Citizendia

F/A-18 Hornet

A USMC F/A-18 in flight

TypeMultirole fighter
National originUnited States
ManufacturerMcDonnell Douglas/Boeing
Northrop
Maiden flight18 November 1978
Introduction7 January 1983
Primary usersUnited States Navy
United States Marine Corps
Royal Australian Air Force
Spanish Air Force
Number built>1,458
Unit costUS$41 million in 2008
Developed fromNorthrop YF-17
VariantsCF-18 Hornet
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a modern all-weather carrier-capable strike fighter jet, designed to attack both ground and aerial targets. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the An aerospace manufacturer is a company or individual involved in the various aspects of designing building testing selling and maintaining Aircraft, Aircraft parts McDonnell Douglas was a major American Aerospace manufacturer and Defense contractor, producing a number of famous commercial and military aircraft The Boeing Company is a major Aerospace and defense corporation originally founded by William E The Northrop Corporation was a leading Aircraft manufacturer of the United States from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman The maiden flight of an Aircraft is the first occasion on which an aircraft leaves the ground of its own accord Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) The Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. The Spanish Air Force ( Spanish: Ejército del Aire; literally "Army of the Air" is the Air force of Spain. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout McDonnell Douglas was a major American Aerospace manufacturer and Defense contractor, producing a number of famous commercial and military aircraft The Boeing Company is a major Aerospace and defense corporation originally founded by William E A strike fighter is a Fighter aircraft which is also capable of attacking Surface targets including Ships It differs from an Attack aircraft Designed in the 1970s for service with the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, the Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the U. S. Navy's Blue Angels since 1986. The United States Navy 's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and was the world's first officially sanctioned Its primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance. SEAD (pronounced see-add or seed or Suppression of Enemy Air Defences, also known as " Wild Weasels quot and "Iron Hand" operations in the USA are Air interdiction (AI is the use of aircraft to attack tactical ground targets that are not in close proximity to friendly ground forces In Military tactics, close air support ( CAS) is defined as air action by fixed or rotary winged aircraft against hostile targets that are in close proximity to Reconnaissance (also scouting) is a military and medical term denoting exploration conducted to gain information Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset, though it has been criticized for its lack of range and payload compared to its contemporaries. [1]

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a distinct, evolutionary upgrade to the F/A-18 designed to serve a complementary role with Hornets in the U. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout S. Navy. [2]

Contents

Development

Origins

Development of the F/A-18 came as a result of the U. S. Navy's Naval Fighter-Attack, Experimental (VFAX) program to procure a multirole aircraft to replace the A-4 Skyhawk, the A-7 Corsair II, remaining F-4 Phantom IIs and to complement the F-14 Tomcat. VFAX for Naval Fighter Attack Experimental was actually two specifications for two US Naval fighter projects WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Vice Admiral Kent Lee, then head of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), was the lead advocate for the VFAX against strong opposition from many Navy officers, including Vice Admiral William D. Houser, deputy chief of naval operations for air warfare - the highest ranking naval aviator. Kent L Lee (born July 28, 1923) is a retired Vice Admiral of the United States Navy. The Naval Air Systems Command, or NAVAIR is the part of the United States Navy which provides materiel support for naval aircraft and airborne weapon systems Vice Admiral William Douglas Houser, USN (Ret (born 11 November 1921) is a former United States Navy officer who later served as a telecommunications [3]

The YF-17 Cobra was navalized and developed into the F/A-18.
The YF-17 Cobra was navalized and developed into the F/A-18. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

In August 1973, Congress mandated that the Navy pursue a lower-cost alternative to the F-14. Grumman proposed a stripped F-14 designated the F-14X, while McDonnell Douglas proposed a navalized F-15, but both were nearly as expensive as the F-14. McDonnell Douglas was a major American Aerospace manufacturer and Defense contractor, producing a number of famous commercial and military aircraft [4] That summer, Secretary of Defense Schlesinger ordered the Navy to evaluate the competitors in the Air Force's Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program, the General Dynamics YF-16 and Northrop YF-17. The United States Secretary of Defense ( SECDEF) is the head of the U The Lightweight Fighter (LWF program was a US Air Force technology evaluation program initiated in the 1960s by a cabal of officers and defense analysts known as the General Dynamics Corporation ( is a defense conglomerate formed by Mergers and Divestitures and as of 2008 it is the fifth largest Defense contractor The Northrop Corporation was a leading Aircraft manufacturer of the United States from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [5] The Air Force competition specified a day fighter with no strike capability. In May 1974, the House Armed Services Committee redirected $34 million from the VFAX to a new program, the Navy Air Combat Fighter (NACF),[5] intended to make maximum use of the technology developed for the LWF program. [4]

Redesigning the YF-17

Though the YF-16 won the LWF competition, the Navy was skeptical that an aircraft with one engine and narrow landing gear could be easily or economically adapted to carrier service, and refused to adopt an F-16 derivative. The Navy fought for and won permission to develop an aircraft based on the YF-17. Since the LWF did not share the design requirements of the VFAX, the Navy asked McDonnell Douglas and Northrop to design a new aircraft around the configuration and design principles of the YF-17. The new aircraft, designated the F-18, shared not a single essential dimension or primary structure with the YF-17. Secretary of the Navy W. Graham Claytor announced on 1 March 1977 that the name of the aircraft would be "Hornet". Events 86 BC - Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army enters in Athens, removing the Tyrant Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays [4]

Northrop had enlisted the aid of McDonnell Douglas as a secondary contractor on the NACF proposal to capitalize on the latter's extensive experience in building carrier aircraft, including the highly successful F-4 Phantom II. On the F-18, the two companies agreed to split the parts manufacture evenly, with McDonnell Douglas completing the final assembly, representing ~20% of the work. McDonnell Douglas built the wings, stabilators, and forward fuselage; Northrop built the center and aft fuselage and vertical stabilizers. McDonnell Douglas was the prime contractor for the naval versions. [5] Northrop would become the prime contractor and take over final assembly for the F-18L land-based version which Northrop hoped to sell on the export market. [4]

F/A-18 attached to catapult on the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln.
F/A-18 attached to catapult on the flight deck of USS Abraham Lincoln. Ship history Construction Lincoln' s contract was awarded to Newport News Shipbuilding on 27 December 1982 her keel was laid 3 November 1984 at

