Spec's:
Wingspan: 49"
Lenth: 65.5"
Probable weight:10-13lbs
Power:Wren MW54 turbine
The F18 is being built from the Thorpe brothers plan, this model was
originally designed for a 90 size ducted fan unit. I had been planning
to build this model for a while and had bought the plans for it, then I
bought a half built one which encouraged me to complete it! This will
be my second turbine model, but the first with an internal engine
installation so it will be a new experience sorting out ducting and
head insulation. The original plan had retracts but no flaps, I am
contemplating adding flaps to it and will be using eurokit retracts.
I have found that the cheap eurokit range of retracts to be quite good
as long as you don't use the included valve, all mine have leaked!
Instead I replace the valve with one which is designed for industrial
pneumatic systems which does a far better job. Essentially the only
eurokit parts are the retract units themselves, I will use a coke bottle
for an air tank and replace all the tubing and fittings.
The F/A-18 "Hornet" is a single- and two-seat, twin engine, multi-mission fighter/attack aircraft that
can operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases. The F/A-18 fills a variety of roles: air
superiority, fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control,
close and deep air support, and day and night strike missions. The F/A-18 Hornet replaced the
F-4 Phantom II fighter and A-7 Corsair II light attack jet, and also replaced the A-6 Intruder as these
aircraft were retired during the 1990s. The F/A-18 has a digital control-by-wire flight control system
which provides excellent handling qualities, and allows pilots to learn to fly the airplane with relative
ease. At the same time, this system provides exceptional maneuverability and allows the pilot to
concentrate on operating the weapons system. A solid thrust-to-weight ratio and superior turn
characteristics combined with energy sustainability, enable the F/A-18 to hold its own against any
adversary. The power to maintain evasive action is what many pilots consider the Hornet's finest trait.
In addition, the F/A-18 was also the Navy's first tactical jet aircraft to incorporate a digital, MUX bus
architecture for the entire system's avionics suite. The benefit of this design feature is that the F/A-18
has been relatively easy to upgrade on a regular, affordable basis. The F/A-18 has proven to be an ideal
component of the carrier based tactical aviation equation over its 15 years of operational experience.
The only F/A-18 characteristic found to be marginally adequate by battle group commanders, outside
experts, and even the men who fly the Hornet, is its range when flown on certain strike mission profiles.
However, the inadequacy is managed well with organic and joint tanking assets
