Finnish AF F-18C mid life update infomation

[phat trev]

Would anyone be able to help me with the changes I would need for an updated F-18C MLU (if that what the designation is????)

I have an Academy 1/72 F-18C as a base (thanks Hawker here on BM) and so have been looking at a few photos found on the interweb.

They look like they have some kind of ID light? just under the cocpit on the port side, or is it a camera?!

[Giorgio N]

They look like they have some kind of ID light? just under the cocpit on the port side, or is it a camera?!

It's a searchlight used to ID other aircrafts at night. The canadian Hornets have the same light and it's been on the finnish aircrafts from the beginning.

Can't help with the update modifications, although an article I have lists a number of features introduced at delivery

[Gerard]

Trev,

I did find this picture on-line, from June 2011, which might be of use.

Looks like, AGM-154 JSOW, GBU-38, AIM-9X.

http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=...922&nseq=35

I think that I've seen a photo of one with a AGM-158 JASSM, but it might have been an airshow mockup, or what they'd like to have.

Update: I've found out that the USA would like to do a FMS sale of 70 x AGM-158 JASSM to Finland.

So, you can arm your F-18 with modern weapons, not just AIM-9, AIM-7, and a few Mk-82.

Regards,

Gerard

[phat trev]

thanks for the info. bit of a strange thing to have on an aircraft that can fly so fast, a searchlight?

well some new AIM 9X stores will look good!

[Giorgio N]

thanks for the info. bit of a strange thing to have on an aircraft that can fly so fast, a searchlight?

Actually not too strange: during peacetime interceptions any "target" is visually identified and at night the searchlight can be useful. Several aircrafts carry these in one form or the other and canadian, kuwaiti and swiss hornets have it too.

One thing I read is that finnish hornets have SJU-17 seats, not sure the box you have contains this or the previous SJU-5

[phat trev]

Actually not too strange: during peacetime interceptions any "target" is visually identified and at night the searchlight can be useful. Several aircrafts carry these in one form or the other and canadian, kuwaiti and swiss hornets have it too.

One thing I read is that finnish hornets have SJU-17 seats, not sure the box you have contains this or the previous SJU-5

Ok. Well this will be added now. The SJU-17 is what is used in the Super Hornets so this I guess would make sense as it is the most modern version of this type of seat to fit the F-18. i have found a SJU-17 by Pavela ,ade of resin, are the mouldings any good from this company, although looking at the two options I can easly alter the SJU-5.

Looking over the Academy kit this evening, wow! what an awesome model The detailling is immense, I just hope i fits together as well as the review I read in an old SAMI magazine!?!

[Julien]

thanks for the info. bit of a strange thing to have on an aircraft that can fly so fast, a searchlight?

I think you will find that they use this when they fly abreast of a target at the same speed.

The F-16ADF had one of these fitted as they were primarily for US air defence.

Julien

[Kari Lumppio]

...

Update: I've found out that the USA would like to do a FMS sale of 70 x AGM-158 JASSM to Finland.

So, you can arm your F-18 with modern weapons, not just AIM-9, AIM-7, and a few Mk-82.

...

Hello!

AIM-7 and Mk 82 have never been in use in Finland. Likely will never be. Until recent years, it was AIM-120 and AIM-9M only.

One common configuration for Finnish F-18 seen in photos is center line drop tank and one pylon with dual launcher (LAU-115/LAU-127 combination) for two AMRAAMs per wing. Two AMRAAMs more on the fuselage LAU-116s would be overkill but I think such loads have been flown (training rounds of course). And the ninermikes on wingtips.

Outwardly the MLU shows only as the 9X type rails on wingtips and the magnets(?) for helmet sight on the canopy frame. This is what I remember from my latest refresher course couple of years ago. CIT antenna (Link 16) modification forward of the windshield is unrelated to mid life update as far as I know.

Keep looking the latest FinnAF F-18 photos (like 2011) and there might be couple of more equipment details. I am not sure what is made public and what not. But airframe changes should be like I gave above.

Cheers,

Kari

PS If you like your Hornet representing the Lappland Air Command then HN-411 would be the appropriate individual. 11 is the flying squadron of the command. Likewise HN-431 is for 31 squadron (Karelia Air Command) and HN-421 for21 squadron and Satakunta Air Command. Finnish Hornets are one pool from where squadrons are allocated planes, but I have been told that unofficially the beforementioned numbers stay with their respective squadrons. I think HN-421 and HN-431 also carry squadron emblems (sea eagle and lynx respectively), but HN-411 not. The Wisent (European Bison) - 11 squadron emblem - has been carried by HN-423 at least for the Kauhava Midnight show.

Edited December 15, 2011 by Kari Lumppio