The F-18, initially known as McDonnell Douglas Model 267, was drastically modified from the YF-17 while retaining the same basic configuration. For carrier operations, the airframe, undercarriage, and arrestor hook were strengthened, folding wings and catapult attachments were added, and the landing gear widened. [6] To meet Navy range and reserves requirements, McDonnell increased fuel capacity by 4,460 pounds (2,020 kg), with the enlargement of the dorsal spine and the addition of a 96 gallon fuel cell to each wing (the YF-17 had dry wings). Most visibly, a "snag" was added to the leading edge of the wings and stabilators to prevent a flutter discovered in the F-15 stabilator. The wings and stabilators were enlarged, the aft fuselage widened by 4 inches (102 mm), and the engines canted outward at the front. These changes added 10,000 lb (4,540 kg) to the gross weight, bringing it to 37,000 lb (16,800 kg). The computer-assisted control system of the YF-17 was replaced with a wholly digital fly-by-wire system with quadruple-redundancy, the first to be installed in a production fighter. [6]

The original plan specified acquiring 780 total of three closely related models: the single seat F-18A fighter and A-18A attack aircraft, differing only in avionics, and the dual-seat TF-18A, which retained full mission capability of the F-18,[1] except with a reduced fuel load. With redesign of the stores stations and improvements in avionics and multifunction displays, it became possible to combine the A-18A and F-18A into one aircraft. [4] Starting in 1980, the aircraft began being referred to as the F/A-18A, and the designation was officially announced on 1 April 1984. Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) The TF-18A was redesignated F/A-18B. [4][1]

Northrop's F-18L

Northrop developed the F-18L as a potential export aircraft. Since it did not have to be strengthened for carrier service, it was expected to be lighter and better performing, and a strong competitor to the F-16 Fighting Falcon then being offered to American allies. The F-18L was 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg) (approximately 30%) lighter than the F/A-18A, due to a lighter landing gear, removal of the wing folding mechanism, and reduced part thickness in areas. Though the aircraft retained a lightened arresting hook, the most obvious external difference was the removal of the "snags" on the leading edge of the wings and stabilators. It still retained 71% commonality with the F/A-18 by parts weight, and 90% of the high-value systems, including the avionics, radar, and ECM suite, though alternatives were offered. Unlike the F/A-18, the F-18L carried no fuel in its wings and lacked weapons stations on the intakes. It had three underwing pylons on each side instead. [7]

The partnership between the McDonnell Douglas and Northrop soured over competition for foreign sales for the two models. Northrop felt that McDonnell Douglas would put the F/A-18 in direct competition with the F-18L. In October 1979, Northrop filed a series of lawsuits charging that McDonnell was using Northrop technology developed for the F-18L for foreign sales in violation of their agreement, and asked for a moratorium on foreign sales of the Hornet via McDonnell Douglas. The case was resolved in 1985 when McDonnell agreed to pay Northrop $50 million for complete rights to the design, without any admission of wrongdoing. By then Northrop had ceased work on the F-18L, and most export orders were captured by the F-16 or the F/A-18. [7]

Into production

A US Navy F/A-18 in flight
A US Navy F/A-18 in flight

During flight testing, the snag on the leading edge of the stabilators was filled in, and the gap between the leading edge root extendors (LERX) and the fuselage mostly filled in. Leading edge extensions or LEX (also referred to as leading edge root extensions or LERX or strakes or chines) are The gap, called the boundary layer air discharge (BLAD) slots, controlled the vortices generated by the LERX and presented clean air to the vertical stabilizers at high angles of attack. However, they also generated a great deal of parasitic drag, worsening the problem of the F/A-18's inadequate range. McDonnell filled in 80% of the gap, leaving a small slot to bleed air from the engine intake. Bleed air in gas turbine engines is compressed air taken from within the engine after the compressor stage(s and before the fuel is injected in the burners This may have contributed to early problems with fatigue cracks appearing on the vertical stabilizers due to extreme aerodynamic loads, resulting in a momentary grounding in 1984 until the stabilizers were strengthened. Starting in May 1988, a small vertical fence was added to the top of each LEX to broaden the vortices and direct them away from the vertical stabilizers. This also provided a minor increase in controllability as a side effect.

The first production F/A-18A flew on 12 April 1980. Events 467 - Anthemius is elevated to Emperor of the Western Roman Empire. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar)

Design

A Hornet doing a high-g pull-up during an air show. The high angle of attack causes powerful vortices to form at the leading edge extensions.
A Hornet doing a high-g pull-up during an air show. The high angle of attack causes powerful vortices to form at the leading edge extensions. Wingtip vortices are tubes of circulating air which are left behind by the Wing as it generates lift.

The F/A-18 is a twin engine, mid-wing, multi-mission tactical aircraft. It is superbly maneuverable, owing to its good thrust to weight ratio, digital fly-by-wire control system, and leading edge extensions (LEX). Aircraft flight control systems consist of Flight control surfaces, the respective cockpit controls connecting linkages and the necessary operating mechanisms to control Leading edge extensions or LEX (also referred to as leading edge root extensions or LERX or strakes or chines) are The LEX allow the Hornet to remain controllable at high angles of attack. This is because the LEX produce powerful vortices over the wings, creating turbulent airflow over the wings and thus delaying or eliminating the aerodynamic separation responsible for stall, allowing the Hornet's wings to generate lift several times the aircraft's weight, despite high angles of attack. The Hornet is therefore capable of extremely tight turns over a large range of speeds.

Canted vertical stabilizers are another distinguishing design element, and among the other design characteristics that enable the Hornet's excellent high angle-of-attack capability include oversized horizontal stabilators, oversized trailing edge flaps that operate as flaperons, large full-length leading-edge flaps, and flight control computer programming that multiplies the movement of each control surface at low speeds and moves the vertical rudders inboard instead of simply left and right. A flaperon is a type of control surface that combines aspects of both flaps and Ailerons. The Hornet's normally high angle-of-attack performance envelope was put to rigorous testing and enhanced in the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout NASA used the F-18 HARV to demonstrate flight handling characteristics at high angle-of-attack (alpha) of 65-70 degrees using thrust vectoring vanes. [8] F/A-18 stabilators were also used as canards on NASA's F-15S/MTD. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

The Hornet was among the first aircraft to heavily utilize multi-function displays, which at the switch of a button allow the pilot to perform either fighter or attack roles or both. A Multi-function display (MFD is a small screen ( CRT or LCD) in an Aircraft surrounded by multiple buttons that can be used to display information This "force multiplier" capability gives the operational commander more flexibility in employing tactical aircraft in a rapidly changing battle scenario. It was the first Navy aircraft to incorporate a digital multiplex avionics bus, enabling easy upgrades. [1]

The Hornet is also notable for having been designed with maintenance in mind, and as a result has required far less downtime than its heavier counterparts, the F-14 Tomcat and the A-6 Intruder. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Its mean time between failure is three times greater than any other Navy strike aircraft, and requires half the maintenance time. [1] For example, whereas replacing the engine on the A-4 Skyhawk required removing the aircraft's tail, the engine on the Hornet is attached at only three points and can be directly removed without excessive disassembly. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout An experienced maintenance crew can remove and replace an F/A-18 engine in only a couple of hours.

