The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic twin engine all-weather night fighter and attack aircraft. The F/A-18s first flew in November 1978 and the first production flight on April 12, 1980. The first 380 aircraft were F/A-18As and in September 1987 production switched to the F/A-18C. Variants A and C are single-seat aircraft while B and D are tandem-seats. The Hornet can operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases with the capability of in flight refueling. A total of 1,480 A-D variants were built.

The Canadian Air Force 425th Squadron is Canada’s French speaking squadron based in Bagotville, Quebec. Originally formed in June 1942 flying Wellington bombers but since 1985 they are equipped with CF-18 Hornets. The first CF-18 completed its maiden flight on July 29, 1982 with the single seat CF-18As assigned 188701 through 188798 while the dual CF-18Bs were assigned 188901 through 188940. The first 2 aircraft (188901 and 188902) were delivered to the No. 410 “Cougars” (OTU) Squadron at CFB Cold Lake, Alberta on October 25.