Marine Corps F-35B associated with operations involving the Japanese helicopter destroyer JS Izumo.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJapanese F-35B BX-1 – 2025:\u003c\/strong\u003e An early Japanese F-35B aircraft representing Japan's introduction of the STOVL Lightning II.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDetailed Internal Weapons Bays and Modern Aircraft Armament\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy'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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe included \u003cstrong\u003eAIM-9X Sidewinder\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eAIM-120C AMRAAM\u003c\/strong\u003e missiles represent the aircraft's air combat capabilities, while the \u003cstrong\u003eGBU-31(V)3\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eGBU-38\u003c\/strong\u003e bombs represent precision ground attack weapons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilders can use the supplied armament and configuration guidance to select an appropriate loadout for their finished model.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBuild a Detailed 1\/72 Scale Modern Stealth Fighter\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Academy F-35B Lightning II offers an engaging project for modelers interested in modern fighter jets, military technology, and United States Marine Corps aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft's distinctive stealth geometry, internal weapons bays, single-engine layout, and specialized vertical-lift system provide opportunities for detailed construction and careful finishing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModelers 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore additional modern fighter jets, historic military aircraft, bombers, and helicopters in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-airplane-helicopter-model-kits\"\u003eAcademy Airplane \u0026amp; Helicopter Model Kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Your Academy F-35B Lightning II Model Kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/paint\"\u003emodel paints and hobby painting supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover additional military aircraft, armored vehicles, naval ships, and specialty modeling projects in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-models\"\u003eAcademy Models collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or explore our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plastic-model-kits\"\u003eplastic model kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e at Fusion Scale Hobbies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50943461949696,"sku":"ACD12592","price":33.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/files\/ACD12592.jpg?v=1794245400","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/products\/acd12592","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}