FSX US Navy F/A-18C Tomcatters CAG

This free add-on provides a precision-crafted repaint of the default F/A-18C Hornet featuring VFA-31’s “Tomcatters” CAG markings. It is specifically designed for Microsoft Flight Simulator X (Acceleration) and adds an authentic naval touch to the aircraft, requiring only the freeware base model (available in the Fly Away Simulation library) for seamless integration. Created by Ray Gagnon, this repaint brings the distinctive CAG insignia to life and showcases the heritage of one of the United States Navy’s notable strike fighter squadrons.

Unique Features of the Tomcatters CAG Design

These textures display the characteristic livery used by the Tomcatters leadership aircraft. The design highlights the CAG (Commander, Air Group) color scheme, which often carries more stylized insignias and markings than standard squadron jets. In this repaint, you will notice:

• Striking squadron insignia on the vertical stabilizers.
• Red, white, and black accent lines capturing the unit’s longstanding identity.
• Enhanced realism with operational stenciling applied to the fuselage.

Drawing on the real-world VFA-31 heritage, this repaint captures the spirit of a group known for its operational readiness and commitment to carrier-borne missions. While the F/A-18C excels in multirole environments, its naval background emphasizes carrier landings, folding wings, and high-performance avionics.

Installation Procedure for the Hornet Textures

This freeware add-on requires minimal steps for integration into your simulator. By following the guidelines below, you can ensure that your newly installed repaint runs smoothly on your default Acceleration F-18:

1. Copy the texture folder included in this package to your existing Acceleration F-18 main directory.
2. Add the provided configuration entry (shown below) into your aircraft.cfg file. Make sure to replace “XX” with the subsequent fltsim number in your setup so the repaint appears in your aircraft selection menu without conflicts.

Required Aircraft.cfg Additions

[fltsim.XX]
title=FA-18 tomcatters cag
sim=FA-18
model=
panel=
sound=
texture=tomcatters cag
kb_checklists=boeing_FA18_check
kb_reference=boeing_FA18_ref
atc_id=N100
atc_airline=NAVY
atc_flight_number=100
ui_manufacturer="Boeing"
ui_type="F/A-18C"
ui_variation=VFA-31 'Tomcatters' CAG
ui_typerole="Carrier Based"
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."

Technical Notes and Acknowledgments

This texture offering is designed for operators who already have the default F/A-18 Hornet in Microsoft Flight Simulator X with Acceleration. It is a textures-only package, so you will need to download the freeware base model separately (accessible in the Fly Away Simulation mod library). Creator Ray Gagnon carefully assembled this livery to reflect the real-world style of VFA-31 Tomcatters. With these additions, you can carry out realistic carrier strike missions, join virtual squadron flights, or simply admire the refined paintwork as you progress through your naval aviation adventures.