1/72 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Blue Angels #7 US Navy 2011

Description

This is a die-cast metal and plastic display aircraft.

From the Hobby Master web site:

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 production flight on April 12, 1980. The first 380 aircraft were F/A-18As and in September 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.

The USN Blue Angels #7 F/A-18B aircraft is a two-seat version that is flown to show sites by the show narrator. This aircraft has many duties at a show; it is used as a backup should one of the show aircraft go mechanical and to give rides to civilian VIP. Normally there are three demo rides per show, one to the press and two to from the Key Influencer (KI) program. The KI program selects individuals who shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities. Often during Friday practices the #7 aircraft is used in the #4 slot. Prior to joining the Blue Angels in 2008 F/A- 18B 161723 c/n 0073/B022 spent the early 1980s with Strike Squadron 125 (VFA-125) at NAS Lemoore, CA. It also spent time with the Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 23 (VX-23) at NAS Patuxent River, MD and 161723 was one of three chase aircraft for the first flight of the F-35 In December 2006. 2011 was the centennial of US Naval powered flight.

This die-cast model comes with attachable landing gear.