Hasegawa 1/48 F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-103 Jolly (In Stock June)

The History and Development of the F/A-18F Super Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet is a twin-seat, carrier-capable multirole fighter developed for the United States Navy. An evolution of the original F/A-18 Hornet, the Super Hornet was designed to replace aging F-14 Tomcats and supplement the legacy Hornet fleet. The aircraft boasts increased range, payload, and survivability, making it one of the most versatile naval aircraft in service today.

Origins and Development

The Super Hornet program was initiated in the early 1990s to provide the U.S. Navy with a modernized, highly capable fighter that could perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing), the F/A-18E (single-seat) and F/A-18F (twin-seat) variants were introduced to enhance operational flexibility and extend the service life of the Hornet platform.

First flown in 1995 and entering service in 1999, the Super Hornet features a larger airframe, improved avionics, increased fuel capacity, and upgraded engines compared to the legacy F/A-18C/D Hornets. The aircraft's versatility allows it to perform fleet air defense, strike missions, close air support, and reconnaissance.

Technical Specifications and Design Features

The F/A-18F incorporates several key advancements:

• Airframe: 25% larger than the legacy Hornet, allowing for greater fuel capacity and increased payload.

• Engines: Powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans, providing increased thrust and efficiency.

• Weapons: Capable of carrying AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-88 HARM, JDAMs, and a variety of guided and unguided munitions.

• Radar and Avionics: Equipped with the APG-79 AESA radar, providing superior target tracking and electronic warfare capabilities.

• Survivability: Features reduced radar cross-section and advanced countermeasures for enhanced survivability in combat.

The Super Hornet has proven its worth in combat operations, participating in missions in the Middle East and serving as the backbone of carrier-based naval aviation.

Hasegawa 1/48 F/A-18F Super Hornet VFA-103 Jolly Rogers Model Kit

Hasegawa’s 1/48 scale F/A-18F Super Hornet kit features the markings of the iconic VFA-103 Jolly Rogers, one of the most well-known U.S. Navy fighter squadrons. This kit provides modelers with an excellent combination of detail, accuracy, and build quality.

Features of the Kit

• Highly detailed cockpit with instrument panel and ejection seats

• Engraved panel lines and surface details for realism

• Full weapons loadout, including AIM-9X, AIM-120, and fuel tanks

• Optional canopy positions (open or closed)

• Decals for VFA-103 Jolly Rogers squadron markings, including the distinctive skull and crossbones tail art

• Positionable landing gear and control surfaces

Build and Display Potential

This 1/48 scale model offers an impressive level of detail, making it ideal for both display and diorama settings. The VFA-103 Jolly Rogers markings provide a striking appearance, making this kit a must-have for modern jet aviation enthusiasts.

Conclusion

The F/A-18F Super Hornet continues to be a crucial asset for the U.S. Navy, and Hasegawa’s 1/48 scale kit allows modelers to build a highly detailed replica of this formidable aircraft. With its excellent detailing and the distinctive Jolly Rogers livery, this kit is perfect for fans of modern military aviation.