1/32 Academy F/A-18M

Gallery Article by Francisco lara "Manimal" on May 14 2010

 

F/A-18M Spanish Air Force

This is a F/A-18A Hornet for the Spainish Air Force (EdA), Now named F/A-18M after a recent update realized to all Spanish Hornets. This updated is called MLU (Mid-Life Upgrade).

This update consists of new electronics, navigation, avionics and weapons systems, fuselage painting with new formation lights compatible with night vision system.

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The kit is the Academy F/A-18C 1/32 scale, and resin cockpit from Avionix  (ex-Black Box).  The pilot is a Verlinden resin figure with modified emblems for the EdA. The Rafale litening is from IsraCast, and their support is on scratch.

All the modifications to convert in  a F/18-A and after in a F/18-M are on scratch…cockpit, landing gear, antennas, HUD, and more .

I painted the fuselage whit enamel Humbrol applied with my airbush, and all the weathering and details were done by hand, with acrilyc paints, oils, chalks, pastels, pencils and others.

I used “Series Españolas” decals for Spanish Hornet. This aircraft is that for the Coronel Chief of the Ala 15, destinated in Zaragoza Air Force Base, the 15-01 number. The little decal in top of the tail is the Ala 15 colored emblem, and are self-made by me.

Francisco lara "Manimal"

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Photos and text © by Francisco lara "Manimal"