{"product_id":"f-a-18c-hornet-vfa-15-retro-tac-demo-hobby-master","title":"McDonnell Douglas F\/A-18C Hornet VFA-15 Retro TAC Demo 1:72 Diecast by Hobby Master","description":"\u003cp class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eOwn a distinctive piece of U.S. Navy fighter aviation with this highly detailed 1:72 scale McDonnell Douglas F\/A-18C Hornet diecast model by Hobby Master. Representing the 2017 \"Retro TAC Demo Jet\" associated with VFA-15 and VFA-106 Gladiators, this Air Power Series collectible recreates an especially interesting Hornet wearing a heritage-inspired Tactical Air Command-style paint scheme.\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned for military aviation enthusiasts and serious model aircraft collectors, the model combines diecast metal construction with detailed exterior surfaces, realistic panel lines, removable ordnance and configurable landing gear. A pilot figure and display stand are included, allowing the Hornet to be presented in either an in-flight or ground-display configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMcDonnell Douglas F\/A-18C Hornet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2017 Retro TAC Demo Jet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVFA-15 \/ VFA-106 Gladiators association\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eU.S. Navy aircraft\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHobby Master Air Power Series\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1:72 scale\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiecast metal with some plastic components\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed exterior and panel lines\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOpening canopy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePilot figure included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetachable ordnance loads\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetachable landing gear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDisplay stand included\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTrue-to-scale proportions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 9.25 inches long\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApproximately 6.25-inch wingspan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBrand new in manufacturer's original unopened packaging\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHISTORY ASPECTS:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F\/A-18C Hornet represented one of the most important generations of carrier-based combat aircraft in U.S. Navy service. Developed as a multirole fighter, the Hornet was designed to perform both fighter and attack missions—the dual capability represented by the \u003cstrong\u003eF\/A\u003c\/strong\u003e designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft represented by this model, Bureau Number \u003cstrong\u003e164718\u003c\/strong\u003e, served as the \u003cstrong\u003e\"Retro TAC Demo Jet\"\u003c\/strong\u003e during the final training wing period of Strike Fighter Squadron 15 (VFA-15) under VFA-106 Gladiators in 2017. Its distinctive heritage-inspired appearance gave this particular Hornet considerably more visual character than the standard operational gray schemes associated with modern naval aviation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVFA-15, known as the \u003cstrong\u003eValions\u003c\/strong\u003e, had a long association with U.S. naval aviation before its 2017 disestablishment. The squadron operated several generations of naval aircraft during its history, including the F\/A-18 Hornet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVFA-106, the \u003cstrong\u003eGladiators\u003c\/strong\u003e, serves as a Fleet Replacement Squadron responsible for training aircrew and maintenance personnel for Navy strike-fighter operations. Aircraft associated with training units play an essential role in preparing aviators for operational fleet assignments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe F\/A-18C itself became synonymous with U.S. carrier aviation, combining maneuverability, multirole flexibility and carrier suitability in an aircraft that served for decades and participated in combat operations around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"list-style-type: none;\"\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eF\/A\u003c\/strong\u003e in F\/A-18 stands for \u003cstrong\u003eFighter\/Attack\u003c\/strong\u003e, reflecting the Hornet's ability to perform both types of missions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVFA\u003c\/strong\u003e is the U.S. Navy designation for a \u003cstrong\u003eStrike Fighter Squadron\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVFA-15 was known by the squadron nickname \u003cstrong\u003eValions\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVFA-106 is known as the \u003cstrong\u003eGladiators\u003c\/strong\u003e and has served as a Fleet Replacement Squadron.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBureau numbers such as \u003cstrong\u003e164718\u003c\/strong\u003e function as unique identification numbers assigned to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHeritage and retro paint schemes are particularly appealing to collectors because they connect modern military aircraft with earlier periods of aviation history.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHobby Master's \u003cstrong\u003e1:72 Air Power Series\u003c\/strong\u003e is aimed specifically at detailed military aircraft collecting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Hobby Master","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53924418683194,"sku":"HA3590","price":126.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1229\/4202\/files\/HA3590-L__64483.1758643221.1200.1200.jpg?v=1787092931","url":"https:\/\/bigboytoysus.com\/products\/f-a-18c-hornet-vfa-15-retro-tac-demo-hobby-master","provider":"Big Boy Toys","version":"1.0","type":"link"}