Hasegawa 1/48 F/A-18F Super Hornet – VFA-103 Jolly Rogers 75th Anniversary
Celebrate one of the U.S. Navy’s most recognizable squadrons with Hasegawa’s 1/48 scale F/A-18F Super Hornet “VFA-103 Jolly Rogers 75th Anniversary.”
This Limited Edition release features the dramatic 75th Anniversary markings carried by VFA-103’s CAG aircraft. The famous Jolly Rogers skull-and-crossbones tail markings make this an especially striking Super Hornet for a modern U.S. Navy collection.
Kit Features
Manufacturer: Hasegawa
Kit Number: 07552
Scale: 1/48
Subject: Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet
Squadron: VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers”
75th Anniversary Limited Edition
Block II configuration
Approximately 256 parts
Two-seat F/A-18F configuration
Finely engraved surface and panel detail
Detailed cockpit
Detailed landing gear and wheel wells
External stores and pylons
Clear canopy parts
Special anniversary decals
Injection-molded plastic construction
Requires assembly and painting
Paint and cement are not included
Markings
Special decals reproduce:
U.S. Navy VFA-103 “Jolly Rogers”75th Anniversary CAG Aircraft – AG200USS Abraham Lincoln – 2018
The anniversary scheme features the squadron’s famous skull-and-crossbones tail markings together with special commemorative artwork.
Finished Size
Approximately:
Length: 383 mm / 15.1 in.Wingspan: 286 mm / 11.3 in.
This is a substantial 1/48 modern jet and makes an impressive display model when completed.
How Does the Hasegawa F/A-18F Compare?
There are several 1/48 F/A-18F Super Hornet kits available, ranging from older budget-oriented releases to newer, highly detailed kits from Meng and Hobby Boss.
Manufacturer | Kit | Relative Detail | Build Complexity | Typical Price* | Best For |
Hasegawa | F/A-18F | Very Good | Moderate | $60–70 | Balance of detail, price and proven tooling |
Meng | F/A-18F | Excellent | Moderate | $80–125+ | Maximum out-of-box detail and modern engineering |
Hobby Boss | F/A-18F | Excellent | Higher | $75–100+ | Lots of parts, weapons and display options |
Italeri | F/A-18F | Basic–Good | Moderate | $45–55 | Lower-cost build |
*Approximate market pricing varies by boxing and availability.
Hasegawa vs. Meng
The newer Meng F/A-18F offers more modern engineering, excellent cockpit detail, a large weapons selection, folding-wing options and numerous configuration choices. It is arguably the stronger choice for a modeler looking for maximum detail straight from the box.
The Hasegawa kit remains competitive, however. Its surface detail is still very good, the overall shape is well regarded, and it avoids some of the additional complexity and considerably higher price of the Meng release.
Advantage: Meng for detail and options; Hasegawa for value.
Hasegawa vs. Hobby Boss
Hobby Boss provides an impressive amount of detail, including extensive weapons and additional internal/display options. The Hobby Boss kit is also a newer tooling.
That extra detail comes with considerably more parts and construction complexity. For builders who aren't interested in displaying open avionics compartments or other internal components, some of that complexity may offer little benefit.
Advantage: Hobby Boss for maximum options; Hasegawa for a more straightforward build.
Hasegawa vs. Italeri
Italeri offers a less expensive route to a 1/48 Super Hornet, but the Hasegawa kit provides noticeably finer overall detailing and is better suited to an experienced modeler looking for a centerpiece-quality F/A-18F.
Advantage: Italeri for budget; Hasegawa for overall refinement.
Why Consider This Hasegawa Limited Edition?
This particular release adds something the standard kits do not—the striking VFA-103 Jolly Rogers 75th Anniversary markings.
For a modeler who wants a highly detailed 1/48 Super Hornet without paying the premium commanded by the newest kits, Hasegawa remains a very attractive choice.
At our suggested $59.95, this Limited Edition kit offers an excellent combination of:
Proven Hasegawa tooling
Fine surface detail
Large 1/48 scale
Famous VFA-103 Jolly Rogers markings
Special 75th Anniversary scheme
Limited Edition collectability
A substantially lower price than many newer-generation F/A-18F kits
Working Title Models Recommendation:Best choice for the modeler who wants a detailed F/A-18F with an exceptional marking scheme without paying premium-kit prices.
Skill Level
Recommended for intermediate to advanced modelers.
The large 1/48 scale provides plenty of opportunity for additional cockpit, landing gear, weapons and weathering detail.
