Superhornet

Hey Jim,

Here's a thread from sometime back on the YF-17 in which I had posted a drawing giving a general comparison (size-wise) of the YF-17, F/A-18A/B/C/D & F/A-18E/F. There's also a photo of a Hornet and a Super Hornet in formation.

As to all the differences between the old Hornets and the Super Hornets, they are many; they're really two totally different aircraft.

There's alotta sites with photos of the Super Hornets, but here's a link to Boeing's Image Galleries where you can find a buncha comparative shots of the old and the new...


Fade to Black...

I know Revelogram will be making their -E in 1/48th, which is due toward the end of the year. This should be very good indeed. I have heard rumors (rumors only now) that Hasegawa plans on partnering with Revelogram on this to create a -F (2- seater).

A very good reference is the new edition of Scale Aircraft Modelling which is out this week in UK. It has the development story, details and colours as well as kit accessories listed.
Also useful references are World Air Power Journal - Vol 42 and International Air Power Review Vol II. Hoppe this helps
Arfa

Indeed, the two aircraft are more different than they are alike. I'm a little surprised the contract was put through. Frankly, the curves of the new bird ruin the overall appearance of the sexiest plane in the sky, but of course, form follows function. (Gotta keep telling myself that). ;)

Italeri have an E and an F in their current line up
http://www.italeri.it/Categoria.asp?ProCategoria1=1&Cat3Codice=5&Cat4Codice=48

I haven't seen the 1/48 Italeri E but the 1/72 is pretty good. The engraved panel lines are heavy and details not as crisp as you'd expect from Tamiya/hasegawa but it not the junk Italeri used to put out. (their F-5 series is enough to make you cry)

I worry that the Revellogram superbug will just be the Italeri kit reboxed, like the Revell of Germany F-22 is. Recent Italeri kits have too damn many fit issues for me. Every one of their current jet fighter kits has SOME fit problem.

The Super Hornet is based on the regular Hornet, but it is essentially totally new airplane. It is several feet longer & wider & more wing area. The air intakes are square instead of oval, the wing has a distinct "dog tooth" notch near the fold line, the Leading Edge Extensions (LEX) are one continuous curve instead of the "S" curve and the horizontal tail has a straight LE corner instead of rounded. The ventral speed brake between the rudders was deleted infavor of a small panel on each LEX. They put 3 external stores stations under each wing instead of 2.
Changes not critical to modelers include much more fuel capacity, more internal room for avionics, better engines, cockpit updates, etc. It can carry and use more modern ordnance than the regular hornets.

QUOTE: Originally posted by John P I worry that the Revellogram superbug will just be the Italeri kit reboxed, like the Revell of Germany F-22 is. Recent Italeri kits have too damn many fit issues for me. Every one of their current jet fighter kits has SOME fit problem.

...Supposed to be completely new tooling JP. I hear that the same team doing this was the one that did the Revelogram F-15E. As a result I am very excited. The release date was also recently pushed back. I'm assuming this is a result of increased competition (Trumpeter is also planning one in 1/48).

Is it just me, or does Ru Paul's "Supermodel" song pop in your head every time you hear "Superhornet"?

I saw this in Monogram's future lineup, but thought it was a reissue too. A brand new Super Hornet with all the detailing of the F-15E would be great! I'd have to give one a shot.