The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are twin-engine carrier-capable multirole fighter aircraft variants based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61 rotary cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. Additional fuel can be carried in up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system.

Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Full-rate production began in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006; the Super Hornet serves alongside the original Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which has operated the F/A-18A as its main fighter since 1984, ordered the F/A-18F in 2007 to replace its aging F-111C fleet. RAAF Super Hornets entered service in December 2010.

Pictured here is a gorgeous 1:72 scale diecast replica of a US Navy Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet Strike Fighter assigned to the CAG of VFA-31 "Tomcatters", during 2008. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 7-1/2-inches
Length: 9-inches

Release Date: December 2018

Historical Account: "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof" - The 'Tomcatters' is a US Navy strike fighter squadron based at NAS Oceana. This squadron, VFA-31, flies the F/A-18E Super Hornet exclusively. Founded on July 1st, 1935, as VF-1B 'Shooting Stars', the squadron has an illustrious history. Most recently it participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom while aboard USS Abraham Lincoln where it flew 585 sorties. At the time, the 'Tomcatters' was flying F-14D Tomcats. The unit's farewell to its Tomcats occurred in September 2006 during the 'Tomcat Sunset'. It was the Navy's last operational Tomcat squadron, and this will be reflected for time immemorial by their squadron name - 'Tomcatters'! After this emotional farewell, VFA-31 began its transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, and today the 'Fighting 31' specializes in night fighting. This is summed up in their motto of 'We get ours at night'.