(4 Wing) 410 Squadron ‘Cougars’ 50th Anniversary Hornet Canadian Armed Forces(CAF)Air Demonstration Aircraftof the CAF #188749. An original aircraft model and textures. This is only an abridged version of the accompanying Word document which goes into greater detail on the history of the CAF and the CF-18/A Hornet itself. There is also an Hornet panel users guide along with some flight tips that may help in maneuvering this aircraft. By Dean Reimer
More about….McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing CF-18/A Hornet and some….History
When a CF-18 powers up, the thunderous engines shake the ground.
The twin engines of this supersonic tactical fighter jet deliver 7,290 kg of thrust and speeds of up to Mach 1.8. The Hornet’s primary roles include the air defence of North America, training with our allies, and responding to situations anywhere in the world. During the Gulf War, 24 CF-18s were sent to Qatar to participate in the American-led Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. Canadian pilots flew more than 5,700 hours about 2,700 combat air patrol missions to protect Canadian naval forces in the Gulf.Two years ago, CF-18s were equipped with infra-red sensors and laser designators for precision-guided weapons. Each Aircraft carries a pod which incorporates a forward-looking infra-red sensor that allows pilots to see targets at night. It also has a laser designator to guide precision bombing.
Aircraft CF-188901, piloted by the Commanding Officer of 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron, Lieutenant-Colonel Gordon P. Zans, CD, was the first aircraft of this type to be accepted by the Canadian Forces at a ceremony attended by former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau 19 years ago.
Canada was the first country outside the United States to order the versatile F/A-18s. Developed for use by the U.S. Navy and Marine corps, this twin-engine fighter and attack aircraft is capable of performing a variety of roles from air combat, to reconnaissance, to day/night attack missions.
Painted in the 410 Squadron Cougar paint scheme, the Hornet conducted one practice approach before landing on the runway behind the main Museum building with the assistance of a mobile arresting gear system. The aircraft was then towed to the ceremonial area, where the Chief of the Air Staff, Lieutenant-General Lloyd Campbell, presented the aircraft’s logbook to President and CEO of the Canada Science and Technology Museum Corporation, Mr. Christopher Terry, in a formal transfer of ownership.
Aircraft CF188901 is one of five Early Production Aircraft (EPA), and as such has half of the fatigue life expectancy than the rest of the fleet. Having reached its fatigue life limit, CF188901 has no further value to the Canadian Forces, and virtually no potential of being sold to another country as an airworthy asset. It is however, of significant historical value to Canadians and to the Canadian Aviation Museum in particular.
We appreciate the Department of National Defence’s understanding of the usefulness and significance of the aircraft beyond its active life span in the Canadian Forces and gratefully accept the guardianship of this significant aircraft for this and future generations,” said Francine Poirier, Acting Director of the Canada Aviation Museum.
The Canada Aviation Museum is normally the first museum entitled to a fully equipped CF aircraft upon retirement of a fleet. Considering it’s historical value and its availability while the CF-18 fleet is still active, it has exceptional value as an artifact as well as a museum attraction.
TECHNIC COUNTER
Length: 17.07 m
Wingspan: 12.31 m
Height: 4.66 m
Weight: 10,455 kg
Power: 2 General Electric F404 low bypass turbofans
Speed: Mach 1.8
Ceiling: 15,000 m
Range: 3,704 (more with air-to-air refueling)
Armament: Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-ground missile, conventional bombs and precision-guided bombs, rockets, and M-61 20mm cannon.
Crew: 1 pilot (CF-18A), 2 pilots (CF-18B)
Year(s) procured: 1982 to 1988
Quantity in CF: 122 (60 operational/62 fighter training, testing and rotation)
Location(s): 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta.
COMMENTS:
After three hours flying with the McDonnell-Douglas/Boeing CF-18/A Hornet I have seen a very detailed cabin with yoke movement and some aceleration movement. Secondly wheels move when you acelerate in the run way but when you turn slowly to one side the first wheel is blocked and it does not turn to were the plane is going. Also when you acelerate the turbofans change colour depending how much you acelerate. If you acelerate the plane as much as able, the turbofans will show you all fire coming out from the turbofans. It also has a good detailed 3D pilot.
The outside detail is good, and the plane responces good to your movement. After all a very good maniobrable and detailed plane. I have enjoyed flying with this plane a recomended to all people that like figthers like me.
My rating is 8/10