New Arrival: Academy 1/72 F-35B Lightning II VMFA-242 “Bats”
The Academy 12592 F-35B Lightning II in 1/72 scale has just arrived! This new kit depicts the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the F-35 used by the U.S. Marine Corps, complete with markings for VMFA-242 “Bats,” one of the first operational squadrons to deploy the advanced fighter in the Pacific.
Historical context: The Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II is the world’s first supersonic stealth aircraft with vertical lift capability, designed for versatility across air, land, and sea operations. Its advanced avionics, radar-absorbing materials, and multi-role performance make it a cornerstone of modern military aviation. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 242, known as the “Bats,” operates from Iwakuni, Japan, and represents the cutting edge of U.S. Marine Corps air power in the Indo-Pacific region. The squadron’s F-35Bs combine stealth, agility, and advanced sensors, making them a key component of the modern U.S. defense posture.
Kit highlights:
- 1/72 scale plastic model of the F-35B Lightning II (STOVL variant).
- Includes accurate VMFA-242 “Bats” squadron markings.
- Detailed cockpit, weapons bay, and lift-fan assembly.
- Optional display with landing gear deployed or in flight mode.
- Academy’s crisp molding and precise fit for an advanced yet approachable build.
Purchase the Academy 12592 F-35B Lightning II VMFA-242 “Bats” (1/72) here.
Available now from Historia Emporium – The History Store, your destination for modern and historical scale model kits, at greathistorygifts.com.
