Model Alliance Decals 1/72 F-18C Hornet Swiss Fliegerstaffell 11 Tiger Meet 2004 Special

This 1/72 single-airframe release from Model Alliance Decals – F-18C Hornet Swiss Fliegerstaffell 11 Tiger Meet 2004 Special – provides for a different F-18 in very unique markings.  The aircraft – J-5011 – of Fliegerstaffell 11 flew during one of the “Tiger Meets” where the various NATO air forces met to “spar” and “dogfight” against – and with – each other.  These Tiger Meets were used by the various air forces to show off unique markings during these exercises.  Most of these unique markings tended to have “tigers”, or “cats” as their theme.  This F-18C from the Swiss Air Force was no exception.

While the airframe was left in its standard grays, the extra markings are what made it unique.  First and foremost was the tiger that appeared to be coming out of the outside of each fin, holding what appears to be a missile.  In addition, there were “tiger stripes” applied to the external fuel tanks, as well as the missiles on the wing-tip rails.  This scheme definitely makes the F-18 stand out from its usual, dull, two-tone gray camouflage.

If you’re looking for unique and somewhere colorful markings to finish your 1/72 F-18C in, then by all means pick up this decal set.  Not only does it include the markings unique to this specific airframe, but it also contains all stencils used by most F-18s.  Basically a “one-stop shop” for this Swiss F-18C.

My thanks to The Aviation Workshop for providing this review decal set.