The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are twin-engine carrier-capable multirole fighter aircraft variants based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61 rotary cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. Additional fuel can be carried in up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system.

Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Full-rate production began in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006; the Super Hornet serves alongside the original Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which has operated the F/A-18A as its main fighter since 1984, ordered the F/A-18F in 2007 to replace its aging F-111C fleet. RAAF Super Hornets entered service in December 2010.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale diecast replica of a United States Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet that was attached to VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls", then embarked upon the USS Gerald R Ford (CVN-78) during March 2026. Pre-order! Ship Date: October 2026.

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

Release Date: ?

Historical Account: "Ragin' Bulls" - Strike Fighter Squadron 37 (VFA-37), also known as the "Ragin' Bulls", are a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. They are a part of Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) and are attached to the USS George Bush. Their radio callsign is Ragin' and their tail code is AJ.

In December 2002 VFA-37 deployed for their second cruise aboard the USS Harry S. Truman. On March 19th, 2003, the squadron participated in combat operations in Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). While flying from the eastern Mediterranean Sea, the squadron participated in the "shock and awe" campaign in Southern Iraq before shifting focus to assisting U.S. Forces in Northern Iraq. By the end of a successful 30-day air campaign in OIF, the squadron had flown 252 combat sorties over Iraq. The squadron returned to NAS Oceana on Memorial Day 2003.

VFA-37 deployed to the Persian Gulf and flew combat missions in support of Iraqi Freedom again from October 2004 to April 2005 from USS Harry S. Truman. In the spring of 2006, VFA-37 transferred to Carrier Air Wing Eight for seven months to cover for VFA-213 as they transitioned to the F/A-18F.

The squadron deployed on USS Harry S. Truman in November 2007 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, returning to MAS Oceana on June 4th, 2008. While deployed, they dropped a total of 10 t (22,000 lb) of ordnance.

VFA-37 again deployed on board USS Harry S. Truman to the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean from May 21st to December 20th, 2010, and since July 22nd, 2013.