F/A-18 Hornet in transonic flight (Note Prandtl-Glauert condensation).
F/A-18 Hornet in transonic flight (Note Prandtl-Glauert condensation).

The General Electric F404-GE-400 or F404-GE-402 engines powering the Hornet were also innovative in that they were designed with operability, reliability, and maintainability first. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The result is an engine that, while unexceptional on paper in terms of rated performance, demonstrates exceptional robustness under a variety of conditions and is resistant to stall and flameout. By contrast, the Pratt & Whitney TF30 engines that originally powered the F-14A were notoriously prone to compressor stall and flameout under certain flight conditions. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

The engine air inlets of the Hornet, like that of the F-16, are "fixed", while those of the F-4, F-14, and F-15 have variable geometry or variable ramp engine air inlets. The variable geometry enables high-speed aircraft to keep the velocity of the air reaching the engine below supersonic. This is one speed limiting factor in the Hornet design. Instead, the Hornet uses bleed air vents on the inboard surface of the engine air intake ducts to slow and reduce the amount of air reaching the engine. While not as effective as variable geometry, the bleed air technique functions well enough to achieve near Mach 2 speeds, which is within the designed mission requirements. The less sophisticated design is also more robust.

Because it was designed as a light multirole aircraft to complement the specialized F-14 and A-6 airframes, it had a relatively low internal fuel fraction. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout An aircraft's fuel fraction, fuel weight fraction, or propellant fraction is the weight of the fuel or propellant divided by the gross take-off weight of the aircraft That is, its internal fuel capacity is small relative to its take-off weight, at around 23%. Most aircraft of its class have a fuel fraction between . 30 to . 35. This situation was exacerbated by the addition of new avionics over its lifespan, further reducing the fuel fraction. This lead to 330-gallon external tanks being a common sight on F/A-18s, with the centerline and inner wings stations (numbered 3, 5 and 7) being plumbed to transfer fuel.

Design evolution

In the 1990s, the US Navy faced the need to replace its aging A-6 Intruders, EA-6 Prowlers, A-7 Corsair IIs and F-14 Tomcats without proper replacements in development. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout To answer this deficiency, the Navy had the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet developed. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout Despite its designation, it is not an upgrade of the F/A-18 Hornet, but rather, a new, larger airframe utilizing the design concepts of the Hornet. Hornets and Super Hornets will serve complementary roles in the US Navy carrier arsenal, until the deployment of the F-35C Lightning II, which will primarily replace F/A-18A-D Hornets. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

Operational history

United States

Entry into service

F/A 18 Hornets on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class supercarrier Harry S. Truman
F/A 18 Hornets on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class supercarrier Harry S. Truman

McDonnell Douglas rolled out the first F/A-18A on 13 September 1978,[9] in blue-on-white colors marked with "Navy" on the left and "Marines" on the right. The flight deck of an Aircraft carrier is the surface from which its Aircraft take off and land essentially a miniature airfield at sea General characteristics Builder Newport News Shipbuilding Company Newport News Virginia Power Plant Two A4W reactors This is about the warships For the television program see Supercarrier (TV series. Commissioning ceremony The keynote speaker of the commissioning ceremony was President Bill Clinton. Events 509 BC - The Temple of Jupiter on Rome 's Capitoline Hill is dedicated on the ides of September Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) Its first flight was on 18 November. Events 326 - The old St Peter's Basilica is consecrated 1302 - Pope Boniface VIII issues the Papal bull [9] In a break with tradition, the Navy pioneered the "principal site concept"[5] with the F/A-18, where almost all testing was done at NAS Pax River,[1] instead of near the site of manufacture, and involving Navy test pilots instead of contractor pilots much earlier in the process. "Pax River" redirects here For the river see Patuxent River.

In March 1979, Lt Cdr John Padgett became the first Navy pilot to fly the F/A-18. [10] In all, nine F/A-18As and two F/A-18Bs were assigned to flight systems development.

An F/A-18 taking off from USS Kitty Hawk.
An F/A-18 taking off from USS Kitty Hawk. 1961 to 1964 Following a shakedown in the Western Atlantic, Kitty Hawk departed Norfolk on 11 August 1961.

Following trials and operational testing by VX-4 and VX-5, Hornets began to fill the Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) VFA-125, VFA-106, and VMFAT-101, where pilots are introduced to the F/A-18. Strike Fighter Squadron 125 (VFA-125 also known as the "Rough Raiders" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore The Hornet entered operational service with Marine Corps squadron VMFA-314 at MCAS El Toro on 7 January 1983,[9] and with Navy squadron VFA-113 in March 1983, replacing F-4s and A-7Es, respectively. Marines (from the English adjective marine, meaning of the sea, from Latin language mare, meaning sea via French adjective A squadron is a small unit or formation of Cavalry, armour, Aircraft (including Balloons) or Warships Army Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314 is a United States Marine Corps F/A-18 Hornet squadron Marine Corps Air Station El Toro was a United States Marine Corps Air Station located near Irvine California, at. Events 1325 - Alfonso IV becomes King of Portugal. 1558 - France takes Calais, the last continental Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Strike Fighter Squadron 113 (VFA-113 Stingers is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore, California WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [1]

The initial fleet reports were complimentary, indicating that the Hornet was extraordinarily reliable, a major change from its predecessor, the F-4J. [11] Other squadrons that switched to F/A-18 are VFA-146 "Blue diamonds", and VFA-147 "Argonauts". Strike Fighter Squadron 146 (VFA-146 also known as the "Blue Diamonds" is a United States Navy an operational fleet strike fighter squadron based at Naval VFA-147 Strike Fighter Squadron 147 (VFA-147 also known as the "Argonauts" is a United States Navy strike fighter squadron based at Naval Air Station Lemoore In January 1985, the VFA-131 Wildcats moved from Naval Air Station Lemoore to Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, and became the Atlantic Fleet’s first F/A-18 squadron. Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131 also known as the "Wildcats" is a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval

