FSX Default F/A-18C Red Devils

Experience the iconic markings of VMFA-232 Red Devils in this specialized repaint for the stock Boeing F/A-18C included with Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration. Created by Ray Gagnon, these detailed textures bring the distinctive look of the United States Marine Corps’ oldest continually active fighter attack squadron to the virtual skies. Please note that the base freeware model is required, which can be found in the Fly Away Simulation library.

Highlighting the VMFA-232 Red Devils Heritage

VMFA-232, known as the Red Devils, is renowned for its longstanding legacy within the USMC. This squadron boasts an extensive aviation history, participating in numerous operations while continuously adapting its Hornets to stay technologically advanced. In the repaint, the red and white devil insignia is faithfully represented, capturing the squadron’s customary tail markings and aircraft identifiers.

Intricate Visual Elements

The updated textures deliver sharp squadron emblems on the tail and nose, plus a carefully painted fuselage camouflage pattern. These enhancements respect the real-world F/A-18C’s aerodynamic lines and emphasize the Hornet’s dual-intake design, canted vertical stabilizers, and leading-edge extensions (often described as LERX) that facilitate improved maneuverability.

Guided Installation Procedure

• Extract and place the provided “texture=red_devils” folder into the default FSX Acceleration F/A-18 main directory.
• Access the aircraft.cfg file for the Acceleration F/A-18, then locate the existing [fltsim] entries.
• Add the new lines shown below, replacing “XX” with the next available slot number to ensure each repaint entry is unique:

Configuration Adjustments

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

Performance and Authenticity

Beyond looks, the Boeing F/A-18C stands out for its superior thrust-to-weight ratio and control systems engineered to handle demanding carrier operations. The included repaint maintains an accurate visual representation of the Red Devils while retaining the stock flight model settings, ensuring predictable handling for carrier landings and high-angle-of-attack maneuvers.

Credits and Requirements

All textures are authored by Ray Gagnon and adapt the original, default models from Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration. This package is freeware and requires the corresponding FSX Acceleration Hornet files to function. The base files can be obtained from the Fly Away Simulation collection of freeware add-ons.