McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet

USN VX-23 Salty Dogs, NAS Patuxent River, MD, 2011

Hobby Master 1:72 HA5142

Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23), known as the "Salty Dogs," operates the F/A-18F Super Hornet as a key platform for developmental flight testing at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. The squadron evaluates advanced systems and capabilities for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, including weapons integration, avionics upgrades, and carrier suitability.

McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet

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.

Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:

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