Hasegawa 02398 F-35 Lightning II (B Version) 1/72 – Plastic model airplane kit

The Hasegawa 02398 F-35 Lightning II (B Version) plastic model kit in 1/72 scale is a faithful miniature of one of the most advanced multirole jet fighters in the world. The kit depicts the B version of the F-35 Lightning II, distinguished by its unique Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) capability, making it extremely versatile on the modern battlefield.

The model is dedicated to the authentic aircraft used by the United States Marine Corps (USMC) – VMFA-242 squadron – during the historic take-off and landing test aboard the Japanese aircraft carrier Izumo. It is an excellent choice for collectors of modern military aviation and for enthusiasts of aircraft models representing current operations and military demonstrations. The situation recreated in the model took place in 2021, emphasizing the contemporary character of this machine and its significance for US-Japan cooperation during the "Cold War 2.0" era and ongoing asymmetric conflicts.

The F-35B Lightning II is a fifth-generation aircraft designed by Lockheed Martin for the armed forces of the United States, the United Kingdom, and JSF program partners. The B version – operated mainly by the USMC, Royal Navy, and Italian Navy – introduces a revolution with its ability for vertical take-off and landing on short runways or ship decks, significantly increasing the operational flexibility of air units. The F-35B has been in service since 2015 and belongs to the category of aircraft used in modern times.

• Scale: 1/72
• User country: United States (USMC), Japan – test scene on Izumo
• Service period: Modern times (since 2015)
• Material: high-quality plastic
• Kit contents: plastic sprues, clear cockpit canopy, decals for choosing the version from the JS Izumo test
• Does not include glue or paints
• Category: plastic model kit

The Hasegawa 02398 F-35 Lightning II (B Version) 1/72 model is recommended for intermediate modelers and collectors of modern military designs. Detailed construction features and realistic decals allow for a true-to-original replication. We rate the build difficulty as 3/5 – the set contains small, precise parts that require basic experience in plastic modeling.

This is an ideal choice for fans of modern aviation, people interested in USMC equipment, and anyone who wants to recreate a unique historical event in their collection.