USN F/A-18E VFA-143 Pukin Dogs 1:72 Academy 12547

Plastic model airplane kit: USN F/A-18E VFA-143 Pukin Dogs 1:72 Academy 12547

We present a plastic model kit of the F/A-18E Super Hornet in 1:72 scale, produced by the renowned company Academy. This detailed model represents the version of the aircraft used by Strike Fighter Squadron 143 (VFA-143), known as "Pukin Dogs," operating from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia.

Model features:

• Scale: 1:72
• Manufacturer: Academy
• Catalog number: 12547
• Parts allowing assembly of the model in either the landing gear extended or retracted position
• Ability to mount weapons and additional fuel tanks

About the F/A-18E Super Hornet: The F/A-18E Super Hornet is an American supersonic, twin-engine multirole fighter jet capable of operating from aircraft carriers. It is an evolution of the earlier F/A-18 Hornet model, offering larger dimensions and advanced technologies. The Super Hornet is in service with the armed forces of the United States, Australia, and Kuwait. 

This aircraft is capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground/surface missions. It is equipped with an internal M61A2 20 mm rotary cannon and can carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles. Additional fuel tanks can be mounted on five external hardpoints, and the aircraft can be configured as an aerial tanker with an external air-to-air refueling system.

The Super Hornet entered operational service with the United States Navy in 2001, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006. This aircraft has been widely used in combat operations in the Middle East, including wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as actions against the Islamic State and forces allied with Assad in Syria.

About VFA-143 "Pukin Dogs": Strike Fighter Squadron 143, known as "Pukin Dogs," is a strike fighter squadron of the United States Navy operating from Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia. The squadron is part of Carrier Air Wing One and is stationed aboard the USS Harry S Truman. Their radio call sign is "Taproom."

The squadron adopted its current insignia in 1953, depicting a winged black griffin on a blue shield. The name "Pukin' Dogs" originated when the squadron commander's wife remarked that the griffin design resembled a dog with its head down and mouth open, which she commented as a "pukin dog." The pilots loved the name, and it stuck. After the Tailhook scandal in 1991, the squadron was forced to officially change its name to "Dogs," but this ban was lifted in 1996 by Admiral John Mazach.

Assembly and painting kit. Does not include paints or glue. Assembly requires separately sold modeling tools (including cutters, files, tweezers), paints, brushes, and plastic model glue (e.g., Tamiya Extra Thin Cement). The photo shows a professionally assembled and painted model.