This is the Hobby Master 3573 1/72 F/A-18A Hornet Top Hat A21-29 75 Sqn. RAAF 1990 Diecast Model

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic twin engine all-weather night fighter and attack aircraft. The F/A-18s first flew in November 1978 and the first 1987 production switched to the F/A-18C. Variants A and C are single-seat aircraft while B and D are tandem-seats. The Hornet can operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases with the capability of in flight refueling. A total of 1,480 A-D variants were built.

F/A-18A A21-29 was accepted by the RAAF in April 1988. In May 1990 while deployed to Clarke Air Base in the Philippines a Top Hat and Cane were applied to this aircraft’s tail designating it as the C/Os personal aircraft. On August 2, 1990 two F/A-18s (A21-29 and A21-42) departed RAAF Tindal on a practice pairs intercept. Maneuvering during these intercepts can be quite violent trying to lock onto the target. Unfortunately A21-42 lost sight of A21-29 and rolled into it killing the A21-42 pilot while A21-29 managed to land safely.

Features

• Professionally painted

• Great attention to detail

• All markings are Tampoed (pad applied)

• Option to display the model on a stand that is provided

• Model can be shown with the landing gear in the down or up positions

• Canopy can be displayed open or closed

• Extremely heavy metal with a minimum of plastic

• Highly collectable

Specifications

• W 15.9 x L 23.7 x H 6.4 cm

• 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

• With stand, antenna, and landing gear