FSX CF-18 409 Sqn

This freeware repaint brings a low-visibility CF-18 409 Squadron “Nighthawks” variant to your Microsoft Flight Simulator X Acceleration install. It displays unique Royal Canadian Air Force markings and an authentic subdued color palette. Developed by Ray Gagnon, it offers fresh visuals to the default F/A-18C platform, maintaining fidelity with the real-world Hornet’s operational appearance.

Distinctive Features of the 409 Squadron Scheme

The reproduced artwork accurately showcases the CF-18 (also commonly known as the CF-188) as employed by 409 Squadron. This particular unit, nicknamed the “Nighthawks,” is recognized for its emphasis on tactical fighter operations. The subdued gray livery highlights the aircraft’s stealth-oriented design while retaining national insignia and squadron identifiers in a discreet format.

Technical Notes on the CF-18 Hornet

The CF-18 is a twin-engine, supersonic fighter based on the Boeing (originally McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18 Hornet airframe. It integrates advanced flight control surfaces—including canted vertical stabilizers, horizontal stabilators, and large flaps—to achieve superior maneuverability. Its robust landing gear and airframe design accommodate field deployments as well as carrier operations in the original naval variant.

Essential Installation Steps

This repaint requires the default F-18 included with the Acceleration expansion pack. To implement the textures, place the texture folder directly into the main directory of the default F-18. Then, edit the aircraft.cfg by appending the following lines to the appropriate section, making sure to replace “XX” with your next sequential entry:

[fltsim.XX]
title=FA-18 409 lowvis
sim=FA-18
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=409 lowvis
kb_checklists=boeing_FA18_check
kb_reference=boeing_FA18_ref
atc_id=CF765
atc_airline=Air Force
atc_flight_number=765
ui_manufacturer="Boeing"
ui_type= CF-18
ui_variation=409 Sqn Nighthawks Low Vis
ui_typerole=RCAF
ui_createdby=repaint by 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."

This download provides textures only, so ensure you have the freeware base model, available in the Fly Away Simulation library. These files are exclusively intended for the Acceleration default F-18 in Microsoft Flight Simulator X.

Additional Notes from the Developer

The repaint is credited to Ray Gagnon, who pays close attention to subtle structural panels and camouflage shades that define the CF-18. For enthusiasts eager to explore more F-18 liveries, Ray Gagnon indicates that there are many others available at “The Hornet’s Nest.” Simply acquire those additional textures to expand your visual variety.