Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50172
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet Diecast Model
USN VFA-102 Diamondbacks, NF102, USS Kitty Hawk, Squadron 50th Anniversary 2005 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet | | 10" | | 7.5" |
The VF-102 Diamondbacks were established on July 1, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida. Having served on numerous carriers, the Diamondbacks have proven themselves to be one of the most versatile strike fighter squadrons in the Navy. On September 19, 2001 the VF-102 Diamondbacks departed NAS Oceana for the Arabian Sea. In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the squadron began its scheduled deployment as a part of Operation Infinite Justice and began combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment VF-102 flew 3,346 combat hours and dropped 645 bombs.Following the their return from deployment, the squadron was transferred to NAS Lemoore, California to begin transition training in the Navy's newest Strike Fighter, the F/A-18F. The Tailcode for VFA-102 is NF. This is the tailcode for CVW-5. VFA-102 recently celebrated their 50th anniversary at Atsugi NAS. In 2005 the "Diamondbacks" celebrated their 50th anniversary at their base in In 2005 they marked their 50th anniversary at their base in Atsugi, Japan.
The multi-mission F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" strike fighter is an upgrade of the combat-proven night strike F/A-18C/D. The Super Hornet will provide the battle group commander with a platform that has range, endurance, and ordnance carriage capabilities comparable to the A-6 which have been retired.The F/A-18E/F aircraft are 4.2 feet longer than earlier Hornets, have a 25% larger wing area, and carry 33% more internal fuel which will effectively increase mission range by 41% and endurance by 50%. The Super Hornet also incorporates two additional weapon stations. This allows for increased payload flexibility by mixing and matching air-to-air and/or air-to-ground ordnance. The aircraft can also carry the complete complement of "smart" weapons, including the newest joint weapons such as JDAM and JSOW.
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. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Dragon's 1:72 scale F/A-18 is a crisp and finely detailed model that features nearly solid diecast metal construction. The solid metal wings and twin fins are sharply cast with fine panel line details generally seen in plastic models. The hinged canopy opens for a clear view of the cockpit interior details such as pad-printed front and side instrument panels. Other features include positionable horizontal stabilators, weathered engine exhaust nozzles and a delicate tail hook below. Each release features removable fuel tanks/ordnance. The series includes the single-seat F/A-18C and the two-seat F/A-18D Hornet with deployable speed brake and the more modern single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds Series" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircaft.
Dragon Models "Dragon Wings 1:72 Warbirds 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.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- 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.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
