Academy 1/72 F/A-18C Hornet US Navy VFA-82 Marauders Model Kit – ACD12534

Academy 1/72 F/A-18C Hornet US Navy VFA-82 Marauders Plastic Model Kit

Recreate a distinctive United States Navy carrier-based fighter with the Academy 1/72 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet VFA-82 "Marauders" plastic model kit (ACD12534). This special edition release features the striking markings of Strike Fighter Squadron 82, including the famous eagle-themed artwork carried by the squadron's aircraft during its final years of service.

The F/A-18C Hornet became one of the most versatile combat aircraft in American naval aviation, combining air superiority, fleet defense, and precision ground attack capabilities in a single carrier-capable aircraft. Academy's detailed 1/72 scale kit captures the Hornet's distinctive twin-engine design, twin vertical stabilizers, and modern weapons configuration, making it an excellent addition to any US Navy aircraft collection.

Academy F/A-18C Hornet VFA-82 Marauders Model Kit Features

• 1/72 scale McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet multirole fighter
• Special edition US Navy VFA-82 "Marauders" aircraft markings
• Distinctive eagle-themed squadron artwork and colorful tail markings
• Detailed cockpit interior and ejection seat
• Finely engraved exterior panel lines and rivet details
• Optional open or closed cockpit canopy
• Detailed landing gear and wheel well assemblies
• Positionable horizontal stabilizers
• Optional open or closed dorsal speed brake
• AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles
• GBU-12 Paveway II precision-guided bombs
• External fuel tanks and additional aircraft stores
• High-quality Cartograf waterslide decals
• Illustrated assembly instructions
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly

History of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet was developed as a versatile carrier-based combat aircraft for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. Designed to perform both fighter and attack missions, the Hornet combined maneuverability, advanced avionics, and an extensive selection of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.

First entering operational service during the 1980s, the F/A-18 quickly became a central component of American carrier aviation. Its twin General Electric F404 turbofan engines, advanced flight control systems, and rugged carrier-compatible construction allowed the aircraft to perform demanding missions from aircraft carriers around the world.

The improved F/A-18C incorporated updated avionics, radar and weapons capabilities, enabling the Hornet to perform a wide range of missions, including combat air patrol, fighter escort, maritime strike, and precision ground attack.

F/A-18C Hornets served extensively during operations in the Middle East, the Balkans, and other regions, demonstrating the aircraft's versatility and reliability throughout decades of American military service.

VFA-82 Marauders – United States Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron 82 (VFA-82), known as the "Marauders," was a United States Navy aviation squadron with a history dating to 1967. Originally established as an attack squadron, the unit later transitioned to the F/A-18 Hornet and became part of the Navy's carrier-based strike fighter force.

During its operational history, VFA-82 deployed aboard American aircraft carriers and participated in naval aviation missions around the world. The squadron became particularly recognizable for its distinctive aircraft markings, including the colorful eagle-themed artwork featured on this Academy special edition kit.

The aircraft represented by Academy's release is associated with USS Enterprise (CVN-65) during its 2004 deployment. The striking markings on the squadron's CAG aircraft, number 300, make this a particularly interesting subject for modelers who enjoy colorful US Navy fighter aircraft.

VFA-82 was deactivated in 2005, making the aircraft represented by this kit an example of the squadron's final period of operational service.

Special Edition VFA-82 Marauders Aircraft Markings

Academy's 1/72 F/A-18C Hornet kit includes premium Cartograf waterslide decals representing the distinctive VFA-82 Marauders aircraft associated with USS Enterprise in 2004.

The markings feature the squadron's recognizable eagle-themed artwork, colorful vertical stabilizers, and US Navy aircraft identification details. The dramatic design stands out from conventional low-visibility gray fighter schemes, making this special edition an attractive subject for naval aviation model collections.

Build a Detailed 1/72 Scale US Navy Hornet

The Academy F/A-18C Hornet offers numerous opportunities for detailed assembly and realistic aircraft finishing. Its carefully reproduced cockpit, recessed panel lines, landing gear, and optional canopy configuration allow builders to highlight the distinctive features of the single-seat Hornet.

The included AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-7 Sparrow missiles, GBU-12 guided bombs, and external fuel tanks provide a variety of possible display configurations. Builders can select an appropriate weapons arrangement for their preferred aircraft presentation.

For an authentic appearance, modelers can reproduce the F/A-18C's characteristic US Navy Tactical Paint Scheme using Light Ghost Gray and Dark Ghost Gray aircraft colors. Subtle panel line washes, exhaust staining, and operational weathering can help capture the appearance of a carrier-based fighter.

The completed VFA-82 Marauders Hornet makes an excellent addition to a modern naval aviation collection alongside the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18E Super Hornet, and other American carrier aircraft.

Explore additional modern military jets, historic fighters, bombers, and helicopters in our Academy Airplane & Helicopter Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy F/A-18C Hornet Model Kit

This plastic aircraft model kit requires assembly and painting. Model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For authentic US Navy aircraft colors, primers, clear coats, metallic finishes, and realistic weathering supplies, browse our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover additional military aircraft, armored vehicles, naval ships, and specialty modeling projects in our Academy Models collection, or explore our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.