Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50169
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet Diecast Model
USN VFA-103 Jolly Rogers, AA103, NAS Oceana, VA |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F/A-18F Super Hornet | | 10" | | 7.5" |
The Jolly Rogers officially converted from Tomcats to F/A-18 Super Hornets in March 2005. This model showcases the stunning skull insignia, markings and colours of VFA-103, as well as all the other distinctive features of this remarkable aircraft.
US Navy Fighter Squadron 103 (VF-103) was activated in 1952. Three US Navy squadrons have used the name and insignia of the Jolly Roger: VF-61 (originally VF-17), VF-84, and VFA-103. While these are distinctly different squadrons that have no lineal linkage, they all share the same Jolly Rogers name, the skull and crossbones insignia and traditions. VF-103 began life as an F4U Corsair squadron and after progressing through the F9F Cougar, F-8 Crusader and F-4 Phantom II, it was among the last fighter squadrons to transition to the F-14A Tomcat. In 1989, they upgraded to a more powerful breed of Tomcat, the F-14B. When VF-84 was disestablished in 1995, VF-103 abandoned its "Sluggers" nickname and adopted the famous "Jolly Rogers" name and insignia for itself. After several deployments to the Perisan Gulf, VF-103 deployed with the F-14B for the final time in 2004 aboard the USS John F. Kennedy before transitioning to the F/A-18F Super Hornets it operates today.
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 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
