Description

"Bigger, Higher, Faster, Farther." - Thinking within the US Air Force during the late 1970s 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. Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of a USMC Boeing F/A-18C Hornet strike fighter that was attached to VMFA-323 "Death Rattlers", then deployed to San Diego, California, during 2021. New for 2024! #HA3583 Dimensions: Wingspan: 7-1/2-inches Length: 9-inches Features: - Diecast construction - Accurate markings and insignia - Full complement of weapons - Interchangeable landing gear - Comes with display stand Historical Account: "Death Rattlers" - On November 2nd, 2002, VMFA-323 deployed aboard USS Constellation as part of CVW-2 to conduct Operation Southern Watch. While on this deployment, the Death Rattlers transitioned from Operation Southern Watch to Operation Iraqi Freedom conducting sorties into Baghdad on the first night of the war. On May 2nd, 2005, two F/A-18C Hornet fighter jets from VMFA-323, BuNo 164721 and BuNo 164732, collided over south-central Iraq, during a sortie from USS Carl Vinson, killing the executive officer and a junior officer. Please note: We happily combine multiple sales into one order to reduce shipping charges. Please contact us first to determine the cost of shipping before proceeding to final checkout so we can clarify the procedure with you.