1/72 F/A-18D Hornet M45-02 TUDM

Hobby Master - 1/72 F/A-18D Hornet M45-02, TUDM

In early 1997 the Royal Malaysian Air Force (TUDM - Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia) received the first four F/A-18Ds followed by four more in August 1997. Malaysia is the first Southeast Asian nation to receive the F/A-18D. These aircraft would equip the newly formed No. 18 Squadron (Hornets) stationed at the former RAF Butterworth AB. Since the F/A-18Ds are multi-role aircraft they would be used for ground and maritime strikes as well as air-to-air missions. Ironically the aircraft first arrived with the Malaysian national insignia painted incorrectly.

Designed as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7 Corsair II and as a complement to the F-14 Tomcat, the F/A-18 first flew on November 18, 1978. Perhaps best known as the aircraft of the US Navy's Blue Angels, this carrier-capable, supersonic, all-weather fighter has many roles, including fighter escort, fleet air defense and close air support. The F/A-18 is a versatile aircraft: it can operate from carriers or land bases and a single switch converts it from fighter to strike mode. During Operation Desert Storm, the F/A-18 proved that, on a single mission, one aircraft could serve as both fighter and a bomber.

Features:
- Scale 1:72
- Length: 9.25" Width: 6.25"
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.