McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet – 3 Sqn, RAAF, Williamtown, Australia, Squadron 100th Anniversary 2016

Hobby Master 1/72 scale HA3574: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet A21-27 of 3 Sqn, RAAF, Williamtown, Australia, Squadron 100th Anniversary 2016. Production run of 700 models.

Length 9.25 inches Wingspan 6.25 inches

On October 28, 2016 an important celebration was held by the RAAF at base Williamtown, NSW. It was the Centenary of the RAAF 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Squadrons that were formed in 1916. One of the special paint schemes for this historic event was completed for the 3rd Squadron aircraft F/A-18A A21-27. The paint scheme commemorates the 3rd Squadron 2nd highest scoring ACE’s P-40E Kittyhawk that wore desert camo scheme. Wing Commander R. Bobby Gibbes was twice the 3rd Squadron CO and had 10 victories, DSO, DFC and Bar.

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.