FSX US Navy F/A-18C Royal Maces

Enhance your military aviation roster in Microsoft Flight Simulator X with this meticulously crafted texture package featuring the US Navy VFA-27 “Royal Maces” F/A-18C Hornet. These high-resolution repaints, brought to life by Ray Gagnon, showcase the distinctive tail markings and squadron insignia that the Royal Maces have emblazoned on their carrier-capable fighters. This project includes texture files only, so you will need the default Acceleration F/A-18 in place for proper functionality. The base model is freeware and can be found in the Fly Away Simulation library.

Highlighted Visual Enhancements

• Accurate Markings: The fuselage and wings have been overhauled to replicate authentic squadron livery details, including the striking black and yellow tail flash that defines the Royal Maces.
• Refined Finishes: Panel lines and rivet placements reflect the real-world Hornet’s welded aluminum structure, ensuring a realistic look under various lighting conditions.
• Detailed Maintenance Stencils: Subtle stencil text has been applied for added immersion, especially when inspecting the aircraft from external views or during close-up walkarounds.

Aircraft Background Details

The Boeing F/A-18C Hornet serves as a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather platform designed to meet both fighter and attack roles for the US Navy. Its advanced flight control system, coupled with powerful engines and canted stabilizers, promotes excellent performance even when operating from aircraft carriers. In real-world service, the F/A-18C has proven its worth across various combat scenarios, sporting the reliability that carrier operations demand.

Royal Maces Squadron Notes

VFA-27, nicknamed the “Royal Maces,” is recognized for executing missions with precision and contributing to the US Navy’s power projection at sea. Their aircraft often display the hallmark “Maces” emblem on the vertical stabilizers, signifying both heritage and squadron pride. This repaint set by Ray Gagnon faithfully captures those markings and color patterns.

Installation Procedure

1. Extract the provided texture folder into the main directory of the default Acceleration F-18 (within this simulator’s “SimObjects” folder structure). These files will occupy a new folder labeled texture.royalmaces.
2. Open the aircraft.cfg file in the default F-18 folder. Insert the following lines, ensuring “XX” is replaced by the appropriate sequential number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=FA-18 Hornet maces
sim=FA-18
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=royalmaces
kb_checklists=boeing_FA18_check
kb_reference=boeing_FA18_ref
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_id=200
atc_flight_number=200
ui_manufacturer="Boeing"
ui_type="F/A-18"
ui_variation=Royal Maces
ui_typerole=Carrier Based
ui_createdby=Ray Gagnon
description="The Hornet combines the ruggedness required of carrier-borne aircraft with speed and superior agility, especially at high angles of attack. Its powerful engines, canted vertical stabilizers, horizontal stabilators, large leading- and trailing-edge flaps, and sophisticated flight control system all contribute to a level of performance that makes the Hornet a versatile front-line fighter in several air forces around the world."

Credits to the Creator

This distinct paintwork is developed by Ray Gagnon, who meticulously captured the essence of VFA-27’s signage. These textures will appeal to virtual pilots seeking immersion in carrier strike group scenarios or anyone interested in naval aviation history within Microsoft Flight Simulator X.