Australian F-111C Pig, 1/48 - Hobby Boss 80349

The Hobby Boss 80349 reproduces the General Dynamics F-111C “Pig” of the Royal Australian Air Force at 1/48. This injection-molded plastic kit to be assembled depicts the Australian version of the famous variable-geometry F-111, a twin-engine, two-seat strike aircraft whose silhouette is notably defined by its long fuselage and its variable-sweep wings.

The Australian F-111C “Pig”

The F-111C was developed to meet the needs of the Royal Australian Air Force. Nicknamed “Pig” in Australia, it served with the RAAF starting in 1973 and remained for several decades a major part of its long-range strike capability. Its variable-sweep wings allowed the sweep angle to be adjusted for different phases of flight, a technical feature that makes it a particularly attractive subject for scale aircraft modeling.

A 1/48 scale replica

The reference 80349 is an injection-molded plastic kit in 1/48 scale. At this scale, the assembled model measures approximately 483.6 mm in length. The wingspan varies from 436 mm with the wings extended to 215 mm with the wings swept back. The kit includes 541 parts, spread across 19 sprues, with the fuselage halves and four tires.

The model allows you to display the cockpit canopy in the open or closed position. The wing sweep can be adjusted, and the flaps feature optional positions, offering multiple display possibilities on a shelf, a stand, or in a basic air base diorama.

Decals included

The decal sheet allows you to build two F-111C aircraft of the Royal Australian Air Force:

• F-111C A8-131, “30 years!” scheme ;
• F-111C A8-127.

Assembly and finishing

As with any 1/48 aircraft model kit, careful preparation of the parts before gluing helps achieve a clean assembly. Applying a suitable primer then makes it easier to check seams and prepares the surface for painting. The wing, flap, and canopy configuration can be chosen before the final finishing phase in order to match the desired presentation result.

Paint and glue are not included. Precise cutting tools, glue for plastic models, fine abrasive paper, primer, and setting products for decals are useful additions for assembly and decoration.

Technical characteristics

• Brand : Hobby Boss
• Reference : 80349
• Type : static assembly aircraft model
• Subject : Australian F-111C “Pig”
• Scale : 1/48
• Material : injection-molded plastic
• Number of parts : 541
• Length when assembled : 483.6 mm
• Wingspan : 436 mm wings extended ; 215 mm wings at maximum sweep
• Options : open or closed canopy, variable wing position, flaps in optional positions
• Decals : two Royal Australian Air Force aircraft