Skybusters thumbnail 1
Skybusters thumbnail 2
Not currently on display at the V&A

Skybusters

Stealth Jet
1989 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Using camouflage to hide from the enemy is a long-held tactic of warfare. In recent years, military vehicles have used stealth technology. Stealth fighter jets and destroyer ships have a multi-faceted covering that is invisible to radar. As such they can appear hidden, allowing them to approach or attack the enemy unseen.

This die-cast SB-36 Lockheed F-117A Stealth jet was produced in the late 1980s by Matchbox, allowing children to play with their very own secret weapon.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Toy Model Plane
  • Box
Titles
  • Skybusters (named collection)
  • SB-36 Lockheed F-117A Stealth (manufacturer's title)
Materials and techniques
Brief description
Boxed Matchbox Skybuster SB-36 Lockheed F-117A Stealth jet, made in Thailand, 1989
Physical description
The die-cast metal body of the stealth jet is painted dark grey. The jet has wheels underneath the main body which are dark in colour. The letters 'USAF' are painted on the right wing of the plane, and a star emblem is painted on the left.

The packaging consists of a blue cardboard box with a clear plastic window, allowing the user to see the product inside. The box has a square pattern with red and yellow borders surrounding the clear window. Inside the box there is a photograph of clouds and sky in order for this to be the backdrop to the stealth jet when it is inside the packagaing. Ont he back of the box there are five examples of other Matchbox Skybusters, from a fire service seaplane, to an Air France Concorde.
Dimensions
  • Model plane width: 9.5cm
  • Model plane length: 10cm
  • Model plane height: 3.5cm
  • Box width: 10cm
  • Box (without hanging section) height: 12.5cm
  • Depth: 3.5cm
Production typeMass produced
Marks and inscriptions
  • Copyright 1989 Matchbox International Limited Made in Thailand Caution: Contains small parts, not suitable for children under 36 months. (Located on packaging)
  • NO STEP (Located on wings of plane)
Gallery label
Using camouflage to hide from the enemy is a long-held tactic of warfare. In recent years, military vehicles have used stealth technology. Stealth fighter jets and destroyer ships have a multi-faceted covering that is invisible to radar. As such they can appear hidden, allowing them to approach or attack the enemy unseen.(2013)
Credit line
Purchased from G.J. Smith
Object history
This jet toy was purchased specifically for the War Games exhibition (2013). It was bought from eBay seller G.J. Smith.
Matchbox introduced its Skybusters line in 1989 and relaunched them again in 2002, this range of aircraft included commercial, private, and military vehicles.
Association
Summary
Using camouflage to hide from the enemy is a long-held tactic of warfare. In recent years, military vehicles have used stealth technology. Stealth fighter jets and destroyer ships have a multi-faceted covering that is invisible to radar. As such they can appear hidden, allowing them to approach or attack the enemy unseen.

This die-cast SB-36 Lockheed F-117A Stealth jet was produced in the late 1980s by Matchbox, allowing children to play with their very own secret weapon.
Other number
035995120365 - product number
Collection
Accession number
B.370:1,2-2012

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Record createdJanuary 8, 2014
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest