1/72 F/A-18F - Advanced Super Hornet - 168492 US Navy 2013

On August 5, 2013 the F/A-18F Advanced Super Hornet prototype (BuNo 168492) completed its maiden flight. Produced by Boeing and Northrop Grumman the ASH received engines increasing performance from 22,000 pounds to 26,400 pounds of thrust per engine. Conformal fuel tanks were added to carry 3,500 pounds of fuel. There is provision for an Enclosed Weapons Pod (EWP) carrying 2,500 pounds of weapons internally and the cockpit is updated. The aircraft was given a special paint to reduce radar cross-section making it more stealthy and capable of performing well into the 2030s.