{"product_id":"lockheed-alpha-jet-aircraft-vtx-ts-competition-united-states-navy-military-series-1-72-diecast-model-airplane-by-herpa","title":"Lockheed Alpha Jet Aircraft 'VTX-TS Competition' United States Navy 'Military' Series 1\/72 Diecast Model Airplane by Herpa","description":"\u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eBrand new 1\/72 scale diecast airplane model of Lockheed Alpha Jet Aircraft 'VTX-TS Competition' United States Navy 'Military' Series die cast model by Herpa.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eBrand new box.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDetailed exterior.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eTrue-to-scale detail.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIncludes landing gear.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eComes with a display stand.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThis model does not have any openings.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eManufacturer's original unopened packaging.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eMade of diecast metal with some plastic parts.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDimensions approximately L-6.5 -  Wingspan-5 inches.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDiecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy -  realistic feel.\u003c\/li\u003e \u003c\/ul\u003e HISTORY ASPECTS:In 1978 the United States Navy started the VTX-TS advanced trainer program -  seeking a replacement for both the T-2 Buckeye and TA-4 Skyhawk trainers. Dassault and Dornier teamed up with Lockheed to offer a 'navalized' version of the then brand new Alpha Jet. The required modifications were minor -  including US-sourced avionics and strengthened landing gear for operation from aircraft carriers.In September 1980 -  Alpha Jet A58 was ferried to the United States and undertook a tour to several Naval Air Stations -  being flown and evaluated by more than 70 Navy and Air Force instructor pilots on various sorties. Despite praise from pilots and ground crews for its flight characteristics -  low fuel consumption and ease of maintenance -  the twin-engine Alpha Jet ultimately lost out to the single-engine T-45 Goshawk -  proposed by British Aerospace and produced under license by McDonnell Douglas. Despite not being awarded the contract -  the nascent Alpha Jet proved its capabilities early on.Looking back at 50 years of the Alpha Jet -  the VIX-TS competition remains an interesting chapter in the long career of the Franco-German trainer and light attack aircraft.","brand":"Herpa","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67689093824690,"sku":"DDS-HE580861","price":134.35,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0792\/4927\/7106\/files\/HE580681-1__29688.jpg?v=1791883420","url":"https:\/\/vroomvroom.toys\/products\/lockheed-alpha-jet-aircraft-vtx-ts-competition-united-states-navy-military-series-1-72-diecast-model-airplane-by-herpa","provider":"The VroomVroom Toy Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}