The Blue Angels' #6 F/A-18A.
The Blue Angels' #6 F/A-18A. The United States Navy 's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and was the world's first officially sanctioned

The US Navy's Blue Angels aerobatic team switched to the F/A-18 Hornet in 1986,[9] when it replaced the A-4 Skyhawk. The United States Navy 's Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, popularly known as the Blue Angels, was formed in 1946 and was the world's first officially sanctioned Aerobatics is the demonstration of flying maneuvers for Training, Recreation or Entertainment. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The Blue Angels perform in F/A-18A and B models at air shows and other special events across the US and worldwide. Blue Angels pilots must have 1,350 hours and an aircraft carrier certification. The two-seat B model is typically used to give rides to VIPs, but can also fill in for other aircraft in the squadron in a normal show if the need arises. A Very Important Person, or VIP is a person who is accorded special privileges due to his or her status or importance

After a production run of 380 F/A-18As[9] (including the nine assigned to flight systems development), manufacture shifted to the F/A-18C in September 1987. [1] As the A-6 Intruder was retired in the 1990s, its role was filled by the F/A-18. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The F/A-18 demonstrated its versatility and reliability during Operation Desert Storm, shooting down enemy fighters and subsequently bombing enemy targets with the same aircraft on the same mission. It broke all records for tactical aircraft in availability, reliability, and maintainability.

US Combat service

The F/A-18 first saw combat action in April 1986, when VFA-131 Hornets from USS Coral Sea flew SEAD missions against Libyan air defenses during Operation Prairie Fire and an attack on Benghazi as part of Operation El Dorado Canyon. Early Milestones The ship promptly began a series of career milestones when on 27 April 1948, two P2V-2 Neptunes piloted by Commander Thomas D Benghazi or Bengasi ( Arabic بنغازي, transliterated Banġāzī,) is the second largest city in Libya and the The United States bombing of Libya (code-named Operation El Dorado Canyon) comprised the joint United States Air Force, Navy and [11]

Two U. S. Navy F/A-18s were destroyed, with the loss of their pilots, during the Gulf War. [11] On 17 January 1991, the first day of the war, Lieutenant Commander Scott Speicher of VFA-81 was shot down and remains listed as missing in action. Events 38 BC - Octavian marries Livia Drusilla. 1287 - King Alfonso III of Aragon invades Minorca Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Captain Michael Scott Speicher USN (born July 12, 1957) is a United States Navy pilot whose F/A-18 Hornet fighter was shot down over Iraq Strike Fighter Squadron 81 (VFA-81 also known as the "Sunliners" is a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet strike fighter squadron stationed at Missing in action is a status assigned to a member of the armed services who is reported missing following combat The other F/A-18, piloted by Lieutenant Robert Dwyer (who was officially listed as killed in action), was lost over the North Arabian Gulf after a successful mission to Iraq. Killed in action ( KIA or K I A) is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces by other The Persian Gulf, in the Southwest Asian region is an extension of the For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Iraq topics.

F/A-18 pilots were credited with two kills during the Gulf War, both MiG-21s. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [12] On the first day of the war, U. S. Navy pilots Lieutenant Nick Mongilio and Lieutenant Commander (now Rear Admiral) Mark Fox were sent from the USS Saratoga in the Red Sea to bomb an airfield in southwestern Iraq. Construction and trials She was ordered as a "Large Aircraft Carrier" Hull classification symbol CVB-60, and her contract was awarded to the The Red Sea is a Salt water Inlet of the Indian Ocean between Africa and Asia. While enroute, they were warned by an E-2C of approaching MiG-21 aircraft. The Hornets shot down two MiGs and resumed their bombing run, each carrying four 2,000 lb bombs, before returning to Saratoga. Mongilio and Fox become the first pilots to register air-to-air kills while still completing their original air-to-ground mission. [9][1] The Hornet's survivability was demonstrated when a Hornet took hits in both engines and flew 125 mi (201 km) back to base. It was repaired and flying within a few days. Overall during the Gulf War, F/A-18s flew 4,551 sorties with ten Hornets damaged including the two losses previously mentioned. [13]

Both U. S. Navy F/A-18A/C models and Marine F/A-18A/C/D models were used continuously in Operation Southern Watch and over Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s. Operation Southern Watch was an operation conducted by Joint Task Force Southwest Asia (JTF-SWA with the mission of monitoring and controlling airspace U. S. Navy Hornets flew in Operation Enduring Freedom from carriers operating in the North Arabian Sea. Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF is the official name used by the U Both the F/A-18A/C and newer F/A-18E/F variants were used in Operation Iraqi Freedom, operating from aircraft carriers. The Iraq War, also known as the Second Gulf War, the Occupation of Iraq, or the War in Iraq, is an ongoing Military campaign Later in the conflict USMC A+, C, and primarily D models operated from bases within Iraq. A F/A-18C was accidentally downed in a Friendly Fire incident by a Patriot missile early in the conflict, and two others collided over Iraq in May 2005. Friendly fire or non-hostile fire, a term originally adopted by the United States military, refers to fire from one's own side or allied forces as The MIM-104 Patriot is a Surface-to-air missile (SAM system the primary of its kind used by the United States Army and several allied nations In January 2007, two Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets collided in mid-air and crashed in the Persian Gulf. [1]

Non-US service

Though Navy aircraft have not historically sold well on the export market, the F/A-18 has been purchased and is in operation with a number of foreign air services. Export Hornets are typically similar to U. S. models of a similar manufacture date. Since none of the customers operate aircraft carriers, all export models have been sold without the automatic carrier landing system, and Australia further removed the catapult attachment on the nose gear. [11] Except for Canada, all export customers purchased their Hornets through the U. S. Navy, via the U. S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program, where the Navy acts as the purchasing manager but incurs no financial gain or loss. Canada ordered its planes directly from the manufacturer.

