The F/A-18 Hornet is the true multi-role aircraft. It can vault from a carrier deck, bomb a target and stay to dogfight even the best enemy aircraft without missing a beat. It's the Navy's first modern-era jet intended for double duty against air- and ground-based adversaries. Armed to the hilt with Sparrow and Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, an internal cannon, and laser-guided bombs, this modern warbird was an outstanding performer in Operation Desert Storm. Strapped into a digital cockpit described as a cross between Star Wars and a video game, pilots of the F/A-18 Hornet take on the ultimate aviation job: blasting this single-seat, high-performance jet off the deck of a carrier, dropping bombs, and firing air-to-ground ordnance. Offering unmatched agility, the Hornet is the choice aircraft of the US Navy's elite Blue Angels aerobatic team.

The F/A-18A is the single-seat variant and the F/A-18B is the two-seat variant. The space for the two-seat cockpit is provided by a relocation of avionics equipment and a 6% reduction in internal fuel; two-seat Hornets are otherwise fully combat-capable. The B-model is used primarily for training.

In 1992, the original Hughes AN/APG-65 radar was replaced with the Hughes (now Raytheon) AN/APG-73, a faster and more capable radar. A-model Hornets that have been upgraded to the AN/APG-73 are designated F/A-18A+.

Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of a Royal Australian Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-18A Hornet strike fighter that was designed as a tribute to the aboriginal people in general and Leonard Waters in particular. Now in stock!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-1/2-inches
Length: 9-inches

Release Date: June 2021

Historical Account: "Worimi Hornet" - F/A-18A A21-23 c/n 483/AF023 was delivered to the RAAF on February 8th, 1988. In 2002, the aircraft was with No.75 Squadron and was selected to wear the special paint scheme for the unit's 60th anniversary. In 2006, the aircraft went to No.3 Squadron but soon returned to No.75 Squadron. On February 24th, 2015, F/A-18A A21-23 was unveiled wearing a special paint scheme called "Worimi Hornet" in honor of Leonard Waters and the aboriginal people. Waters was the first RAAF aboriginal fighter pilot during WWII where he flew 95 missions.