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All Models Scale 1:36  Length 18.7"  Wingspan 14"

Stock Model "A" shown above here (VMFAT-101)


Stock Model "B" shown below (VMFA-321 Hell's Angels)

Photography by Action Asia Photo
© 2002-8 Action Asia Photo - All Rights Reserved
www.actionasiaphoto.com

F-18

Recognizing the need for a smaller, less expensive fighter to counter the threat of high-performance opposition aircraft, Northrop Aviation Corporation developed the YF-17 with multiple mission capabilities including air superiority, reconnaissance, close support and interdiction.

In early 1974, the first prototype rolled off the assembly line. As a result of flight tests in which the aircraft achieved speeds of Mach 2 and demonstrated a capacity to withstand up to 9.4 g-loads in tight turns as well as an exceptional rate-of-climb, Northrop saw its aircraft as being a contender for the Air Force's "Air Combat Fighter" but lost out to the General Dynamics F-16 Falcon.

However, the Navy (which had been looking for a new strike/fighter) announced in 1975 to procure the YF-17. McDonnell-Douglas was contracted by Northrop to aid in the transition of the YF-17 to the F/A-18 Hornet for carrier operations including aerodynamic changes to reduce landing speeds and re-design of structural components to withstand stresses encountered during landings and catapult launches. As a result, maximum speed was reduced from Mach 2.0 to 1.8. Fleet deliveries of the Hornet began in 1983. Overall plans were established at 1,168 aircraft (including two-seat versions) for the Navy, Marines and several Naval Air Reserve squadrons. Operational status for the first Navy and Marine squadrons was achieved later that year.

Avionics are designed to enable the handling of its multi-role missions. Features include "fly-by-wire" Heads-Up-Display; the HOTAS concept which gives the pilot control of the major sensors, weapons and displays without moving his hand from the stick; the APG-65 radar; and a Forward Looking Infra Red radar.

In various configurations the F/A-18 can carry an ordnance load of approximately 17,000 lbs including a mix of weapons for air-to-air combat (Vulcan cannon and guided missiles) as well as air-to-ground ordnance (Harm/Maverick missiles and a wide array of conventional weapons). The multi-role capability was recently demonstrated in the Gulf War when two Hornets encountered and shot down two Iraqi fighters while en route to a target on a strike mission which was successfully accomplished following the melee.

The F/A-18 currently equips the majority of US Navy and US Marine fighter-attack squadrons and will ultimately replace the F-14 Tomcat just like it has already replaced the F-4 Phantom, the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7 Corsair II. The Blue Angels flight demonstration team has used the F/A-18 since l987.

Specs:        F/A-18C Hornet
Crew:         A/C models: One   B/D models: Two
Length:      56 ft 0 in
Wingspan: 40 ft 5 in (without missiles)
Engines:    Two F404-GE-400 turbofans @ 17,700 lbs
Speed:       Mach 1.7
Ceiling:     50,000+ ft
Range:      1,250 miles

Related Links
Global Security - F-18 Hornet

Stock Model "C" shown above here (VFA-82 Marauders)

Stock Model "D" shown above here (VMFA-115 Silver Eagles)

Stock Model "E" shown above here (VMFA-112)