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 United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter that was piloted by Lt. Charles Walker who was assigned to VFA-151 "Vigilantes", then deployed to Naval Air Station Lemoore, California, during 2019. Sold Out!

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

Release Date: September 2020

Historical Account: "Star Wars Canyon" - In December 2011, VFA-151 "Vigilantes" was deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Fifth Fleet area of responsibility for a five-month "surge" deployment. After extending twice, the squadron returned home in August 2012. After five months flying the F/A-18C post-deployment, VFA-151 began transitioning to LOT 35/36 F/A-18E Super Hornets in February 2013. With the transition, the squadron left CVW-2 and moved to CVW-9 attached to USS John C. Stennis on June 1st, 2013. In August 2019, the Squadron lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet flown out of NAS Lemoore, it crashed into the wall of what is known as "Star Wars Canyon", near Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake. The aviator did not survive.