Dragon Models USA

Barcode: 0 89195 84618 1
Case Pack: 48 Pieces Per Master Carton
Box Size: 6.4" x 10.2" x 1.9"

Features:
- Finely detailed AIM 9L Sidewinder, AIM-9X Sidewinder and AGM-88 HARM included.
- Landing gear crisply detailed
- Slide-molded lower fuselage section w/crisp detail
- Engine exhaust nozzle has internal detail
- Wings can be modeled in either flying or folded modes
- Canopy is made of transparent plastic
- Transparent two-seater canopy included
- Rear cockpit instrument panel
- Fuel tank included
- F/A-18F engine air intake shows refined detail
- Cartograf decals with various marking options

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a more advanced version of the F/A-18C/D Hornet, and it is also 20% larger than its predecessor. The Super Hornet is most famously used by the U.S. Navy aboard its fleet of a dozen aircraft carriers, with around 370 fighters presently in service. The difference between the E and the F models is that the former is a single-seat design and the latter has a two-seat configuration. Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of the Super Hornet was achieved in September 2001. Since then it has participated in a number of conflicts, including Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

Two U.S. Navy squadrons that operate the Super Hornet are VFA-27 and VFA-41. VFA-27 “Royal Maces” of Carrier Air Wing 5 is based at Atsugi in Japan and is presently embarked on the USS George Washington (CVN-73) in East Asia. The unit has been flying the F/A-18E since October 2004. The second squadron, VFA-41 “Black Aces,” is stationed at Lemoore in California. This formation flies F/A-18Fs aboard the USS Nimitz (CVN-68).

Dragon has launched a 1/144 scale kit that features one fighter from each of these units – an F/A-18E from VFA-27 and an F/A-18F from VFA-41. The two model aircraft are finely sculpted, with the lower fuselage made from slide-molded components for greater accuracy. The landing gear can be displayed lowered or raised, and the wingtips can be folded up or shown in flying configuration. Dragon has supplied a range of armaments such as AIM-9L and AIM-9X Sidewinders, as well as the AGM-88 HARM. There is also a fuel tank available for fitment. Cartograf has produced some high-quality decals to depict the colorful markings of these two naval squadrons. This boxed set containing two complete 1/144 scale aircraft offers a real shot in the arm for aircraft modelers.