1/72 Hasegawa F/A-18D  Thomas Ng
M45-02 No. 18 Skn TUDM Butterworth
In 1993, TUDM made a surprise split order of Mig-29N and F/A-18D. The Hornet was selected as Maritime Strike Fighter to fulfill strike and interdiction missions complementing the Fulcrums on Air to Air role as part of the TUDM modernization program .

Eight aircraft were ordered, with deliveries commencing in March 1997, a new No 18 Skuadron was form and station in TUDM Butterworth. The TUDM Hornet is the standard USMC Night attack version, It have unique overall 36118 Gunship Gray paint scheme similar to those on USAF F-15E.

The TUDM Hornets are equipped with the upgraded Hughes APG-73 radar and two General Electric F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines. Weapon supplied include AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-9 Sidewinder, AGM-65 Mavericks, AGM-86 Harpoon as well as GBU-24 Paveway II LGB .

Malaysia is the first nation in Southeast Asia to  receive the F/A-18D, Service of F/A-18Ds in TUDM are entering the 10th years now....and many more years to come.
The kit I used is the 1/72 Hasegawa F/A-18D. Upon open the box, I found the same old Hase Hornet kit that I have 10 years ago for my first  box of aircraft model, But with new tree for the necessary C/D parts.

I build this model out of the box, I added the necessary bits that mention in the F-4DableModels decal instruction, I sketch build the twin chaff dispenser with plastic card and round it of with putty, I also added the GPS antenna on the spine.
The seats supply in the kit look unreal, since I do not have the resin seat to go with, I stuck 2 pilot figures in to hide the ugliness of the seat.

The model was painted using Gunze Acrylics, The decal is from F-4DableModels, they are easy to use. This is the first time I use after market decal, and I like it a lot.

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