It is with much delight to modern jet enthusiasts that Hasegawa has released the single seat version of the Super Hornet so quickly after the F-18F kit. While the Italeri kit was nice, it was also a prototype and so did not have all the things changed for the production version. It is a bit unusual for Hasegawa not to have done a prototype kit when the F-18E/F was first brought out as they have a history of doing just that and then modifying the molds to match things up with the production version later on. This was not the case with the Super Hornet. Hasegawa actually waited until it had been in squadron service for some time before releasing these kits. The results are that they have the latest and greatest. Undoubtedly, it will be followed my multiple boxings of the base kit with little more than decal changes. No problem as they will be eagerly purchased by Super Bug fans the world 'round.       

To give you some idea on this kit, it is 98% common with the previously reviewed F-18F so I'll not trouble you with the showing the sprue layout though I have included the sprue diagram from the instructions. The different bits are the inclusion of the 'E' sprue that has the cover for the back seat section and a canopy attachment point, and the K sprue which has the single seat canopy. That is a total of three different parts out of a total of 117. Since the 'base' kit is the two seater, there are a few holes that need filled and a couple of parts you won't use (like the second instrument panel), but all the rest is exactly the same. The kit supplies AMRAAMs and AIM-9X Sidewinders, but you'll have to dig into a weapons set to fill the center wing pylon. All the pylons are faced outward, though it seems that they are not precisely at the correct angle. Have a read of the F-18F build review for more info in that area.

Instructions are the excellent ones we've come to expect from Hasegawa so there is no need to comment further on those. Markings are provided for two CAG birds. First is the box art plane from VFA-31. The other is from VFA-105. The decal sheet includes both the inner and the outer black tails and the black surround to the cockpit section and spine, though you could paint the tail colors if you wish as Hasegawa provides the badges and wing codes separately.  A really nice touch is the inclusion of missile stripes, something that is always difficult to come by for most modelers.

These kits have been selling quite well and much of it is due to the nice decal sheet that Hasegawa now provides. I'm sure you will find this one to your liking as well.

April 2008

My thanks to www.dragonmodelsusa.com for the preview kit. Get yours today at your local shop or ask them to order it for you.