Afterburner Decals 1/48 F-111F Lakenheath Varks Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2009 | Manufacturer | Afterburner Decals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | F-111F Lakenheath Varks | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48054 | Pros | 14 distinctive F-111Fs from the 48th TFW |
| Cons | Nothing noted | Skill Level | Novice |
| MSRP (USD) | Out of Production |
First Look
Afterburner Decals continues to turn out some impressive decal releases covering contemporary US subjects and this latest set is definitely no exception. This release covers an interesting cross-section of F-111Fs out of RAF Lakenheath, the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing. This unit had the distinction of paying a 'diplomatic' visit to Libya 1986 delivering a significant array of laser-guided bombs onto high value targets. This action was in response to Libya's support of terrorism and a specific bombing in Berlin prior to this raid. Under the banner of Operation El Dorado Canyon, the USAFE F-111Fs struck key targets in conjunction with US Navy airstrikes.
The 48th TFW also had the distinction of delivering the greatest number of laser-guided bombs into Iraq during Operation Desert Storm. While the F-15E Strike Eagle was present in the conflict, the F-111F did the majority of the precision strikes during that conflict using its PAVE TACK tracking/designator pod.
This decal set provides a nice operational cross-section of aircraft from all four squadrons as well as the commanders' mounts. The examples presented here include:
- F-111F, 72-1448, 48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, Aug 1991, Wing CC's aircraft
- F-111F, 70-2390, 48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, Nov 1991, Wing CC's aircraft
- F-111F, 71-0884, 492 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991, Squadron CC's aircraft
- F-111F, 70-2403, 493 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991, Squadron CC's aircraft
- F-111F, 74-0178, 494 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1992, Squadron CC's aircraft
- F-111F, 70-2391, 495 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991, Squadron CC's aircraft
- F-111F, 70-2364, 494 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991
- F-111F, 70-2370, 494 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991
- F-111F, 70-2386, 493 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1984
- F-111F, 70-2387, 494 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991
- F-111F, 70-2413, 492 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991
- F-111F, 71-0892, 494 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991
- F-111F, 72-1451, 493 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1991
- F-111F, 72-1450, 494 TFS/48 TFW, RAF Lakenheath, 1992
This set provides two complete set of maintenance stencils and markings to replicate two aircraft, and what a nice selection to choose from!
My sincere thanks to Afterburner Decals for this review sample!