Dragon Models 1:72 Warbirds 50296
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E Super Hornet Diecast Model
USN VFA-105 Gunslingers, AC403, USS Nimitz |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E Super Hornet | | 10" | | 7.5" |
The carrier-based fighter/attack aircraft, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, entered U.S. Navy service in 1999. It's a very different aircraft to its predecessor the F/A-18 Hornet, being larger and more advanced. All the Navy's F-14 Tomcat squadrons have now converted to the Super Hornet, with operational versions being the F/A-18E single-seater or F/A-18F two-seater. One squadron that flies the former is VFA-105 "Gunslingers", which is based at NAS Oceana in Virginia. In fact it was the first East Coast squadron to transition to the Super Hornet, this taking place in July 2006. The "Gunslingers" also has the distinction of being the first operational Navy strike fighter squadron to be commanded by a female, when Commander Sara Joyner took command in March 2007.
Collectors are enjoying a glut of F/A-18E models to be released in the Dragon Warbirds range, and yet another one has arrived to whet appetites even further! This 1/72 scale item shows a highly detailed and accurately formed Super Hornet in the colorful markings of VFA-105. It looks simply stunning in its black, green and yellow markings, along with the unit's emblem of a "skeletal gunslinger". All the relevant markings such as the "AC" tail code have been accurately incorporated into this masterpiece of miniature aircraft design. Collectors will have to be very quick on the draw to get their hands on this excellent model F/A-18E!
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.
