Hobby Master 1/72 HA6205 Lockheed Martin F-35C 169601, VMFA-314, US Marines, June 2019

The Lockheed F-35 is an advanced stealth fifth generation fighter combining speed and superb agility. There are three variants; F-35A, B and C. The F-35A CTOL (Conventional Take Off and Landing) and has four internal weapons stations in two weapons bays plus three optional external weapons stations. The F-35B STOVL (Short Take Off Vertical Landing) variant while the F-35C is a CV (Carrier Variant). The F-35 will replace the USAF A-10 and F-16, the F/A-18 for the USN and the F/A-18 and AV-8B Harrier for the USMC.

Created as VMF-314 in 1943 the squadron was known as the “Bob Cats”. In 1957 they became VMF(AW)-314 “Black Knights” but in 1961 they became VMFA-314 and were the first USMC unit to equip with the F-4B. 2019 saw the “Black Knights” begin to transition to the F-35C and once again were the first USMC unit to fly new aircraft types. F-35C 169601 was the first aircraft to receive VMFA-314 markings and was on display at Tinker AFB air show in June 2019. VMFA-314 makes it home at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California