McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet, 163477 / 0705/6038, US Navy
This picture is © Martin Laycock and may not be used or published without permission.
Registration: 163477
Construction Number: 0705/6038
Code Number: AA-403
Military Unit: VFA-81
Model McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet
Operator: US Navy
Airport: RAF Mildenhall (MHZ / EGUN), UK - England
Airshow: Mildenhall - Air Fete - 1992
Photographer: Martin Laycock
Date Taken: 23/05/1992
Date Submitted: 29/05/2010
Photographed in the static display at Air Fete 92 this Hornet is from VFA-81 'Sunliners' based at the time at NAS Cecil Field, Florida and embarked on the USS Saratoga (CV60). The squadron made three deployments on Saratoga between 1990 and 1994 during which time they participated in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She was involved in a midair collision with an F-14 after launch from the Saratoga on the 12th February 1994. The F-14 attempted to divert but crashed due to fuel starvation both crew members ejecting. The Hornet managed to divert and land safely all be it with a portion of the wing missing and was later rebuilt.
Picture ID:1234315