Blue Angels F/A-18A Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A Hornet, a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter, transformed naval aviation with its adaptability. Nicknamed the "Rhino," it first flew on November 18, 1978, and entered service in 1983. Powered by two General Electric F404-GE-402 engines, each generating 17,750 pounds of thrust, it reaches Mach 1.8 at 40,000 feet. Its fly-by-wire system, a production fighter first, ensures precision handling. Armed with a 20mm M61A1 cannon and capable of carrying 13,700 pounds of ordnance, including AIM-9 Sidewinders and AGM-65 Mavericks, the Hornet excelled in air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. In Operation Desert Storm, it downed enemy aircraft and struck ground targets in single missions. The F/A-18A served the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and the Blue Angels from 1986 to 2020, showcasing its agility at airshows worldwide.

These pen blanks are crafted from the authentic fuselage of F/A-18A Hornet, Bureau Number 161973, preserving its storied legacy. Perfect for aviation enthusiasts, veterans, or collectors, they turn a piece of this legendary aircraft into a timeless writing instrument.

Bureau Number 161973 History: Delivered in 1984, BuNo 161973 served as Blue Angels #1, piloted by Commander Pat Moneymaker (1990) and Captain Greg Wooldridge (1991-1992), and #5 under Ken Switzer (1993). It survived a 1990 midair collision, completed a historic 1992 European tour, including a Moscow performance with the Russian Knights, and was retired in 1994.