I just received the new Trumpeter 1/32 scale F/A-18E. The load out chart for the numerous weapons included with the kit show nothing going on stations 2 and 10. I did a google and found only OT&E aircraft with these stations loaded. All active units do not fly with any thing on these stations as far as I can find. Is there some reason why these stations are not loaded on service aircraft?
I have seen several load charts showing that these stations can be loaded. Any photo of operational service jets have these stations empty.
I looked at all my pics and haven’t seen a Super Hornet with those pylons loaded. The only pic I found with those pylons loaded was from Boeing. I thing beacuse of the weight limit of those pylons is the reason they’re not loaded. Especially with the other pylons loaded with drop tanks and LGB’s/JDAM’s.
I’m still looking through pics and stuff though. If I find anything I’ll let ya know.
I have some photographs showing those two pylons removed on operational bugs. I realize with PGM’s not all pylons have to be loaded. Why have the capability if they can’t be used?
The F-15C/D models that I worked on had a similar issue, although I don’t know if it applies to the F-18. At one time they had outboard weapon pylons under the wings. The stress put on those outboard pylons when loaded with weapons increased the likelihood of structural cracks. So, those pylons were removed and the access holes sealed.
