Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA3032 General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark Diecast Model USAF 347th TFW, 430th TFS, #67-0094 Gunboat Killer, Korat RTAB, Thailand, 1975. General Dynamics F-111A Aardvark. The poor weather common over North Vietnam prevented visual bombing by USAF fighters and while B-52s could bomb through clouds, they were not used around Hanoi for political and military reasons. The revolutionary “swing-wing” F-111A offered the answer. Its sophisticated terrain-following radar automatically flew the aircraft at a very low level, even over hills and mountains. The F-111A’s advanced attack radar provided excellent bombing accuracy. In May 1975, Cambodian communists hijacked the SS Mayaguez. 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.