FSX US Navy F/A-18C Vigilantes

Experience the distinctive markings of VFA-151 “Vigilantes” with this free repaint, meticulously crafted by Ray Gagnon for the default Boeing F/A-18C Hornet in Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration. This package showcases authentic squadron insignia, accurate color schemes, and unique identification details that commemorate one of the US Navy’s renowned tactical fighter units.

Key Attributes and Squadron Insight

The Vigilantes are a notable US Navy strike fighter squadron recognized for their carrier-based missions and operational versatility. VFA-151 integrates various mission profiles, including air superiority and fleet defense operations, while also focusing on precise ground attack capabilities. This repaint reflects those missions by highlighting the Hornet’s potent blend of maneuverability, high thrust-to-weight ratio, and advanced aerodynamics.

Aircraft Highlight: The F/A-18C Hornet

The F/A-18C Hornet is celebrated for its rugged design features, which are critical for handling the demanding nature of catapult launches and arrested recoveries on aircraft carriers. Its streamlined, multi-role frame supports cutting-edge avionics and advanced fly-by-wire flight controls. Pilots, flight engineers, and enthusiasts alike will notice the characteristic canted vertical tails and leading-edge extensions that grant the Hornet enhanced maneuvering, especially at elevated angles of attack. These qualities, combined with the Vigilantes’ striking livery, add a realistic naval aviation dimension to your simulators.

Implementation Guidelines

1. Place the included texture folder into the main directory of the default Acceleration F-18 within Microsoft Flight Simulator X.
2. Open the aircraft.cfg file for the default Acceleration F-18 and append the following lines, ensuring you replace the "XX" with the correct next sequence number:

[fltsim.XX]
title=FA-18 Hornet Vigilantes
sim=FA-18
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=Vigilantes
kb_checklists=boeing_FA18_check
kb_reference=boeing_FA18_ref
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_id=300
atc_flight_number=300
ui_manufacturer="Boeing"
ui_type="F/A-18"
ui_variation=Vigilantes
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."

The baseline model is not included in this repaint package, so you will need the freeware base model from the Fly Away Simulation mod library. After editing the configuration, save the file and launch Microsoft Flight Simulator X to see the Vigilantes paint scheme.

Authorship and Credits

This repaint set has been produced by Ray Gagnon to provide hobbyists and committed naval aviation fans with an immersive representation of VFA-151’s vibrant imagery. The distinctive styling and accurate insignia found in this package are a testament to the squadron’s legacy and operational excellence.