Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA4618 LockheedF-35B Lightning II "Operation Achillean" ZM159/025, 617 Sqn., HMS Queen Elizabeth, Nov 2022 (Beast Mode). 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 5.75" Wingspan, 8.5" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions. It is also able to provide electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing F-35A (CTOL), the short take-off and vertical-landing F-35B (STOVL), and the carrier-based F-35C (CV/CATOBAR). Primary Role: Stealth Multirole Fighter.

The British forces took part in “Operation Achillean” as a multi-unit deployment that operated from the North Sea to the Mediterranean to show the strong bonds they have with NATO. The Royal Navy portion consisted of nine warships including HMS Queen Elizabeth with No. 617 “Dam Busters” onboard. The 617 was reformed in preparation to fly the F-35. One of the aircraft was F-35B ZM159/025 c/n 2BK.0025 U.S. serial 169931 that began flight testing in the U.S. in October 2021 and joined 617 Squadron February 15, 2022.