Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 323 (VMFA-323) is an aircraft carrier-based aviation squadron of the United States Marine Corps. The squadron is equipped with the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet and is based at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, United States.
Designed as a replacement for the A-4 Skyhawk and the A-7 Corsair II and as a complement to the F-14 Tomcat, the F/A-18 first flew on November 18, 1978. Perhaps best known as the aircraft of the US Navy's Blue Angels, this carrier-capable, supersonic, all-weather fighter has many roles, including fighter escort, fleet air defense and close air support. The F/A-18 is a versatile aircraft: it can operate from carriers or land bases and a single switch converts it from fighter to strike mode. During Operation Desert Storm, the F/A-18 proved that, on a single mission, one aircraft could serve as both fighter and a bomber.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale F/A-18 Hornet is a quality model with many fine features, skillfully designed and manufactured with modern techniques. The canopy can be removed for an unobstructed view of the cockpits pad-printed instrument panel and interior features. A separate canopy with a fixed actuator is included for display in the open position. The speed brake can be configured in the deployed position, and the landing gear and gear doors are constructed as subassemblies for quick and easy ground configuration. The series includes the single-seat F/A-18C and the two-seat F/A-18D. Each release is fitted with removable ordnance appropriate to its mission (see photos).