BBI Elite Force 21267 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet Display Model USN VFA-192 Golden Dragons, NF361, USS Kitty Hawk |
| 1:18 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet | | 37.25" | | 25.25" |
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather carrier-capable strike fighter jet, designed to attack both ground and aerial targets. Designed in the 1970s for service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, the Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels since 1986. Its primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance. Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset, though it has been criticized for its lack of range and payload compared to its contemporaries.
Designed by Northrop as a smaller, naval derivative of the USAF's YF-17 Air Combat Fighter prototype, the F/A-18 was first flown in November, 1978. The "Hornet" is a multi-mission, supersonic, twin engine, all-weather fighter and attack aircraft. It can operate from aircraft carriers or land bases and converts efficiently from fighter to strike mode. During Operation Desert Storm, the Hornet proved that a single aircraft on a single mission could serve as both a fighter and a bomber. The U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron flies the F/A-18, which also comprises the aviation strike force for many foreign countries. © Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Blue Box International "Elite Force" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made plastic models of military aircraft.
Blue Box International "Elite Force" display airplanes feature:
- Molded plastic construction.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel llike decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Selected moveable control surfaces.
- Functional extending/retracting landing gear.
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
DISCLAIMER - Please Read
Please keep in mind that large scale plastic models are not scaled-up versions of their smaller diecast cousins. They are pre-assembled from a large number of components and production compromises are often made to keep them within reach of the casual collector's budget. Factory painting, glueing and alignment discrepencies are often visible upon close inspection. The models arrive paritially deconstructed and do require time to un-package and assemble prior to display. Assembly mostly consists of pushing together snap-fitting parts although a little attention with a sharp hobby knife and/or superglue is sometimes required to achieve the best fit.
In summary, with a little effort, these models can make fantastic, attention-grabbing showpieces from a reasonable viewing distance. Up close however, their more toy-like qualities will become apparent. We regret that we are unable to accept returns on these items for minor fit and finish issues.
© Copyright 2003-2010 The Flying Mule, Inc.