1/72 F-32A JSF

Gallery Article by Alvis 3.1

Silly Week 2007

 

Winning the JSF competition, the Boeing X-32 became the F-32 upon entering service. Seen here is the US Navy variant, the F-32A aboard the USS William J Clinton, first of the new Fast Deployment CVNs, in the markings of VFA-22, the Fighting Redcocks. 

While ungainly and decidedly odd looking, the F-32As have run up an impressive record. Their characteristic gaping mouthlike intake has been a hazard on flight decks however, having swallowed sailors upon more than once.

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The F-32A has a variety of names, ranging from the official "Manta" to the unofficial "Guppy", or "Dub-U" (Double Ugly).  One of the more common ones is "Monica", apparently in respect for a character of an old sitcom.  Apparently, since whenever a crewmember is asked why "Monica" was chosen, they double over in laughter...

The kit used was the 1/72 scale Italeri X-32, with aftermarket and custom inkjet decals. Twin nose wheels were added, as was the tailhook. Inspiration was the "discussions" online several months ago about the naming of Nimitz Class carriers...

Alvis 3.1

Photos and text © by Alvis 3.1