{"product_id":"hobby-master-ha1424-1-72-douglas-a-4c-skyhawk-us-navy-va-94-shrikes-ng401-uss-enterprise-1960s","title":"Hobby Master HA1424 1:72 Douglas A-4C Skyhawk US Navy VA-94 Shrikes NG401 USS Enterprise 1960s","description":"\u003ch5\u003eDescription\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a United States Navy Douglas A-4C Skyhawk operated by VA-94 “Shrikes” aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise during the 1960s.\u003c\/strong\u003e Released as part of the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA1424 depicts Skyhawk BuNo. 147681 carrying the tactical marking “NG401”.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAttack Squadron 94 developed a long association with the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk and operated the compact carrier-based attack aircraft during an important period of United States naval aviation. Known as the “Shrikes”, the squadron deployed aboard USS Enterprise and used the A-4C for light attack, strike and fleet-support duties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAircraft 147681 was produced as part of the second batch of A-4C Skyhawks constructed during 1960. It initially served with VA-192 “World Famous Golden Dragons” before being assigned to Headquarters and Maintenance Squadron Fifteen at El Toro, California. The aircraft later joined VA-94 and became the squadron commanding officer’s aircraft, carrying the individual number NG401.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe model recreates the high-visibility United States Navy finish of the period, combining light grey upper surfaces with a white underside. Large NAVY lettering, prominent national insignia, bright red warning markings and the NG tail code contrast with the otherwise restrained finish, while the number 401 is displayed prominently on the nose.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned as a lightweight replacement for the propeller-driven Douglas AD Skyraider, the A-4 Skyhawk first flew in 1954. Its compact dimensions, delta wing and comparatively simple construction allowed it to operate effectively from aircraft carriers without requiring folding wings. Despite its small size, the Skyhawk could carry a substantial external weapons load and became widely respected for its agility and reliability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe A-4C incorporated improved avionics and radar equipment over earlier Skyhawk variants, allowing the aircraft to undertake a wider range of operational missions. The type served extensively with the United States Navy and Marine Corps and remained in use for several decades as a strike aircraft, aggressor platform and advanced trainer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis Hobby Master release is particularly appealing to collectors of United States Navy aviation, carrier aircraft and early Skyhawk variants. The model features extensive diecast construction, an opening cockpit canopy with detailed instrumentation, control column and pilot seat. Further features include twin 20 mm cannon, a refuelling probe, wing-mounted stores, detailed landing gear and the original Hobby Master presentation display stand.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFact Sheet\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tcv-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hobby Master\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air Power Series\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel code:\u003c\/strong\u003e HA1424\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e Douglas A-4C Skyhawk\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBureau Number:\u003c\/strong\u003e 147681\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTactical Markings:\u003c\/strong\u003e NG401\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnit:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States Navy VA-94 “Shrikes”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCarrier:\u003c\/strong\u003e USS Enterprise\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carrier-based light attack aircraft\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate\/Period:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1960s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOperator \/ Country:\u003c\/strong\u003e United States Navy \/ United States\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScale:\u003c\/strong\u003e 1:72\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRange:\u003c\/strong\u003e Air Power Series\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Features:\u003c\/strong\u003e Authentic VA-94 Shrikes markings, NG401 tactical code, high-visibility United States Navy finish, detailed cockpit instrumentation, opening canopy, twin 20 mm cannon, in-flight refuelling probe, wing-mounted stores, detailed landing gear and original presentation display stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eModel Dimensions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"tcv-facts\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.75\" or 17.1 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWidth (Wingspan):\u003c\/strong\u003e 4.75\" or 12.1 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch5\u003eCondition\u003c\/h5\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eModel Condition - Excellent (8\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eModel is in excellent condition overall and comes complete.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome marks and paint bubbling are present, as shown clearly in the images.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDespite the noted imperfections, the model still displays very well.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBox condition - Excellent (8\/10)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBox is in excellent condition overall.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSome general wear is present around the edges and corners.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhotographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eAny imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57707797447038,"sku":null,"price":110.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0773\/4640\/6704\/files\/hobby-master-ha1424-172-douglas-a-4c-skyhawk-us-navy-va-94-shrikes-ng401-uss-enterprise-1960s-2981539.jpg?v=1784654913","url":"https:\/\/www.thecollectablesvault.com\/products\/hobby-master-ha1424-1-72-douglas-a-4c-skyhawk-us-navy-va-94-shrikes-ng401-uss-enterprise-1960s","provider":"The Collectables Vault","version":"1.0","type":"link"}