| Aircraft | |
|---|---|
| Registration / Serial: | 164951 |
| Military Code: | ED-05 |
| Aircraft Original Type: | McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet |
| Aircraft Generic Type: | McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet |
| Aircraft Version: | McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D(RC) Hornet |
| C/n (msn): | 1251/D131 |
| Operator Titles: | USA - Marines |
| Unit Markings: | VMFA(AW)-533 |
| Location | |
|---|---|
| City / Airport: | Nakhon Ratchasima - KhoratMap |
| Country: | Thailand |
| Airport Codes: | ICAO: VTUN IATA: - Local: - Other: - |
| Event: | Cope Tiger 2011 |
| Photo Date: | 21 March 2011 |
| Photo by: | Adrian Romang |
| Photo ID: | 708934 |
| Photo Comment |
|---|
|
The airframe pictured here is modified with the "Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System" (ATARS), thus becoming an F/A-18D(RC). The installation of the electro-optical sensor system required the standard M61 cannon to be removed. ATARS was only installed in USMC all-weather-attack squadron F/A-18D's. Four such units operated three F/A-18D(RC) each, meaning at least 12 Hornets were modified (even though some reports suggest as many as 60). South Carolina based VMFA(AW)-533 "Hawks" operated the F/A-18D between 1992 and 2022. This bird was previously assigned to VMFA(AW)-332. This photo is copyright © Adrian Romang, and may not be used or published in any way without permission. It was added on 21 July 2024, and has since been viewed 210 times. |