Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA3031
General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark Diecast Model
USAF 428th TFS, #66-0022, Takhli RTAB, Thailand, 1968 | |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark | | 12.25" | | 10.5" |
In early 1968, the Air Force decided to send a small detachment of F-111As to Southeast Asia under the "Combat Lancer" program. Six 428th TFS F-111As, accompanied by KC-135 tankers departed for Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base on 15 March 1968. The Detachment was attached to the F-105 Thunderchief-flying 355th Tactical Fighter Wing in what was officially seen as the first stage in replacement of the Wing's F-105s with the F-111A. F-111 combat operations began on 25 March using the aircraft's unique terrain following radar (TFR) capability to conduct surprise night deep interdiction strikes. By the end of the deployment, 55 night low-level missions had been flown against targets in North Vietnam, but three aircraft had been lost. Aircraft #66-0022, call sign Omaha 77, was lost on 28 March with the loss of the crew, Colonel Hank McCann and Captain Dennis Graham.
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. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F-111 Aardvark is a large model in this scale with many fine features, such as articulating swing wings with under-wing ordnance, configured with ball and socket mounts for secure and easy positioning. The large canopy is removable for easy viewing of the cockpit's interior and crew figures, and structural component details can be seen inside the main gear bay. The landing gear has been included as complete subassemblies for quick and easy configuration. Variants in this series include the early F-111A, the F-111C with longer wings and the EF-111A Raven with electronic warfare equipment bulge on top of the fin.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- 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.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
