Hobby Master - 1/72 F/A-18D Hornet BuNo.164699

VMF-224 was commissioned on May 1 1942 flying Grumman F4F Wildcats. In 1951 the Bengals received their first jet, the F2H-2 Banshee. In 1952 the F2H-2 was replaced by the F9F-5 Panther and VMF-224 became VMA-224. July 1956 brought the A4D-1 Skyhawk and in 1965 they went to Vietnam. 1966 introduced the A-6A Intruder and the unit became VMA (AW)-224. March 1993 the squadron became VMFA(AW)-224 and received the F/A-18D Hornet. In January 2009 the Bengals were based at Iwakuni and the in July returned to MCAS Beaufort.

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.

Features:
- Scale 1:72
- Length: 9.25" width: 6.25"
- 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
- 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