Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>F-18E/F>HA5126

General Background

The McDonnell Douglas Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is a twin-engine multi-role carrier-based aircraft. The “E” variant is single-seater while the “F” variant is a tandem-seat configuration. The “E” is a much larger, more advanced and more capable variant of the F/A-18C. The Super variant can carry a larger array of weapons as well as more of them and is capable of returning to the carrier while still carrying unspent munitions, a big savings in dollars. The first F/A-18E flight was in 1995 and began delivery to the USN in 1999.

The Aircraft

Commissioned in 1949 as VF-871 “Griffins” and eventually became VFA-143 “Pukin” Dogs”. In 2005 VF-143 was re-equipped with the F/A-18E Super Hornet and became Strike Fighter Squadron VFA-143. Between 2009 and 2013 VFA-143 was assigned to the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. In 2009 USS Dwight D. Eisenhower deployed for 6 months fighting enemy in Afghanistan. F/A-18E 166608 was the CAG aircraft assigned to Captain Scott Stearney but on November 18, 2009 this aircraft was flown by Commander Joe Barnes who completed his 1,000th arrested recovery.

Specifications :

Role:	Multi-role attack and fighter
Crew:	F/A-18E x 1 / F/A-18F x 2
Dimensions
Length:	60.3 ft (18.5 m)
Height:	16 ft (4.87 m)
Wingspan:	44.9 ft (13.68 m)
Weight:	Maximum Gross Take-off 66,000 lbs (29,932 kg)
Performance
Power Plant:	2 x F414-GE-400 turbofans
Thrust (Static):	22,000 lbs (9,977kg) per engine
Ceiling :	50,000 ft +
Speed:	Mach 1.8 +
Armament:	1 x M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon (internal)
Possible External Payload:	AIM 7 Sparrow
	AIM-120 AMRAAM
	Harpoon
	HARM
	Shrike
	SLAM
	SLAM-ER
	Walleye
	Maverick
	JSOW (Joint-Stand-Off Weapon)
	JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munitions
	An assortment of bombs, mines and rocket