• Brand new 1/72 scale diecast airplane model of Boeing F/A-18C Hornet Fighter Aircraft "VMFA-312 Checkerboards" (165214) United States Marine Corps "Gemini Aces" Series die cast model by GeminiJets.
• Brand new box.
• Detailed exterior.
• True-to-scale detail.
• Comes with a display stand.
• Includes missile accessories.
• This model does not have any openings.
• Manufacturer's original unopened packaging.
• Made of diecast metal with some plastic parts.
• Dimensions approximately L-9.25, Wingspan-6.25 inches.
• Diecast metal and plastic construction for durability and a heavy, realistic feel.

HISTORY ASPECTS:
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C Hornet was developed as a versatile supersonic fighter and attack aircraft capable of performing air-to-air combat, close air support, interdiction, and reconnaissance missions. The single-seat F/A-18C became the principal fighter variant of the Hornet family and was widely operated by both the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Bureau Number 165214 is an F/A-18C-50-MC, manufacturer serial number 1390/C439, built as part of Lot 19. The aircraft began its career with the U.S. Navy before later being transferred to the Marine Corps.
In its later Marine Corps career, 165214 was assigned to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 312 (VMFA-312), the “Checkerboards,” based at MCAS Beaufort, South Carolina. The squadron was established in 1943 and has an exceptionally long combat history, having fought in World War II, including the Battle of Okinawa, as well as the Korean War and Vietnam War. After transitioning to the F/A-18A in 1987, the Checkerboards subsequently moved to the F/A-18C and continued their operational role as a Marine fighter-attack squadron.
The Checkerboards' F/A-18 era included extensive combat operations. During the 1990s, VMFA-312 participated in Operation Provide Promise and Operation Deny Flight over the former Yugoslavia, while also flying Operation Southern Watch missions over Iraq. In 1995, the squadron conducted direct combat sorties during Operation Deliberate Force, the NATO air campaign against Bosnian Serb forces. The squadron also participated in Operation Desert Fox against Iraq in December 1998, conducting combat sorties and employing precision-guided weapons.
VMFA-312 continued its combat role into the 21st century. During Operation Southern Watch in early 2001, Checkerboards F/A-18s conducted strikes against Iraqi air-defense targets, including operations around Baghdad. The squadron subsequently deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, continuing the Marine Corps tradition of using the Hornet as a highly flexible strike and close-support platform. The aircraft represented by this model, however, should not automatically be credited with every combat operation of VMFA-312; available records establish the combat history of the squadron rather than proving that BuNo 165214 itself participated in each of these missions.
This 1:72 scale model featuring the distinctive U.S. flag design on the tail, captures a striking example of the Marine Corps' legendary Hornet fleet. The combination of the single-seat F/A-18C, Checkerboards markings, and patriotic tail artwork makes it an impressive display piece for collectors of U.S. Marine Corps aviation, modern combat aircraft, and historically significant F/A-18 Hornets.