Australia

The Royal Australian Air Force purchased 57 F/A-18A fighters and 18 F/A-18B two-seat trainers, with 71 in service, and 4 lost to crashes. The Royal Australian Air Force ( RAAF) is the Air Force branch of the Australian Defence Force. [14] The first F/A-18 was delivered to the RAAF on October 29, 1984. Events 437 - Valentinian III, Western Roman Emperor, marries Licinia Eudoxia, daughter of his cousin Theodosius II Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) [9] The fleet is expected to be retired by 2015, replaced by the F-35 Lightning II. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout [15][16]

In 2001, Australia deployed four aircraft to Diego Garcia, in an air defence role, during coalition operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Operation Slipper is the Australian Defence Force (ADF contribution to the war in Afghanistan. Diego Garcia is the largest Atoll, in terms of land area in Chagos Archipelago, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory. In 2003, 75 Squadron deployed 14 F/A-18s to Qatar as part of Operation Falconer. No 75 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force fighter unit based at RAAF Tindal in the Northern Territory. The Australian Government under John Howard supported the disarmament of Iraq during the Iraq disarmament crisis.

In 2007 Australia Government decided to acquire 24 F/A-18F Block II Super Hornet multi role aircraft. At a cost of approximately $6 billion over 10 years, the acquisition of the Super Hornet will ensure the transition to the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The Super Hornet will be based at RAAF Base Amberley.

Canada

Canadian CF-18A Hornet off the coast of Hawaii. Note the 'false cockpit' painted on the underside of the aircraft, intended to confuse enemy pilots during dogfights.
Canadian CF-18A Hornet off the coast of Hawaii. Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page The State of Hawaii ( or həˈwaɪʔiː Hawaiian: Mokuāina o Hawaii) is a state in the United States located on an Archipelago in the Note the 'false cockpit' painted on the underside of the aircraft, intended to confuse enemy pilots during dogfights. A dogfight or dog fight is Aerial combat between Fighter aircraft.

Canada was the first export customer for the Hornet, replacing the CF-104 Starfighter (air recce & strike, Germany), the CF-101 Voodoo (air interception, Canada) and the CF-116 Freedom Fighter (ground attack, Canada). The Canadian Forces Air Command ordered 98 A-models (Canadian designation CF-188A/CF-18A) and 40 B models (designation CF-188B/CF-18B). Mission AIRCOM is responsible for all aircraft operations in the Canadian Forces enforcing the security of Canada's airspace and providing aircraft for supporting the missions of WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

In 1991, Canada committed 26 CF-18s to the Gulf War, based in Qatar. In June 1999, with 18 CF-18s were deployed to Aviano AB, Italy, and they participated in both the air-to-ground and air-to-air roles in the former Yugoslavia.

The fighters are undergoing an avionics and structural upgrade program to extend service to 2020,[11] upgrading F-18A and F-18B to F/A-18C and D standard. A total of 80 CF-18s, consisting of 62 single-seat and 18 dual-seat models were selected from the fleet for the upgrade program. As of 2003, Canada has 123 in service with 15 losses. [17]

Finland

The Finnish Air Force (Suomen Ilmavoimat) has 63 F-18C/Ds. The Finnish Air Force (FAF ( Finnish: Ilmavoimat, Swedish: Flygvapnet) is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. Delivery started on June 7, 1995. Events 1099 - The First Crusade: The Siege of Jerusalem begins Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 One fighter was destroyed in a mid-air collision in 2001. [9]

The Finnish F-18C includes the ASPJ (Airborne-Self-Protection-Jammer) jamming Pod ALQ-165 that was cancelled on original US Navy orders. The US Navy later included the ALQ-165 on their Super Hornet (F-18E/F) procurement. The Finnish Hornets were initially to be used only for air defense, however, their electronics suite allows them to take on air-to-ground roles.

Kuwait

The Kuwait Air Force (Al Quwwat Aj Jawwaiya Al Kuwaitiya)] has 32 F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornets. The Kuwait Air Force (al-Quwwat al-Jawwiya al-Kuwaitiya is the air arm of the State of Kuwait. [17] These aircraft were pre-ordered before the Iraqi invasion of August 1990. Delivery of the fighters started on 8 October 1991. Events 314 - Roman Emperor Licinius is defeated by his colleague Constantine I at the Battle of Cibalae, and loses Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. [9] The F/A-18C/Ds replaced A-4KU Skyhawk.

Malaysia

The Royal Malaysian Air Force (Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia) has eight F/A-18Ds. The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF ( Malay: Tentera Udara DiRaja Malaysia or TUDM) was formed in 1958 as the Royal Malayan Air Force [18]

Spain

Spanish EF-18.
Spanish EF-18. Spain () or the Kingdom of Spain (Reino de España is a country located mostly in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula.

The Spanish Air Force (Ejercito del Aire) ordered 60 EF-18A model and 12 EF-18B model Hornets(the "E" standing for "España", Spain), named respectively as C. The Spanish Air Force ( Spanish: Ejército del Aire; literally "Army of the Air" is the Air force of Spain. 15 and CE. 15 by Spanish AF. [17] Delivery of the Spanish version started on November 22, 1985. Events 498 - Kofi Aseidu- After the death of Anastasius II, Symmachus is elected Pope in the Lateran Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) [9] Currently all of these planes have been upgraded to F-18A+/B+ standard, close to F/A-18C/D (plus version includes later mission and armament computers, databuses, data-storage set, new wiring, pylon modifications and software, new capabilities as AN/AAS-38B NITE Hawk targeting FLIR pods).

In 1995 Spain obtained 24 ex-USN F/A-18A Hornets, with six more on option. First six were delivered in December 1995, following update before delivery and have late standard F404 engines plus other Spanish-specified modifications, but have not been updated to EF-18A+. This was the first sale of USN surplus Hornets.

Spanish Hornets operate as a all-weather interceptor 60% of their time and as a all-weather day/night attack plane for the remainder time. In case of war, each of the front-line squadrons would take a primary role: 121 is tasked with tactical air support and maritime operations, 151 and 122 are assigned to all-weather interception and air combat role, and 152 is assigned to SEAD mission. Air refueling is provided by KC-130Hs and Boeing 707TTs. Pilot conversion to EF-18 is centralized in 153 Squadron (Ala 15). Squadron 462 role is air defense of Canary Island, being responsible for fighter and attack missions from Gando AB.

Six of the Spanish Hornets have been lost. Spanish Air Force EF-18s Hornet have flown Ground attack combat missions in Bosnia and Kosovo, under NATO command, in Aviano detachment (Italy). They shared the base with Canadian and USMC F/A-18s.

