Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA5411 Northrop T-38A Talon Diecast Model USAF 1st RS, 9th RW, #65-10342, Beale AFB, CA, 2006. The 9th Reconnaissance Wing (9 RW) is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Air Combat Command and Sixteenth Air Force. It is stationed at Beale Air Force Base, California. The wing is also the host unit at Beale. Its mission is to organize, train and equip the Air Force’s fleet of U-2R Dragon Lady, RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft for peacetime intelligence gathering, contingency operations, conventional war fighting and Emergency War Order support. It is also assigned T-38 Talons for U-2 pilots to maintain flight hours. Designed as a supersonic jet trainer to replace the T-33, the T-38 was based on the F-5 Freedom Fighter airframe and was first flown on March 10th, 1959. The pressurized tandem-seat cockpit offers excellent visibility for both student and instructor and provides a comfortable training environment. Being both lightweight and nimble, the T-38 is used extensively to prepare military pilots for high performance jet aircraft and has earned the nickname “White Rocket”. The T-38 was famously flown by the USAF Thunderbirds air demonstration squadron during the 1970s and proved popular with NASA who use it as an astronaut trainer and chase-plane. 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. Presentation stand to display the aircraft “in flight”. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
