USN VFA-102  "DIAMONDBACKS"  F/A-18F SUPER HORNET

50th Anniversary markings (1955-2005)

This model showcases the colorful livery of the "Diamondbacks" 50th Anniversary aircraft markings.

NOTE:    Fw 190A-3 "Black 1" Staffelkapitan 14. (Jabo)/JG 5, Petsamo 1943
Scale:  1:72
Length:    .0  inches

Item Number:   DRW50172                                                                                                                                     Price: $34.95

Main Features:
- 1/72 Authentic Scale
- Showcases the colorful 50th Anniversary markings!
- High Quality Diecast Metal
- Historically Accurate
- Removable Weapons
- Detailed Cockpits
- Opening Canopy
- Moving Wing Flaps
- Pre-assembled
- Display In Flight or In Landing Mode
- Dimensions: 10.05"L x 7.48"W x 2.67"H

About the VFA-102 "Diamondbacks"
The VF-102 Diamondbacks were established on July 1, 1955 in Jacksonville, Florida. Having served on numerous carriers, the Diamondbacks have proven themselves to be one of the most versatile strike fighter squadrons in the Navy.

On September 19, 2001 the VF-102 Diamondbacks departed NAS Oceana for the Arabian Sea. In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, the squadron began its scheduled deployment as a part of Operation Infinite Justice and began combat operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. During that deployment VF-102 flew 3,346 combat hours and dropped 645 bombs.

Following the their return from deployment, the squadron was transferred to NAS Lemoore, California to begin transition training in the Navy’s newest Strike Fighter, the F/A-18F.

The Tailcode for VFA-102 is NF. This is the tailcode for CVW-5. VFA-102 recently celebrated their 50th anniversary at Atsugi NAS.

In 2005 the "Diamondbacks" celebrated their 50th anniversary at their base in In 2005 they marked their 50th anniversary at their base in Atsugi, Japan.

About the F/A-18F Super Hornet:
The multi-mission F/A-18E/F "Super Hornet" strike fighter is an upgrade of the combat-proven night strike F/A-18C/D. The Super Hornet will provide the battle group commander with a platform that has range, endurance, and ordnance carriage capabilities comparable to the A-6 which have been retired.

The F/A-18E/F aircraft are 4.2 feet longer than earlier Hornets, have a 25% larger wing area, and carry 33% more internal fuel which will effectively increase mission range by 41% and endurance by 50%. The Super Hornet also incorporates two additional weapon stations. This allows for increased payload flexibility by mixing and matching air-to-air and/or air-to-ground ordnance. The aircraft can also carry the complete complement of "smart" weapons, including the newest joint weapons such as JDAM and JSOW.