Monthly Archives: March 2024

Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA3029 General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark Diecast Model USAF 509th BW, 393rd BS, #68-0247, Kleine Brogel AB, Belgium, NATO Tiger Meet 1978. General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark. 68-027 FB-111A was built in 1968 as C/N B1-19. In 1978 the NTM (NATO Tiger Meet) was to be held at Kleine Brogel, Belgium so 68-0247 that was assigned to the 509BW/393BS based at Pease AFB was sent to take part. In 1989 SACs F-111s were being replaced by B-1B bombers so F-111As were converted to F-111Gs. Some F-111Gs were spared from the Bone Yard and sent to the RAAF while the rest went to AMARC. In 1993 68-0247 was the USAF’s last flying F-111G to arrive there with 5,490 flight hours. 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. 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. Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series. 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.