Hobby master: 1/72 HA3599

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet 

Swiss Air Force 17 Staffel, #J-5017, Payerne AB, Switzerland, 2018

In June 1997 17 Staffel “Falcons" based at Payerne Air Base was the first squadron to receive the new F/A-18C Hornet. In 2010 F/A-18C J5017 was given a permanent squadron paint scheme on the tail of a Falcon. J-5017 is given double duty; normal flight operations with Staffel 17 which means any pilot can fly J-5017 but if the Swiss Solo Display pilot is from Staffel 17 they will only fly J-5017. For 2018 the aircraft received a new and very colorful scheme of a photo-like falcon’s head on a red background

Designed as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7 Corsair II and as a complement to the F-14 Tomcat, the F/A-18 first flew on November 18, 1978. Perhaps best known as the aircraft of the US Navy's Blue Angels, this carrier-capable, supersonic, all-weather fighter has many roles, including fighter escort, fleet air defense and close air support. The F/A-18 is a versatile aircraft: it can operate from carriers or land bases and a single switch converts it from fighter to strike mode. During Operation Desert Storm, the F/A-18 proved that, on a single mission, one aircraft could serve as both fighter and a bomber.

1. Molded metal construction with plastic components.
2. Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
3. Inscriptions and posters printed with a stamp that do not fade or fall off like decals.
4. opening of awnings, revealing detailed within the cockpit.
5. Extended / retracted interchangeable landing gear.
6. Display stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
7. Authentic detachable artillery cargoes complete with placards.