This
latest sheet from Two Bobs is a very colorful and patriotic sheet
designed for the new Academy kit. Both of these jets feature flag
artwork that covers the entire speed brake area. These jets are
F/A-18A+ jets which mean they have the older "A" style
vertical stab. This is an easy modification to do on the Academy
kit and Black Box is also releasing an A model update set very soon.
The
first aircraft is 163133 VMFA-115 - Commanders bird that deployed on the
USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Very
colorful jet that sports OIF nose art on the jet that was applied during
the return leg of the deployment. There is a full size American
flag that adorns the speed brake on this jet. Another interesting
marking is the false canopy on the underside of this jet. Not too
many Hornets in the US still carry this form of camouflage anymore.
This A/C is unique in that it also carries the five-blade AN/APX-111 IFF
antennas on it's nose forward of the windscreen.
The
second aircraft is 162904 VFA-201 - CAG jet from the USS Theodore
Roosevelt.
This
aircraft also sports a little piece of artwork on it's nose along with
mission markings. Once again though, the most striking marking on
this jet is the speed brake artwork. A/C 200 has the US Navy Jack
predominantly displayed and it covers the entire speed brake.
VFA-201 made history by being the first Navy Reserve unit to be fully
mobilized since the 1950's and they took many of the honors that are
awarded to squadrons during a cruise.
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