Academy 1/72 F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-143 Pukin' Dogs Model Kit – ACD12547

Academy 1/72 F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" Plastic Model Kit

Recreate one of the United States Navy's most recognizable modern carrier-based fighter aircraft with the Academy 1/72 Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" plastic model kit (ACD12547). Featuring authentic markings for Strike Fighter Squadron 143, this detailed model captures the single-seat F/A-18E Super Hornet, a powerful multirole combat aircraft designed for air superiority, fleet defense, and precision ground attack missions.

Academy's 1/72 scale kit features detailed cockpit components, finely engraved surface details, modern aircraft weapons, and premium Cartograf waterslide decals. Two finishing options reproduce the same VFA-143 aircraft in different operational appearances, including its distinctive blue-tailed CAG markings.

Academy F/A-18E Super Hornet Model Kit Features

• 1/72 scale Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet single-seat multirole fighter
• Authentic US Navy VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" squadron markings
• Detailed cockpit with ejection seat and instrument panel decals
• Finely engraved exterior panel lines and aircraft surface details
• Detailed landing gear and wheel well components
• Clear cockpit canopy
• AIM-9X Sidewinder short-range air-to-air missiles
• AIM-120 AMRAAM medium-range air-to-air missiles
• GBU-38 precision-guided bombs
• External fuel tanks and underwing stores
• Two aircraft finishing options representing 2008 and 2014
• High-quality Cartograf waterslide decals
• Illustrated assembly instructions and painting guide
• Unassembled plastic model kit requiring painting and assembly

History of the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter developed to provide the United States Navy with a versatile aircraft capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Developed from the earlier McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, the Super Hornet features a larger airframe, increased fuel capacity, more powerful General Electric F414 engines, and improved avionics and weapons capabilities.

The F/A-18E first flew in 1995 and entered operational service with the US Navy in 1999. Its design incorporates the rugged landing gear, folding wings, and carrier-compatible construction necessary for sustained operations aboard American aircraft carriers.

The single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F became central components of modern US Navy carrier air wings, taking over many missions previously performed by aircraft such as the F-14 Tomcat and earlier F/A-18 Hornet variants.

VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" – United States Navy

Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), known as the "Pukin' Dogs," is a United States Navy fighter squadron with a history extending back to 1950. The squadron became particularly well known for its distinctive winged griffin insignia and its service aboard American aircraft carriers.

Over the decades, the squadron operated several famous naval fighters, including the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat. During the Tomcat era, VF-143 became one of the most recognizable units in American naval aviation.

Following the retirement of the F-14, the squadron transitioned to the F/A-18E Super Hornet and was redesignated VFA-143 in 2005. The unit continued its longstanding traditions while operating the modern single-seat Super Hornet.

VFA-143 has served with Carrier Air Wing Seven and participated in deployments aboard US Navy aircraft carriers, performing fleet defense, combat air patrol, and strike missions.

Two VFA-143 Pukin' Dogs Aircraft Marking Options

Academy's F/A-18E Super Hornet kit includes Cartograf waterslide decals for two appearances of the squadron's CAG aircraft, Bureau Number 166608, side number 100:

• F/A-18E BuNo 166608, AG-100 – VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs," 2014: Colorful CAG markings with distinctive blue vertical stabilizers and prominent squadron insignia.
• F/A-18E BuNo 166608, AG-100 – VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs," 2008: Alternative CAG markings featuring a more subdued gray appearance.

These two finishing options allow modelers to recreate different appearances of the same aircraft, highlighting the changing squadron markings carried by VFA-143 during its Super Hornet service.

Modern F/A-18E Super Hornet Weapons and External Stores

The Academy 1/72 F/A-18E Super Hornet includes a selection of modern US Navy aircraft weapons and external stores that represent the fighter's multirole capabilities.

The AIM-9X Sidewinder provides short-range air-to-air combat capability, while the AIM-120 AMRAAM represents the Super Hornet's ability to engage airborne targets at longer distances using radar-guided missiles.

The included GBU-38 precision-guided bombs demonstrate the aircraft's ground attack role, while external fuel tanks help reproduce operational configurations used during extended carrier-based missions.

These components provide modelers with opportunities to create a realistic armed Super Hornet display.

Build a Detailed 1/72 Scale US Navy Fighter

The Academy F/A-18E Super Hornet offers an enjoyable aircraft modeling project for enthusiasts interested in modern military aviation and American carrier operations. Its single-seat cockpit, twin-engine configuration, broad wings, and distinctive twin vertical stabilizers make it an immediately recognizable modern fighter.

Academy's thoughtfully engineered parts allow straightforward assembly while retaining the surface detail appreciated by experienced modelers. The completed aircraft can be enhanced with cockpit detailing, subtle panel line washes, metallic exhaust finishes, and realistic operational weathering.

For an authentic appearance, modelers can reproduce the Super Hornet's characteristic US Navy Tactical Paint Scheme using Light Ghost Gray and Dark Ghost Gray aircraft colors. The colorful VFA-143 squadron markings provide a striking contrast against the gray camouflage.

The finished Pukin' Dogs Super Hornet makes an excellent addition to a modern naval aviation collection alongside the F-14 Tomcat, F/A-18C Hornet, F/A-18F 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-18E Super 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 camouflage colors, primers, clear coats, metallic finishes, and 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.