Switzerland

Switzerland's Luftwaffe purchased 26 C models and 8 D models. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation The Swiss Air Force ( Schweizer Luftwaffe, Forces aériennes suisses, Forze Aeree Svizzere) is the air component One D model was lost in a crash. [17] Delivery of the aircraft started on 25 January 1996. Events 41 - After a night of negotiation Claudius is accepted as Roman Emperor by the Senate Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar) [9]

In late 2007 Switzerland requested to be included in F/A-18C/D Upgrade 25 Program, in order to extend the useful life of its F/A-18C/Ds. The program includes significant upgrades to the avionics and mission computer, 20 ATFLIR surveillance and targeting pods, and 44 sets of AN/ALR-67v3 ECM equipment. Switzerland is interested in acquiring 8-11 more F/A-18 Hornets to replace retired Mirages.

Potential operators

U.S. Navy F/A-18C from VFA-131 launches from French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle off the Virginia Capes.
U. S. Navy F/A-18C from VFA-131 launches from French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle off the Virginia Capes. Strike Fighter Squadron 131 (VFA-131 also known as the "Wildcats" is a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at Naval Development Construction The carrier replaced ''Foch'', a conventionally-powered aircraft carrier in 2001

The F/A-18C and F/A-18D were considered by the French Marine Nationale during the 1980s for deployment on their aircraft carriers Clemenceau and Foch[19] and again in the 1990s for the later nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle,[20] in the event that the Dassault Rafale M was not brought into service when originally planned. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. The French Navy, officially the Marine nationale ( National Navy) and often called La Royale ( The Royal Navy) is the maritime arm History Development of Clemenceau represented France's successful effort to produce its own class of multi-role carriers to replace American and British ships which were Combat History 1977 Development Construction The carrier replaced ''Foch'', a conventionally-powered aircraft carrier in 2001 WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

Austria,[21] Chile,[11] Czech Republic,[21] Hungary,[21] Philippines,[21] Poland,[21] and Singapore[11] evaluated the Hornet but did not purchase it. Austria (Österreich ( officially the Republic of Austria (Republik Österreich Chile, officially the Republic of Chile ( Spanish:) is a country in South America occupying a long and narrow Coastal strip wedged between the The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia, Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic The Philippines ( Filipino: Pilipinas, officially known as the Republic of the Philippines (fil ''Republika ng Pilipinas'' RP Poland (Polska officially the Republic of Poland Singapore Thailand ordered four C and four D model Hornets but the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s resulted in the order being canceled. The Kingdom of Thailand (ˈtaɪlænd ราชอาณาจักรไทย, râːtɕʰa-ʔaːnaːtɕɑ̀k-tʰɑj The Asian Financial Crisis was a period of Financial crisis that gripped much of Asia beginning in July 1997 and raised fears of a worldwide economic meltdown ( The U. S. DoD then purchased the in-production Hornets for the Marine Corps. [11]

Variants

An F/A-18B Hornet assigned to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.
An F/A-18B Hornet assigned to the U. S. Naval Test Pilot School.
A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C at RIAT 2005
A Finnish Air Force F/A-18C at RIAT 2005

A/B

The F/A-18A is the single-seat variant and the F/A-18B is the two seat variant. The Finnish Air Force (FAF ( Finnish: Ilmavoimat, Swedish: Flygvapnet) is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. The Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT is the world's largest military Air show, held annually over the third weekend in July usually at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire The space for the two seat cockpit is provided by a relocation of avionic equipment and a 6% reduction in internal fuel; two-seat Hornets are otherwise fully combat-capable. The B model is used primarily for training.

In 1992, the original Hughes AN/APG-65 radar was replaced with the Hughes (now Raytheon) AN/APG-73, a faster and more capable radar. Hughes Aircraft Company was a major aerospace and defense company founded by Howard Hughes. Raytheon Company ( is a major American Defense contractor and industrial corporation with core Manufacturing concentrations in Defense systems A model Hornets that have been upgraded to the AN/APG-73 are designated F/A-18A+.

C/D

The F/A-18C is the single-seat variant and the F/A-18D is the two seat variant. The D model can be configured for training or as an all-weather strike craft. The "missionized" D's rear seat is configured for a Weapons and Sensors Officer to assist in operating the weapons systems. The D model is primarily operated by the U.S. Marine Corps in the night attack and FAC(A) (Forward Air Controller (Airborne)) roles. A forward air controller (FAC is a qualified individual who from a forward position on the ground or in the air directs the action of Military aircraft engaged [22][23]

The F/A-18C and D models are the result of a block upgrade in 1987[9] incorporating upgraded radar, avionics, and the capacity to carry new missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile and AGM-65 Maverick[1] and AGM-84 Harpoon air-to-surface missiles. The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM (pronounced am-ram is a modern Beyond Visual Range (BVR air-to-air Missile The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile (AGM designed for close air support The Harpoon is an all-weather over-the-horizon, Anti-ship missile system developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Integrated Other upgrades include the Martin-Baker NACES (Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat), and a self-protection jammer. Martin-Baker Aircraft Co Ltd is a British manufacturer of Aircraft Ejection seats and was a pioneer in their design and manufacture In Aircraft, an ejection seat is a system designed to rescue the pilot or other crew of an aircraft (usually military in an emergency A synthetic aperture ground mapping radar enables the pilot to locate targets in poor visibility conditions. Synthetic-aperture radar (SAR is a form of Radar in which the highly-directional (and thus very large rotating antenna used by conventional radar is replaced with many low-directivity C and D models delivered since 1989 also include an improved night attack capability, consisting of the Hughes AN/AAR-50 thermal navigation pod, the Loral AN/AAS-38 NITE Hawk FLIR (forward looking infrared array) targeting pod, night vision goggles, and two full-color (previously monochrome) MFDs and a color moving map. Hughes Aircraft Company was a major aerospace and defense company founded by Howard Hughes. Loral Space & Communications Inc is a Satellite communications company headed by Michael B A forward looking infrared (FLIR is an imaging device that senses infrared radiation [1]

In addition, 60 D model Hornets are configured as the night attack F/A-18D (RC) with ability for reconnaissance. [22]

Beginning in 1992, the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engine, providing approximately 10% more maximum static thrust became the standard Hornet engine. [24] Since 1993, the AAS-38A NITE Hawk added a designator/ranger laser, allowing it to self-mark targets. The later AAS-38B added the ability to strike targets designated by lasers from other aircraft. [25]

Production of the F/A-18C ended in 1999. In 2000, the last F/A-18D was delivered to the U. S. Marine Corps. [9]

E/F Super Hornet

Main article: F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
A VFA-11 F/A-18F Super Hornet performing evasive maneuvers during an air power demonstration above USS Harry S. Truman.
A VFA-11 F/A-18F Super Hornet performing evasive maneuvers during an air power demonstration above USS Harry S. Truman. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout VFA-11, also known as the "Red Rippers" are a United States Navy fighter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station Oceana. Commissioning ceremony The keynote speaker of the commissioning ceremony was President Bill Clinton.

