Airplane Model*Hobby Master HA3521 1:72 F/A-18D Blue Angels #7 – Miniature Marvels: Airplane Models & Painted Dice

Hobby Master HA3521 1:72 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Blue Angels #7, US Navy.

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic twin engine all-weathernight fighter and attack aircraft. The F/A-18s first flew in November 1978 and the first productionflight on April 12, 1980. The first 380 aircraft were F/A-18As and in September 1987 productionswitched 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 inflight refueling. A total of 1,480 A-D variants were built.

The USN Blue Angels #7 F/A-18D aircraft is a two-seat version that is flown to show sites by theshow narrator. This aircraft has many duties at a show; it is used as a backup should one of theshow aircraft go mechanical and to give rides to civilian VIP. Normally there are three demo ridesper show, one to the press and two to from the Key Influencer (KI) program. The KI programselects individuals who shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities. Often duringFriday practices the #7 aircraft is used in the #4 slot.