DIT MODEL BESTAAT UIT 3 MODELLEN/VLIEGTUIGEN

The F/A-18C and D models are the result of a block upgrade in 1987 incorporating upgraded radar, avionics, and the capacity to carry new missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile and AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-84 Harpoon air-to-surface missiles. Other upgrades include the Martin-Baker NACES (Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat), and a self-protection jammer. A synthetic aperture ground mapping radar enables the pilot to locate targets in poor visibility conditions. C and D models delivered since 1989 also have improved night attack abilities, consisting of the Hughes AN/AAR-50 thermal navigation pod, the Loral AN/AAS-38 NITE Hawk FLIR (forward looking infrared array) targeting pod, night vision goggles, and two full-color (formerly monochrome) multi function display (MFDs) and a color moving map.

Beginning in 1992, the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engine, providing approximately 10% more maximum static thrust became the standard Hornet engine. Since 1993, the AAS-38A NITE Hawk added a designator/ranger laser, allowing it to self-mark targets. The later AAS-38B added the ability to strike targets designated by lasers from other aircraft.

Production of the F/A-18C ended in 1999. In 2000, the last F/A-18D was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps.

Strike Fighter Squadron 192 (VFA-192), also known as the "World Famous Golden Dragons", are a US Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at NAS Lemoore. They are attached to Carrier wing 9, their tailcode is NG, and their radio callsign is Dragon.

After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the squadron began preparations for an emergency deployment and began training at Iwo jima while Kitty Hawk sortied from Yokosuka. Within a week the Dragons were again carrier qualified and ready to sail. Instead, CVW-5 was divided to fill urgent requirements elsewhere in support of Opertion Enduring Freedom. CVW-5 Detachment A, comprised FA-18Cs from VFA-192 and VFA-195, S-3 ’s from VS-21 and HH-60`s from HS-14, sailed aboard Kitty Hawk to the Indian Oceanwith a large Special Operations contingent embarked. The Spec Ops force moved from Kitty Hawk into Afghanistan while the aircraft provided close air support (CAS) until November 2001. Detachment B, comprised FA-18Cs from VFA-27 and manned with pilots from all three CVW-5 Hornet squadrons, deployed to the U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia to provide air defense of the Maritime Pre-positioned Fleet and USAF bomber force deployed there.

In January 2003, VFA-192 deployed aboard Kitty Hawk to the Persian Gulf in support of opertion Araqi Freedom. The squadron flew 339 combat missions and dropped 224,000 pounds of ordnance including 283 JDAM and LGB bombs. After 100 consecutive days at sea, the Dragons returned to Japan in May.

On December 15, 2009, VFA-192 departed NAF Atsugi and CVW-5 as part of a homeport change to NAS Lemoore and CVW-9. Likewise, VFa-115 arrived in NAF Atsugi on December 13, 2009 to be the replacement squadron for the Dragons. Upon arrival at NAS Lemoore, VFA-192 Joined CVW-9.

Vier uitvoeringen mogelijk;

U.S.Navy, VFA-192 "GOLDEN DRAGON" (NF300), USS George Wahington 2008/2009, USS Kitty Hawk 2007.
U.S.Navy, VFA-192 "GOLDEN DRAGONS" (NF300), 1996.
U.S.Navy, VFA-192 "GOLDEN DRAGONS" (NF300), 2000.
U.S.Navy, VFA-192 "GOLDEN DRAGONS" )NF300), 2003.

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