Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II 495th FS “Valkyries” 2021, 1:72 Scale Diecast Model

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole fighters. The fifth-generation combat aircraft is designed to perform ground-attack and air-superiority missions. It has three main models: the F-35A conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant, the F-35B short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) variant, and the F-35C carrier-based catapult-assisted take-off but arrested recovery (CATOBAR) variant.

The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) variant intended for the U.S. Air Force and other air forces. It is the smallest, lightest F-35 version and is the only variant equipped with an internal cannon, the GAU-22/A. This 25 mm cannon is a development of the GAU-12 carried by the USMC's AV-8B Harrier II. It is designed for increased effectiveness against ground targets compared to the 20 mm M61 Vulcan cannon carried by other USAF fighters.

The F-35A is expected to match the F-16 in maneuverability and instantaneous high-g performance, and outperform it in stealth, payload, range on internal fuel, avionics, operational effectiveness, supportability, and survivability The A variant is primarily intended to replace the USAF's F-16 Fighting Falcon. At one point it was also intended to replace the A-10 Thunderbolt II starting in 2028.

The first four USAF F-35A Lightning IIs arrived at RAF Lakenheath on December 15, 2021. These aircraft were 19-5473, 74, 75 and 76 with 3 more F-35As arriving two months later to the 48th FW “The Statue of Liberty Wing”. After some debate over a name for the 495th FS, in mid February the name “Valkyries” was chosen. “Valkyries” were Norse mythology female figures who decided who lived or die in battle. The 495th FS motto: 'Mala Ipsa Nova' means 'Bad News Itself' along with “Valkyries” is a very menacing combination.