Black Aces F/A-18F Catapult Launch

F/A-18F 166455/NH-100
VFA-41 "Black Aces" USS Nimitz
2006

The catapult launch accelerates the aircraft from zero to 170mph in three seconds, exerting 4G on the pilot's body. I was lucky to experience this when launched from the USS Constellation in a C-2 COD - quite a rush!

This F/A-18F is painted in full color as the CAG Bird. The rest of the squadron would be in low-viz grey markings.

This excellent 3d model is from file404. I upgraded the texture resolution to 8K with each stencil and panel line reproduced accurately. I custom made all the VFA-41 markings with reference to photos and on-line resources.

The model allows for the animation of the landing gear, refueling probe, wing fold, access ladder and canopy. However in the software I use this had to be done manually. The control surfaces are also separate parts so I was able to drop the flaps and slats too. Notice that the rudders are on opposite lock on a cat-launch.

The deck crew are based on the G8M figure, with clothing modified and re-textured. The cranial helmet, goggles and ear defenders are scratch built. The catapult shuttle and hold-back bar are also all scratch built. The steam is made from Stonemason's 3d clouds.