HMS Duke of Edinburgh (CVA-02) Airgroup c1987 - Hornet FRS1

[Thorvic]

Decided to join in and carry on with CVA-01 air group theme by moving it forwards into the 80's when the Phantom and the Buccaneer were replaced.

First up is the McDonnell Douglas Hornet FRS1, seen as a multirole replacement of Buccaneer and Phantom, although some work was done to fulfil the requirement with Naval input to the Panavia Tornado, the requirement for Naval operations were just too great to accommodate with the existing RAF Strike Bomber needs and the German/Italian requirement for a smaller, lighter aircraft. Thus the RN were allowed to follow the USN in ordering the Hornet, with only the minimal changes for UK Avionics and weapons (the lessons having been learnt about re-engining), with UK companies being utilised to supply parts and airframe elements as an offset.

The kit being used is the Academy 1/72nd F/A-18A, which will be built with minimal mods

[Captain Canada]

Sounds good. I love the Hornet, obviously  But they do look so good with everything hanging, especially in a RN scheme.

[Martin H]

sounds good to me.

Mind you.......................
Geoff needs another RN carrier airgroup as his CVA01 airgroup is currently on temporary deployment at my place post SMW15. And my current employment situation scuppered their planned return home next weekend.

[Captain Canada]

Sorry to hear Martin ! Hopefully you can get all the fingerprints off before he sees them 

[Martin H]

I think he more concerned about the potential risk of me repainting them into RAF schemes Todd LOL

[Thorvic]

Actually just wondering when I will get them back as Martin's also going to miss Huddersfield as well and after that his new Job should kick in making scheduling shows somewhat more difficult 

It does make things a little awkward for this weekends Bolton Show as most of my regular line up and the carrying boxes are with Martin. I can probably dig some more out but lost this weekend due to coming down with a full blown cold which made routing round the cold dark garage a no no 

Back on topic I didn't get any further with the Hornet this week, the cold put paid to that but I did find the decals I wanted to use so not a complete loss as such, and it will follow as I clear some others off the bench in coming weeks once i'm back to normal.