Company Re-paints Historic F/A-18 after 2,000 mile road trip from Florida to California
The aircraft, which thrilled spectators for nearly 30 years, has been meticulously re-painted after its 2,000 mile journey by truck from "The Blues" training facility in Pensacola, FLA, to its new home in San Diego, CA.
"We've done a lot of specialty work in the past, so when Boeing contacted us to help restore this iconic aircraft, we were more than happy to donate our services," said Mike Manclark, CEO, Leading Edge. "This is an aircraft that's represented America for decades, so to play a part in bringing it back to life for the San Diego Air & Space museum is a real honor. And with its fresh new paint job, we're sure it will continue to dazzle aviation enthusiasts for generations to come."
Formed in 1946, "The Blues" are recognized as the oldest flying aerobatic team in existence, having performed for more than 427 million spectators worldwide. Originally flying WWII fighters, the squadron changed aircraft many times, until finally adopting the current F/A-18 Hornet in 1986. Each F/A-18 is a former fleet aircraft that are nearly combat-ready; able to be repainted and readied for combat service in just 72 hours.
With proven track record for painting museum-quality aircraft, Leading Edge Aviation Services was the clear painting partner of choice for Boeing, Northrop Grumman, GE Aircraft Engines, Raytheon and the Hornet Industry team.
"We're thrilled to add this exciting showpiece to our growing exhibit," said Jim Kidrick, President and CEO, San Diego Air & Space Museum. "It took a lot of time, effort, and commitment to refurbish this jet after trucking it coast-to-coast, but the results were well worth it. We extend our deepest thanks to Boeing, the Hornet Industry team, and Leading Edge for their unequalled commitment to excellence, and for making this moment possible."
About Leading Edge Aviation Services:
Headquartered in Santa Ana, CA with facilities across the United States, Leading Edge Aviation Services, Inc. is one of the most advanced, commercial aircraft services companies in the world. Specializing in commercial, private, and military aircraft painting, the company also provides a wide range of commercial services, including fuel system, mod-center support, contract labor, line-turn maintenance, composite and sheet metal, long and short term aircraft storage, field audits, fleet assessments, interior deep cleaning, and strip and painting services to various branches of the United States Military. For more information, visit LeadingEdgeCorp.com
Published on: 2009-07-13
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