F9F-5 Panther US Navy, "MIG-15s Killer", Royce Williams, Nov 1952, 1:48, Hobby Master

Grumman F9F-5 Panther US Navy, "MIG-15s Killer" 125459, VF-781, flown by Royce Williams, November, 1952, 1:48, Hobby Master

The Grumman F9F Panther was one of the U.S. Navy's first carrier-based jet fighters and saw extensive combat during the Korean War. Rugged and dependable, it was armed with four 20 mm cannon and could carry bombs and rockets beneath its wings.
On 18 November 1952, Lieutenant Royce Williams launched from USS Oriskany in his F9F-5 Panther on a combat air patrol near the North Korean coast. Williams became engaged with a formation of seven MiG-15 fighters in an aerial battle lasting approximately 35 minutes.
During the engagement, Williams shot down four MiG-15s. His Panther was severely damaged and returned with virtually no ammunition and compromised hydraulic systems. Accounts of the engagement state that more than 260 holes were found in the aircraft. Williams nevertheless managed to land aboard USS Oriskany without injury.
Decades later, Williams received further recognition for the action when he was awarded the Navy Cross in January 2023. Hobby Master HA7210B reproduces the VF-781 Panther No. 125459 associated with this remarkable aerial engagement. 

Scale: 1:48
Approximate Length: 24.8 cm
Approximate Wingspan: 24.1 cm
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Original Reference: HA7210B
Aircraft: Grumman F9F-5 Panther
BuNo: 125459
Unit: VF-781 “Pacemakers”
Pilot: Lieutenant Royce Williams
Service: U.S. Navy
Aircraft Carrier: USS Oriskany (CV-34)
Period: Korean War
Date represented: November 1952
Limited Edition
Primarily diecast metal construction with some plastic components
Opening canopy
Pilot figure included
Landing gear can be displayed extended or retracted
Detachable ordnance
Display stand included
Factory assembled and painted
Recommended Age: 14 years and over