Spanish Air Force F/A-18A+ Hornet hits building after Crew Chief forgets to put Chocks on Wheels

The F/A-18A+ Hornet was slightly damaged.

Taken on Friday Jun. 28, 2019 at Gando air base, Gran Canaria (Spain), the curious photos in this post show an Ejército del Aire (EdA, Spanish Air Force, SpAF) F/A-18A+ Hornet (C.15-83/46-11 of 462Esc) “crashed” into a building.

Apparently, as reported by Scramble Facebook News Magazine the back of the Hornet hit the wall because the crew chief forgot to put the chocks on the wheels, that should serve as a stop when the fighter is parked. The Legacy Hornet was slightly damaged as can be seen in the following images.

In December last year the Spanish Air Force and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have signed a contract, valued approx. 186 Millions Euros with a duration of four years, for the F-18 Hornet fleet mid life upgrade. 

On Dec. 29, 2018 the first aircraft, serial nº 62, belonging to Ala 12 (Wing) based at Torrejón de Ardoz (Madrid), has landed at the company facilities in Getafe, where the upgrade works have been carried out. The arrival at the hangar is scheduled with a rhythm of one aircraft per month.

The software team of the Spanish Air Force Armament and Experimental Logistics Centre (CLAEX) and EADS CASA Military Aircraft have actively collaborated in the design and development of the software and in the integration and testing of the new avionics equipment, as well as in the complete development of the modified system integration software. 

“This upgrade is very important for our Air Force, that participates continuously in the NATO entrusted missions and that from now on will rely on the highest equipment levels offered by the most pre-eminent Air Forces. The upgraded F-18, together with the Eurofighter, will guarantee a modern, precise, functional and tactical defence thanks to the adopted advanced technology”, said Pablo de Bergia, President of EADS CASA Military Aircraft. 

New characteristics of the upgraded aircraft:

–Tactical computer TPAC, high speed multiprocessor, 6 buses 1553 to wing tip, 4 digital graphics channels and associated software 
–Two multifunctional colour screens 
–Upgraded communications systems (Heve-Quick II radios) 
–Inertial GPS navigation system 
–Full targets identification capacity 
–Cockpit and external lights compatible with night vision 
–Digital mission recording system 
–MIDS pre-installation 
–IDM (Improved Data Modem) 

Photo credit: Spanish Air Force