Hobby Master HA3521 1:72 F/A-18D Blue Angels #7

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-weather night fighter and attack aircraft. The F/A-18s first flew in November 1978 and the first production flight on April 12, 1980. The first 380 aircraft were F/A-18As and in September 1987 production switched 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 in flight 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 the show narrator. This aircraft has many duties at a show; it is used as a backup should one of the show aircraft go mechanical and to give rides to civilian VIP. Normally there are three demo rides per show, one to the press and two to from the Key Influencer (KI) program. The KI program selects individuals who shape attitudes and opinions of youth in their communities. Often during Friday practices the #7 aircraft is used in the #4 slot.