Hobby Master McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A+ HA3516

Hobby Master McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A+ HA3516 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A+ BuNo. 162909, VFC-12 "Fighting Omars" Splinter paint scheme The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic twin engine all-weather night fighter and attack aircraft. The F/A-18s first flew in November 1978 and the first production flight on April 12, 1980. The first 380 aircraft were F/A-18As and in September 1987 production switched to the F/A-18C. Variants A and C are single-seat aircraft while B and D are tandem- seats. The Hornet can operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases with the capability of in flight refueling. A total of 1,480 A-D variants were built. VFC-12 Fighting Omars traded their A-4 Skyhawks in for F/A-18 Hornets in 1994. They primarily tasked with providing adversary training for the USN and USMC units. VFC-12 is trading their F/A18Cs for F/A-18A+s belonging to VFA 87. As they change the F/A-18A+ are going to receive a splinter paint scheme that was developed by AD3 Darrall Taylor. The paint scheme is meant to represent the scheme used on the Sukhoi SU-35. In 1992, the original Hughes AN/APG-65 radar was replaced with the Hughes (now Raytheon) AN/APG-73. The “A” model Hornets that upgraded to the AN/APG-73 are designated A+. Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature: Diecast metal construction with some plastic components. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details. Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals. Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors. Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear. Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight". Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards. Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.