1:72 scale diecast model airplane from the Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series US37405. Douglas A-4M Skyhawk USN VF-126 Bandits, NAS Miramar, CA, 1992. Limited Edition.

Length 7 inches
Wingspan 5 inches

Features:
Diecast metal and plastic components.
Superior panel lines, antennas, access panels details.
Pad printed markings and placards.
Positionable landing gear with rotating wheels.
Poseable presentation stand to display aircraft as "in flight".
Limited edition with numbered certificate of authenticity.
Detailed pilot figure.


Fighter Squadron 126 (VF-126), the Pacific Fleet Adversary Squadron, was known as the "Bandits". Adversary operations involve friendly aircraft mimicking the tactics and characteristics of enemy forces to enhance the relevance of combat training. VF-126 started providing the adversary mission in April 1967 from Miramar. The Skyhawk was chosen as the bandit aircraft because of its maneuverability and smokeless trail, just like a MIG.

The Navy's West Coast adversary squadron, located at NAS Miramar in California, provided realistic air-to-air combat training to the Pacific Fleet's fighter and attack crews. With aircraft such as the F-5, VF-126 was able to simulate the air-to-air tactics and performance characteristics of Soviet fighters like the Vietnam era MiG-17 and MiG-21 and the more modern MiG-23. Fighter Squadron 126 conducts ground school, instrument flight training, and Out-of-Control flight training for F-14, F-4, and A-6 Fleet Replacement Pilots and NFO's as directed by COMNAVAIRPAC and higher authority. Flying the A-4 Skyhawk along with the T-2 Buckeye and eventually the F-16, it flew as an aggressor force alongside those of "Top Gun" and VFC-13 until financial restraints associated with the draw-down of forces led to the squadron being decomissioned in April 1994.