Monday, June 13

Preview: Meng's F/A-18F Super Hornet "Bounty Hunters"

Just in time for a certain movie in the cinemas where it is the star, Meng has released the second of its F-18F Super Hornets, exclusively in VF A2 markings. We take a look at some of the features of the kit and the "Bounty Hunters" aircraft in the flesh in our preview...

Preview: Meng's F/A-18F Super Hornet "Bounty Hunters"

Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet "Bounty Hunters"
From Meng Models
Product No #LS-016
1/48th scale
Three marking choices in the box
Available in: July 2022
The Subject: The F/A-18F Super Hornet
The F/A-18 Super Hornet is the backbone of the US Navy carrier air wing now and for decades to come.

F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-2 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - September 2008
The combat-proven Super Hornet delivers cutting-edge, next-generation multi-role strike fighter capability, outdistancing current and emerging threats well into the future. The Super Hornet has the capability, flexibility and performance necessary to modernize the air or naval aviation forces of any country. Two versions of the Super Hornet–the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model–are able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.

F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-2 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - May 2017
The US Navy F/A-18 E and F Super Hornet maritime strike attack aircraft, manufactured by Boeing, flew for the first time on November 29 1995. The Super Hornet is about 25% larger than its predecessor, the F/A-18C/D, but contains 42% fewer structural parts. The single-seat F/A-18/E and the two-seat F/A-18/F fly greater ranges with heavier payloads, have more powerful engines, and provide greater survivability.

F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-2 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - July 2018
As the latest F/A-18 variants, the F/A-18E/F aircraft have greatly improved electronic equipment and extended combat radius. To perform the missions like air superiority and ground attack and complex tasks including reconnaissance and electronic warfare, the F/A-18F’s rear cockpit weapon systems operator has new advanced cockpit displays and control system. The pilot and the weapon systems operator can perform air-to-air and air-to-ground tasks at the same time. Before the next generation of carrier-based fighters enter service, the F/A-18F will still be the main combat aircraft of the U.S. aircraft carrier battle group.
VFA-2 “Bounty Hunters”
There are many famous carrier-based aircraft squadrons in the U.S. Navy. Among them, the VFA-2 “Bounty Hunters” squadron has the longest history, which can be traced back to one of the earliest squadrons deployed on the U.S. Navy's first aircraft carrier, USS Langley. On Oct. 14, 1972, the VF-2 flying F-14A Tomcat was established in the Naval Air Station Miramar. In Oct. 2003, they started to receive the F/A-18F Super Hornet fighters and have been equipped with these aircraft since then.

F/A-18F Super Hornet (VFA-2 / CVW-2) embarked on USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - July 2005

The kit: 1/48th scale Boeing F/A-18F "Super Hornet"
Boeing has licensed MENG to produce another Super Hornet - this time the two-seater kit no#LS-016 Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet "Bounty Hunters" in 1/48th scale. The length of this kit after completion is 377.9 mm, and the wingspan is 273.4 mm. 
This kit includes pre-cut stainless steel photo-etched parts and painting masks, with three high-visibility and low-visibility paint schemes of the VFA-2 Bounty Hunters Squadron. The kit includes two U.S. Navy pilot figures. The specially designed pluggable main pylons allow the easy change of weapons; this kit includes AGM-65 anti-radiation missiles, GBU-12 and GBU-16 laser-guided bombs. 
The two-seat variant’s cockpit and cockpit interior equipment are precisely replicated.
Two U.S. Navy pilot figures featuring realistic gestures and finely replicated suit and equipment are included. Two flight helmet options are provided.
Flaps and slats can be installed in retracted or deployed positions. Horizontal stabilizers and rudders are movable.
The specially designed pluggable main pylons allow the easy change of weapons
This kit includes weapons like AGM-65 anti-radiation missiles, and GBU-12 and GBU-16 laser-guided bombs.
Three high-visibility and low-visibility paint schemes of the VFA-2 Bounty Hunters Squadron are provided.
This kit will be available in July - You can see more info on this kit and others from Meng on the Meng Models Website...