Finally, it has arrived! The F-35A Lightning II (Revell Shop-Link) is not only impressive as a state-of-the-art multirole combat aircraft, but also as a model kit that, as our latest new tool, sets new standards in terms of detail, technology, and building options. For you as model builders, this kit offers the opportunity to experience a true piece of modern aviation history in your own scale and to take your craftsmanship to a new level.
The Fascination of the F-35A Lightning II
The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II is the result of the Joint Strike Fighter program and is considered one of the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world. Its distinctive stealth design ensures that it remains almost invisible to enemy radar. The corresponding paint job for the model is a fine challenge, although it can be mastered excellently with our paints.
With a length of over 15 meters, a wingspan of almost 11 meters, and a maximum payload of more than eight tons, it combines power, versatility, and cutting-edge technology in a single aircraft. The F-35A is the conventional takeoff and landing variant and is used by the US Air Force as well as numerous air forces worldwide. Its powerful engine delivers over 177,000 Newtons of thrust and enables a top speed of almost 2,000 kilometers per hour. The range of more than 2,000 kilometers makes it a true long-range fighter that can be deployed in a wide variety of missions.
Model Building with Ambition and Attention to Detail
The F-35A Lightning II model kit is aimed at experienced model builders from level 4 upwards who value precision and technical sophistication. With over 140 individual parts, finely detailed fuselage and wing sections, and a variety of authentic armament options, the assembly becomes a real experience. Even when opening the box, you notice how well thought out the construction is. The multi-part landing gear, the realistically replicated weapon bays, and the high-quality decals allow you to recreate the model in different versions. Particularly successful is the possibility to present the F-35A in different configurations, for example in stealth mode with closed weapon bays, as an air superiority fighter with air-to-air missiles, or in the so-called Beast Mode with full external load. This flexibility makes the kit a real highlight in any collection. 
The assembly instructions guide you step by step through the build and provide helpful tips for painting and assembly. Particularly exciting is the construction of the detailed cockpit, which in the original is equipped with modern instruments and a helmet display. Here you can fully develop your skills in painting and weathering and give the model an individual touch. The landing gear bays and the engine are also elaborately designed and offer plenty of room for creative details.
Technical Highlights and Innovations
The F-35A Lightning II is a prime example of modern aviation technology. Its stealth design is based on special materials and a sophisticated shape that drastically reduces the radar signature. Most of the armament is carried in internal weapon bays, which further enhances the stealth characteristics. In the so-called Beast Mode, however, the F-35A can also carry bombs and missiles on external pylons. During an exercise of the Royal Australian Air Force, this configuration was impressively demonstrated when two F-35A aircraft took off with full external load and dropped their bombs on a firing range.
This versatility makes the F-35A a true all-rounder that can be flexibly adapted to different mission scenarios.
The cockpit of the F-35A is fully digitalized and equipped with the latest displays. Particularly impressive is the helmet-mounted display, which projects all flight data directly into the pilot’s field of vision (a pilot figure is also included in the kit). This allows the pilot to focus fully on the mission and always have an overview of the operational situation. The F-35A is also equipped with a powerful sensor suite that enables comprehensive situational awareness and target tracking. Networked data links ensure that the aircraft can be seamlessly integrated into modern task forces and exchange information in real time.
Historic Missions and Impressive Stories
Since its introduction, the F-35A Lightning II has achieved numerous milestones. In 2025, the worldwide fleet surpassed the mark of 1,000,000 flight hours. This figure not only underscores the reliability of the system but also the enormous trust that air forces worldwide place in this jet. The F-35A is now in service in more than a dozen countries, replacing older types such as the F-16 Fighting Falcon or the F/A-18 Hornet. Particularly noteworthy is the international cooperation within the framework of the Joint Strike Fighter program, which enables numerous partners to benefit from the technical innovations of the F-35A.
The F-35A also regularly attracts attention at airshows. Its spectacular flight maneuvers and impressive acceleration delight not only experts but also the public. Test pilots repeatedly report the extraordinary agility and performance of the jet, which operates reliably even under demanding conditions. In Australia, the F-35A was used in Beast Mode during Exercise Arnhem Thunder to demonstrate its maximum firepower. Such missions impressively show how versatile and powerful the Lightning II is.
Model Building as an Experience
Building the F-35A Lightning II as a model is much more than just assembling parts. You immerse yourself in the world of state-of-the-art aviation technology and experience first-hand how much know-how and precision is in this aircraft. The numerous building options allow you to tell your own story, whether it is a German Air Force aircraft, a version of the Royal Air Force, or the Dutch variant. The included decals and the detailed assembly instructions give you every freedom to customize your model.
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Figure 1: CAD renderings of the F-35 kit with weaponry
- Multi-part, precisely manufactured fuselage
- Highly precise multi-part landing gear
- FOD covers
- Pilot ladder
- Pilot figure
- Various weapons (JDAM, Paveway II, Sidewinder & AIM-120)
- High-quality decals for the following versions:
- 19-5495, Flagship of the 495th Fighter Squadron Valkyries, 48th Fighter Wing, USAF
- RAF Lakenheath, UK – Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, 35+01
- Tactical Air Force Wing 33, German Air Force, Büchel Air Base, Germany
- F-026, 313 Squadron, Royal Netherlands Air Force/Koninklijke Luchtmacht, Volkel Air Base
- Detailed, easy-to-understand assembly instructions
The ability to recreate the various armament configurations is particularly appealing. You can present the F-35A in the stealthy clean look, with open weapon bays and visible internal armament, or with full external load in Beast Mode. Each of these variants has its own appeal and presents different challenges for assembly and painting. The realistically replicated RAM surfaces, the fine engravings, and the delicate details in the cockpit ensure that your model is convincing not only visually but also technically.
Tips for Your Build
For the assembly of the F-35A, it is recommended to pay particular attention to the fit of the parts and to carefully prepare each construction step. Painting plays a central role in this model, as the special stealth coatings and characteristic color gradients create the typical look of the Lightning II. With matte or semi-matte clear varnish, you can achieve an especially realistic finish. If you enjoy weathering, you can highlight the structures and give the model even more depth with targeted washes and dry brushing techniques. 
The presentation in the showcase can also be individually designed. Whether with extended landing gear, open weapon bays, or in a dynamic flight pose, the F-35A cuts a fine figure in every variant. For even more authenticity, you can add extra details such as maintenance personnel, ground vehicles, or diorama elements to create a small scene around the aircraft.
A Model for the Future
With the F-35A Lightning II, you are bringing not only a modern combat aircraft into your home but also a symbol of technical innovation and international cooperation. The model kit impresses with its versatility, high level of detail, and numerous building options. When building and later viewing it, you experience how much fascination and history is contained in this aircraft.
If you are looking for a demanding model building project that offers you technical know-how, creativity, and a real piece of aviation history, then the F-35A Lightning II is the perfect choice. Let yourself be inspired by the technology, the stories, and the versatility of this jet and make your next model building project a real highlight in your collection.
Inspiration for Your Build
Find out everything about the original here:
Presentation by DeLan
Kit review by Model Nerd
Presentation by Garys Stuff