| Model manufacturer: | Hobbymaster |
| Order code: | HA3584 |
| Scale: | 1:72 |
| Material: | Combined (Metal / Plastic) |
| Weight: | 0.9 kg |
| Registration number: | A21-32 |
| Dimensions: | 23.7×15.9×6.4 cm (L×W×H) |
| Air company: | RAAF |
| Aircraft manufacturer: | Mcdonnell douglas |
The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-purpose supersonic fighter aircraft, capable of operating from an aircraft carrier in any weather, designed for air combat and also for ground attacks (F/A stands for Fighter/Attack). The F/A-18 was derived from the YF-17 aircraft in the 1970s for use by the US Navy and US Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other countries. It can serve as an escort fighter, an interceptor also to suppress the enemy's air defense (SEAD), fight against ground targets, direct air support or aerial reconnaissance.
It was created by further development of the Northrop YF-17A type. After entering service, it was supposed to replace the A-7 Corsair II, serving in the US Navy and the F-4 Phantom II of the Marine Corps. Originally, 2 different versions were planned: the F-18 for fighter missions and the A-18 for combat missions, but in the end they were merged into one design. This was also reflected in its unusual designation F/A-18. First flown in November 1978, 9 pre-production single-seat F/A-18As and two training TF-18As were used during subsequent flight tests. The first serial machines began to reach the Navy in May 1980. The first unit to achieve operational capability was the Marine Corps unit VMFA-314, which was declared operationally capable on January 7, 1983. The aircraft proved to excel in both fighter and the offensive role for which it was designed.
