Boeing/Mitsubishi F/A-18M Suzumebachi

[ValAstur]

The JMSDFs new carrier, the Varukiri (Valkyrie), which does service in the surroundings of the japanese homeland, was equipped with F-14EJs. In 1999, the 81st Hikotai stationed on the carrier was reinforced with two additional hikotais, the 23rd and the 31st. The JMSDF obtained the Hornet at the same time as the JASDF. Under the designation F/A-18M, the plane replaced the F-14EJs of the 23rd and 31st Hikotai, introducing a new system of serial numbers adjusted to the new ship type.

 

Instead of the standard four-digit serial number system, the planes and helos of the carrier received a new system consisting of the jap. abbreviation for aircraft carrier 空母 (kubo), the hikotai number and finally the plane number.

 

Example: 空母2353 = Aircraft Carrier, 23rd Hikotai, plane number 53

 

Also, as a part of the new system, the fuselage wears the designation and the name of the vessel the plane is stationed on; just like in the US Navy.

 

The Varukiri was declared DCV (defender carrier vessel) because the aircraft carrier was an offensive weapon according to the japanese constitution. Using the word "defender" allowed the possession of a aircraft carrier.

 

Two F/A-18M from the 23rd Hikotai in a JAMPAT-Camo

 

Explanation of the new serial system

 

F/A-18M from the 31st Hikotai

Edited November 6, 2011 by NazGhul

[+EricJ]

Nice!

[ValAstur]

The single-seater F/A-18M (a request)

 

 

 

The double-seater F/A-18M will be renamed F/A-18M2