The single seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets carry over the name and design concept of the original F/A-18, but have been extensively redesigned. The Super Hornet has a new, 25% larger airframe, larger rectangular air intakes, more powerful GE F414 engines based on F/A-18's F404, and upgraded avionics suite. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The aircraft is currently in production and will eventually equip 22 squadrons. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F, which entered production in 2007. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout The Growler will replace the Navy's EA-6B Prowler. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

Other US variants

RF-18 
This designation was given to a reconnaissance version of the F/A-18A. The first of two prototypes flew in February 1984, however the variant was not produced.
TF-18A 
Two-seat training version of the F/A-18A fighter, later redesignated F/A-18B.
X-53, NASA's modified F/A-18.
X-53, NASA's modified F/A-18. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA, ˈnæsə is an agency of the United States government, responsible for the nation's public space program
F-18D(CR) 
Proposed two-seat reconnaissance version for the US Marine Corps. The F-18D(CR) was originally intended to replace the RF-4B Phantom II tactical reconnaissance aircraft. None were ever built.
F-18 HARV 
Single-seat High Alpha Research Vehicle for NASA. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout
X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing 
A NASA F/A-18 has been modified to demonstrate the Active Aeroelastic Wing technology, and was designated X-53 in December 2006. WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout

Export variants

These designations are not part of 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. On the 18 September 1962, the United States Department of Defense introduced a unified designation system for the aircraft of the United States armed forces

F-18L 
This was a lighter land-based version of the F/A-18 Hornet. It was designed to be a single-seat air-superiority fighter and ground-attack aircraft. It was originally intended to be assembled by Northrop as the export version of the F/A-18 Hornet. The Northrop Corporation was a leading Aircraft manufacturer of the United States from its formation in 1939 until its merger with Grumman to form Northrop Grumman The F-18L was lighter due to the removal of carrier landing capability. Despite the advantages, customers preferred the "ordinary" Hornet, and the F-18L never went into production. [11]
(A)F/A-18A/B
"F/A-18A" was the original company designation, designations of "AF-18A" & "ATF-18A" have also been applied. Assembled in Australia (excluding the first two (A)F/A-18Bs) by Aero-Space Technologies of Australia (ASTA) from 1985 through to 1990, from kits produced by McDonnell Douglas with increasing local content in the later aircraft. Originally the most notable differences between an Australian (A)F/A-18A/B and a US F/A-18A/B were the lack of a catapult attachment, replacement of the carrier tailhook for a lighter "land" arresting hook, and the replacement of the automatic carrier landing system with an Instrument Landing System. An aircraft catapult is a device used to launch Aircraft from Ships in particular Aircraft carriers as a form of Assisted take off. A tailhook, also arresting hook or arrestor hook, is a device attached to the Empennage (rear of an Aircraft. The Instrument Landing System (ILS is a ground-based Instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an Aircraft approaching a Runway Australian Hornets have been involved in a number of major upgrade programs. This program called HUG (Hornet Upgrade) has had a few evolutions over the years. The first was to give Australian Hornets F/A-18C model avionics. The second and current upgrade program (HUG 2. 2) updates the fleet's avionics even further.
CF-18 Hornet
F/A-18C of the Swiss Air Force taxis for takeoff
F/A-18C of the Swiss Air Force taxis for takeoff
EF-18 Hornet
KAF-18 Hornet
F-18C/D Hornet
F-18C/D Hornet

Operators

Operators of the F/A-18 are shown in blue.
Operators of the F/A-18 are shown in blue.
Flag of Australia Australia
Flag of Canada Canada
Flag of Finland Finland
Flag of Kuwait Kuwait
Flag of Malaysia Malaysia
Flag of Spain Spain
Flag of Switzerland Switzerland
Flag of the United States United States

Specifications (F/A-18C/D)

Orthographically projected diagram of the F/A-18 Hornet

Data from U. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation The Swiss Air Force ( Schweizer Luftwaffe, Forces aériennes suisses, Forze Aeree Svizzere) is the air component The United States of America —commonly referred to as the S. Navy fact file,[29] Aerospaceweb[30]

