{"product_id":"acd12534","title":"Academy 1\/72 F\/A-18C Hornet US Navy VFA-82 Marauders Model Kit – ACD12534","description":"\u003ch2\u003eAcademy 1\/72 F\/A-18C Hornet US Navy VFA-82 Marauders Plastic Model Kit\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecreate a distinctive United States Navy carrier-based fighter with the \u003cstrong\u003eAcademy 1\/72 McDonnell Douglas F\/A-18C Hornet VFA-82 \"Marauders\" plastic model kit (ACD12534)\u003c\/strong\u003e. 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAcademy F\/A-18C Hornet VFA-82 Marauders Model Kit Features\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e1\/72 scale McDonnell Douglas F\/A-18C Hornet multirole fighter\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpecial edition US Navy VFA-82 \"Marauders\" aircraft markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive eagle-themed squadron artwork and colorful tail markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed cockpit interior and ejection seat\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinely engraved exterior panel lines and rivet details\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional open or closed cockpit canopy\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed landing gear and wheel well assemblies\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePositionable horizontal stabilizers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional open or closed dorsal speed brake\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGBU-12 Paveway II precision-guided bombs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExternal fuel tanks and additional aircraft stores\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHigh-quality Cartograf waterslide decals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrated assembly instructions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHistory of the McDonnell Douglas F\/A-18C Hornet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eMcDonnell Douglas F\/A-18 Hornet\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFirst 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe improved \u003cstrong\u003eF\/A-18C\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eF\/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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eVFA-82 Marauders – United States Navy\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStrike Fighter Squadron 82 (VFA-82), known as the \"Marauders,\"\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe aircraft represented by Academy's release is associated with \u003cstrong\u003eUSS Enterprise (CVN-65)\u003c\/strong\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVFA-82 was deactivated in 2005, making the aircraft represented by this kit an example of the squadron's final period of operational service.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecial Edition VFA-82 Marauders Aircraft Markings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAcademy's 1\/72 F\/A-18C Hornet kit includes premium \u003cstrong\u003eCartograf waterslide decals\u003c\/strong\u003e representing the distinctive VFA-82 Marauders aircraft associated with USS Enterprise in 2004.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBuild a Detailed 1\/72 Scale US Navy Hornet\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExplore additional modern military jets, historic fighters, bombers, and helicopters in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-airplane-helicopter-model-kits\"\u003eAcademy Airplane \u0026amp; Helicopter Model Kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eComplete Your Academy F\/A-18C Hornet Model Kit\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 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 \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/paint\"\u003emodel paints and hobby painting supplies\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDiscover additional military aircraft, armored vehicles, naval ships, and specialty modeling projects in our \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/academy-models\"\u003eAcademy Models collection\u003c\/a\u003e, or explore our complete \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/plastic-model-kits\"\u003eplastic model kits collection\u003c\/a\u003e at Fusion Scale Hobbies.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Academy","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50916891033856,"sku":"ACD12534","price":24.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0613\/6453\/5552\/files\/ACD12534.jpg?v=1793931860","url":"https:\/\/fusionscalehobbies.com\/products\/acd12534","provider":"Fusion Scale Hobbies","version":"1.0","type":"link"}