{"product_id":"academy-172-12592-usmc-f-35b-lightning-ll-vmfa-242-bats","title":"Academy 1\/72 12592 USMC F-35B LIGHTNING ll VMFA-242 Bats","description":"\u003cdiv align=\"center\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/academypm.cafe24.com\/01_plastic_model\/01_aircraft\/12592_USMC_F-35B_VMFA-242Bats_eng.jpg\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eUS Marines F-35B Lightning II VMFA-242 “Bats” Fighter Aircraft \u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 1\/72 Academy Scale Model F-35B Lightning II kit depicts the STOVL (short take-off and vertical landing) variant of the modern multirole stealth fighter. Operated by the United States Marine Corps and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the F-35B is capable of flying from carriers and amphibious assault ships, combining stealth, versatility, and advanced combat systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II is the world’s first operational supersonic stealth fighter with vertical landing capability. Designed for expeditionary operations, it allows forces to project air power from carriers and forward bases with limited runways. VMFA-242 “Bats” was one of the first USMC squadrons to deploy the F-35B in the Pacific, working alongside Japan’s retrofitted Izumo-class carriers. Since 2025, this partnership has demonstrated the strategic importance of the F-35B in regional defence. With cutting-edge sensors, advanced avionics, and multi-role capability, the F-35B continues to strengthen allied air power in modern conflicts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFeatures\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/72 scale plastic model kit\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFeatures detailed cockpit, weapons bay, and landing gear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes lift fan housing for STOVL configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccurate surface panel lines and stealth contours\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecals for USMC VMFA-242 “Bats” and JMSDF Izumo-based aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis is a plastic model assembly kit; it requires paint and glue to complete.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eYou can choose from many brands of\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eplastic cement\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eand\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eacrylic or enamel paints\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eavailable in-store or online.\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBasic\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ecraft tools\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eare highly recommended for a smoother, more enjoyable build \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\n\u003cb\u003eSide‑cutters\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efor removing parts from sprues\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eA\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003esharp hobby knife\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efor trimming and cleaning edges\u003co:p\u003e\u003c\/o:p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eHelpful extras for beginners:\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eTweezers\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003efor handling small parts\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eSanding sticks, files, or sandpaper\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e(various grits) for smoothing surfaces\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ePlastic putty or filler\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto fix small gaps or imperfections\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eCutting mat\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto protect your workspace\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ePaint brushes\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ein a few sizes, or\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ebasic airbrush\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eif you want to level up later\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003ePrimer\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eto help paint adhere and show imperfections before paintingAlways follow the kit instructions step by step, test‑fit parts before gluing, and take your time — modelling is meant to be relaxing and fun.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48083987235042,"sku":"12592","price":89.9,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0353\/3769\/9460\/files\/202ffea556b227819938129ee160a3f4.jpg?v=1784790399","url":"https:\/\/franktonmodels.co.nz\/products\/academy-172-12592-usmc-f-35b-lightning-ll-vmfa-242-bats","provider":"Frankton Model Shop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}