1/48 Minicraft/Airfix/Italeri Hornet FGR

"What if"

by Dave Drake 

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McDonnell-Douglas Hornet FGR.1 ZA412 ‘E’, 9 Sqn RAF, Solenzara 1997

Continued delays with the programme to upgrade the Tornado GR.1 fleet to GR.4 status plus the need for a more versatile and capable tactical fighter than the Jaguar GR.1 led the RAF to purchase 50 ex-US Navy F/A-18As and 10 F/A-18Bs.  These were modified to incorporate British instrumentation, communications and other electronic equipment, enhanced integration with RAF weaponry, and to allow for better interaction with UK forces generally.

Designated FGR.1 and T.2 respectively (although the two-seaters were fully combat-capable), Hornets entered service with 9 and 74 Squadrons and have been used as multi-role aircraft on deployed operations since.  74 Sqn has an additional training flight to provide type conversion training.  

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A typical ‘ops package’ will consist of tankers, early warning and ELINT aircraft.  The offensive element will consist of Tornado bombers or Harrier ground attack aircraft accompanied by Hornets operating both in the pure fighter and SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences – popularly known as ‘Wild Weasel’) roles.  Alternatively, pure fighter Hornets will operate alongside attack and SEAD Hornets as a single-type offensive component.  This ensures the greatest possible degree of interoperability in offensive operations and, of course, adds additional (albeit limited) further air-to-air ‘punch’ beyond the attack and SEAD duties.

 (Donor kits: Minicraft F/A-18A, Airfix Tornado GR.1, Italeri Tornado IDS/GR.1)

Dave  

Photos and text © by Dave Drake