The F/A-18A+ Hornet was slightly damaged.
Taken on Friday, Jun. 28, 2019, at Gando airbase, Gran Canaria (Spain), the curious photos in this post show an Ejército del Aire (EdA, Spanish Air Force, SpAF) F/A-18A+ Hornet (C.15-83/46-11 of 462Esc) “crashed” into a building.
Apparently, as reported by Scramble Facebook News Magazine the back of the Hornet hit the wall because the crew chief forgot to put the chocks on the wheels, which should serve as a stop when the fighter is parked. The Legacy Hornet was slightly damaged as can be seen in the following images.
In December last year, the Spanish Air Force and EADS CASA Military Aircraft signed a contract, valued approx. 186 Million Euros with a duration of four years, for the F-18 Hornet fleet mid-life upgrade.
On Dec. 29, 2018, the first aircraft, serial nº 62, belonging to Ala 12 (Wing) based at Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), landed at the company facilities in Getafe, where the upgrade works have been carried out. The arrival at the hangar is scheduled with a rhythm of one aircraft per month.
The software team of the Spanish Air Force Armament and Experimental Logistics Centre (CLAEX) and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have actively collaborated in the design and development of the software and in the integration and testing of the new avionics equipment, as well as in the complete development of the modified system integration software.
“This upgrade is very important for our Air Force, which participates continuously in the NATO entrusted missions and that from now on will rely on the highest equipment levels offered by the most pre-eminent Air Forces. The upgraded F-18, together with the Eurofighter, will guarantee a modern, precise, functional, and tactical defense thanks to the adopted advanced technology”, said Pablo de Bergia, President of EADS CASA Military Aircraft.
New characteristics of the upgraded aircraft:
–Tactical computer TPAC, high-speed multiprocessor, 6 buses 1553 to wingtip, 4 digital graphics channels, and associated software
–Two multifunctional color screens
–Upgraded communications systems (Heve-Quick II radios)
–Inertial GPS navigation system
–Full targets identification capacity
–Cockpit and external lights compatible with night vision
–Digital mission recording system
–MIDS pre-installation
–IDM (Improved Data Modem)
Photo by Spanish Air Force