General characteristics

Performance

The M61 Vulcan at the Miramar Airshow
The M61 Vulcan at the Miramar Airshow

Armament

Avionics

Popular culture

Hornets make frequent appearances in action movies and military novels. The M61 Vulcan is a 20 mm Hydraulically or Pneumatically driven six- barreled air-cooled The M61 Vulcan is a 20 mm Hydraulically or Pneumatically driven six- barreled air-cooled The Gatling gun is considered by some to have been the first Machine gun: although it did not automatically reload under its own power it was capable of firing continuously The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a heat-seeking, short-range Air-to-air missile carried by Fighter aircraft and recently certain gunship helicopters The AIM-132 Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile is a British Infrared homing ("heat seeking" Air-to-air missile. The AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile, or AMRAAM (pronounced am-ram is a modern Beyond Visual Range (BVR air-to-air Missile The AIM-7 Sparrow is a medium-range Semi-active radar homing Air-to-air missile operated by the United States Air Force, United States Navy IRIS-T ( Infra Red Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) is a German -led program to develop a short-range Air-to-air missile to replace the History The Shrike was first employed during the Vietnam War by the Navy in 1965 using A-4 aircraft The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile (AGM designed for close air support Gulf War Friendly Fire Incident During the Gulf War, the HARM was involved in a friendly fire incident when the pilot of an F-4G Wild Weasel escorting The Standoff Land Attack Missile or SLAM is a subsonic over-the-horizon all-weather Cruise missile which grew out of the United States Navy 's Harpoon The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon ( JSOW) is the product of a joint venture between the United States Navy and Air Force to deploy a standardized TAURUS KEPD 350 is a German / Swedish air-launched Cruise missile, manufactured by TAURUS Systems GmbH and used by Germany and Spain The Harpoon is an all-weather over-the-horizon, Anti-ship missile system developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing Integrated The CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition is a Cluster bomb used by the United States Air Force. Developed and produced by Textron Defense Systems the CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon is a United States Air Force 1000-pound-class (450 kg non-guided (freefall Cluster bomb Paveway is a trademark of Raytheon Company which identifies its variants of Laser Guided Bombs (LGB Overview The JDAM is not a weapon rather it is a "bolt-on" upgrade for unguided gravity bombs installed during build up of the munition by Naval Ordnancemen or Air Force The Mark 84 is an American General-purpose bomb, the largest of the Mark 80 series of weapons A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from Nuclear reactions either fission or a combination of fission and fusion. The CBU-100 Cluster Bomb (also called the Mk-20 Rockeye II is a Cluster bomb which is employed primarily in an Anti-tank mode The LITENING targeting pod is a precision targeting pod system currently operational with a wide variety of combat aircraft The Hornet was featured in the film Independence Day. Independence Day (also known by its promotional abbreviation ID4) is a 1996 Science fiction film about a hostile Alien invasion The Hornet has a major role in Jane's US Navy Fighters (1994), Jane's Fighters Anthology (1997) and Jane's F/A-18 Simulator computer simulators. Jane's F/A-18 is one of the final flight simulators by Electronic Arts under Jane's Combat Simulations brand the sequel to the highly successful

See also


Related development

Comparable aircraft

Related lists

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k F/A-18 Hornet. Aircraft classified as fourth generation jet fighters are those in service approximately from 1980–2010 representing the design concepts of the 1970s WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft. Please see WikipediaWikiProject Aircraft/page content for recommended layout * List of active United States military aircraft This is a list of currently-active Military aircraft in use by the United States A fighter aircraft is a Military aircraft designed primarily for air-to-air combat with other Aircraft, as opposed to a Bomber, which is designed Federation of American Scientists. Retrieved on 2007-03-20. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden.
  2. ^ U. S. Navy. F/A18-E/F Super Hornet ....Leading Naval Aviation into the 21st Century. U. S. Navy.
  3. ^ Kelly, Orr. Hornet: the Inside Story of the F/A-18. Novato, California: Presido Press, 1990. ISBN 0-89141-344-8.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Jenkins 2000, p. 19-21.
  5. ^ a b c d F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18 Super Hornet. U. S. Navy. Retrieved on 2007-03-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger
  6. ^ a b Jenkins 2000, p. 22-26.
  7. ^ a b Jenkins 2000, p. 26-29.
  8. ^ F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV) fact sheet, NASA/Dryden Flight Research Center.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m F/A-18 Hornet Milestones, Boeing, accessed 2007-03-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger
  10. ^ Jenkins 2000, p. 29.
  11. ^ a b c d e f g h i Jenkins 2000.
  12. ^ Miller, David. The Illustrated Directory of Modern Weapons. St. Paul, Minnesota: MBI Publishing Company, 2002. ISBN 0-7603-1346-6.
  13. ^ Jenkins 2000, p. 72.
  14. ^ Crick, Darren. ADF Aircraft Serial Numbers RAAF A21 McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B Hornet. Retrieved on 31 December 2006.
  15. ^ Nelson, Brendan (2007-02-01). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1327 - Teenaged Edward III is crowned King of England, but the country is ruled by his mother Queen Joint Strike Fighter. Media Release. Defence Ministers & Parliamentary secretary. Retrieved on 2007-03-20. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden.
  16. ^ Nelson, Brendan (2007-03-06). Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1079 - Omar Khayyám completes the Iranian calendar. 1454 - Thirteen Years' War: Delegates of $6 Billion to maintain Australia's regional air superiority. Media Release. Defence Ministers & Parliamentary secretary. Retrieved on 2007-03-20. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden.
  17. ^ a b c d Senior, Tim. F/A-18 Hornet, The AirForces Monthly book of, AirForces Monthly, 2003. ISBN 0-946219-69-9.
  18. ^ Boeing Delivers Malaysian Hornets on Schedule. Boeing (1997-09-09). Year 1997 ( MCMXCVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1997 Gregorian calendar Events 1000 - Battle of Svolder, Viking Age. 1379 - Treaty of Neuberg, splitting the Austrian Retrieved on 2007-03-17. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Events 45 BC - In his last victory Julius Caesar defeats the Pompeian forces of Titus Labienus and Pompey the Younger
  19. ^ Tillman Barrett. Barrett Tillman (born 1948 is an American Author who specializes in Naval and Aviation topics in addition to Fiction and technical MiG Master: Story of the F-8 Crusader (second edition). Annapolis, Maryland: Naval Institute Press, 1990. ISBN 0-87021-585-X.
  20. ^ Donald, David. Carrier Aviation Air Power Directory. London: AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2001, p. 122. ISBN 1-880588-43-9.
  21. ^ a b c d e "Philippine Pilots Complete F/A-18 HORNET Flight Evaluation", McDonnell Douglas, December 11, 1996. Events 359 - Honoratus, the first known Prefect of the City of Constantinople, takes office Year 1996 ( MCMXCVI) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full 1996 Gregorian calendar)
  22. ^ a b Jenkins 2000, p. 64-66.
  23. ^ http://fa18hornet.pbwiki.com/FrontPage
  24. ^ Donald, David. "Boeing F/A-18 Hornet". Warplanes of the Fleet. AIRtime Publishing Inc, 2004. ISBN 1-880588-81-1.
  25. ^ Jenkins 2000, p. 61-62, 156.
  26. ^ Jenkins 2000, p. 100-101.
  27. ^ Karivalo, Perttu: Tomcat vs. Hornet: An Air Forces Monthly Special, p. 68. Key Publishing Ltd, 2003.
  28. ^ Nicholls, Mark: Tomcat vs. Hornet: An Air Forces Monthly Special, p. 78. Key Publishing Ltd, 2003.
  29. ^ F/A-18 US Navy fact file
  30. ^ F/A-18 Hornet page on Aerospaceweb.org
  31. ^ Designations of U.S. Nuclear Weapons
Bibliography

External links

© 2009 citizendia.org; parts available under the terms of GNU Free Documentation License, from http://en.wikipedia.org
 Dapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic