"The F-35 program executive officer, has stated that the 'F-35 enjoys a significant Combat Loss Exchange Ratio advantage over the current and future air-to-air threats, to include Sukhois, which are currently being flown by the Russian, Indian, and Chinese Air Forces.'"
- Maj Gen Charles R. Davis, USAF, the F-35 program executive officer

The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-seat, single-engine, stealth-capable military strike fighter, a multirole aircraft that can perform close air support, tactical bombing, and air superiority fighter missions. The F-35 has three different models; one is the conventional takeoff and landing variant, the second is short takeoff and vertical-landing variant, and the third is a carrier-based variant.

The F-35 is descended from the X-35, the product of the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is being principally funded by the United States, with the United Kingdom, and other partner governments providing additional funding. It is being designed and built by an aerospace industry team led by Lockheed Martin with Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems as major partners. Demonstrator aircraft flew in 2000, with the first flight on December 15th, 2006.

The F-35A is the conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) variant intended for the USAF and other air forces. It is the smallest, lightest version and capable of 9 g, the highest of all variants.

Although the F-35A currently conducts aerial refueling via boom and receptacle method, the aircraft can be modified for probe-and-drogue refueling if needed by the customer. A drag chute pod can be installed on the F-35A, with the Royal Norwegian Air Force being the first operator to adopt it.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a USAF Lockheed-Martin F-35A Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter that was attached the 495th Fighter Squadron "The Valkyries", 48th Fighter Wing, then deployed to RAF Lakenheath, England, during December 2021. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-3/4-inches
Length: 8-1/2-inches

Release Date: February 2023

Historical Account: "The Valkyries" - The 495th Fighter Squadron (495th FS), nicknamed the Valkyries, is part of the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, United Kingdom. Having been reactivated on October 1st, 2021, it became the first overseas United States Air Force squadron to operate the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II on December 15th, 2021.

The unit had previously operated the General Dynamics F-111F Aardvark at RAF Lakenheath between 1977 and 1991.

On September 15th, 2020, it was announced that the 495th Fighter Squadron will be reactivated as part of the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath as the wing's first F-35A unit. The first aircraft are scheduled to arrive in late 2021. The 495th FS was reactivated on October 1st, 2021. The new squadron will consist of 27 aircraft and roughly 60 personnel. The Valkyries received their first four F-35As (19-5473, 19-5474, 19-5475 and 19-5476) on December 15th, 2021. They received their next three F-35As (19-5484, 19-5485 and 19-5486) on February 10th, 2022.