F-35B Lightning II “VMFA-214” Die-Cast Model

Since the dawn of the 21st century, new stealth technologies and enhanced data-link have transformed air combat of modern day. Rising from this need to replace aging fleets of the Air Force, Navy, and Marines, who sought the aforementioned stealth and technological superiority, the Joint Strike Fighter competition would arise. Engaging in a hard-fought battle of rigorous test flights, cost overruns, and failures that would see the drawing board be turned upside down, Boeing and Lockheed Martin’s X-32 and the X-35 prototypes would enter the ring. Featuring vertical lift-off capabilities, stealth coatings, and advanced electronics, each one would show the best in engineering. At the conclusion, Lockheed’s traditional design and advanced stealth characteristics would take the prize, creating the foundation for the production F-35 Lightning II.

• Features engraved panel lines, pad printed decals, and accurate paint scheme, with antennas, reflective lights, and surface details carefully replicated.
• Includes deployed or retracted landing gear, opening canopy with pilot figurine, open or closed front lifting fan, two-position engine nozzle, and display stand to show the model in flight.
• Comes with full set of both internal and external weaponry in “Beast Mode” configuration, including AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and GBU-12 guided-bombs.
• Measures 8.25” in length with a 5.25” wingspan at 1:72 scale.
• Highly collectable and officially licensed model.

Lifting off as a prototype in October of 2000, the first production F-35 was flown and more than 15 years before the type was officially put into service. Just like its X-35 design predecessor, it maintained the three variants proposed by Lockheed, each with a unique layout to fit the branches of the United States and its international customers. First to be delivered, the F-35A was destined for the Air Force, with a conventional engine setup and no vertical capability, but it could carry the maximum weapons payload with a large amount of internal fuel. The F-35B, for the Marines, was the middle ground with its full vertical takeoff and landing capability, able to operate from almost any surface, but had the most limited weapons load of the three. Finally, the Navy’s F-35C had an 8-foot wider wing in order to carry more internal fuel while maintaining the same 18,000lb weapons payload as the F-35A. It would be fit for carrier duties with strengthened landing gear, tail hook, and airframe.

Transitioning from the AV-8B Harrier II to the F-35B Lighting II, the VMFA-214 “Black Sheep” have officially moved into the 5th generation of combat. Outfitted with the “Beast Mode” configuration that carries full external weaponry, this specific example known as “WE01” operates from MCAS Yuma in Arizona. Die-Cast version features a high-quality paint scheme, pad printed details, engraved panel lines, and surface detailing. Includes open or closed bays with internal and external weaponry, retracted or deployed landing gear, parts for both VTOL and STOL operation, and display stand to show the model in flight. Measures 8.25” in length with a 5.25” wingspan at 1:72 scale.