Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series HA3572 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet J-5014, Swiss Air Force, 2014. 1/72 Scale Diecast Model, Size: 6.25" Wingspan & 9.75" Long, Optional Up & Down Landing Gear, Armaments & Display Stand Are Included.

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the F/A designation). Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) and Northrop (now part of Northrop Grumman), the F/A-18 was designed to be a highly versatile aircraft due to its avionics, cockpit displays, and excellent aerodynamic characteristics, with the ability to carry a wide variety of weapons. The aircraft can perform fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses, air interdiction, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. Primary Role: Multirole Fighter.

At the beginning of Operation Desert Storm on January 17, 1991 4 F/A-18Cs from VFA-81 ôSunlinersö departed USS Saratoga each loaded with 4 Mk 84 2000-lb bombs. Their mission, bomb Al Walid AB H-3 out of commission. As they approached their target an E-2 notified them of enemy 15 miles away. LCDR Mark ôMRTö Fox ôAA 401 (BuNo 163508) and Lt. Nick ôMongoö Mongillo AA 410 (BuNo 163502) are credited with engaging 2 MiG-21s and shooting down both aircraft. These were the only USN air-to-air victories. Both aircraft are preserved at Pensacola.