Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft, Multirole Aircraft
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas (McDonnell) (1974–1997) with Northrop (1974–1994) and Boeing (1997–2000)
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Aircraft Overview
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a versatile and multirole fighter aircraft designed and produced by McDonnell Douglas (later merged with Boeing) for the United States Navy and Marine Corps, as well as for various international customers. Renowned for its agility, versatility, and all-weather capability, the F/A-18 Hornet has become one of the most iconic and widely used aircraft in the world.
With its sleek aerodynamic design and twin-engine configuration, the F/A-18 Hornet is capable of executing a wide range of missions, including air superiority, ground attack, close air support, reconnaissance, and aerial refueling. Its versatility is further enhanced by its ability to operate from both land-based airfields and aircraft carriers, making it a vital asset for naval aviation.
The F/A-18 Hornet features a state-of-the-art avionics suite, including a sophisticated radar system, advanced electronic warfare systems, and a comprehensive weapons management system. These systems provide the pilot with superior situational awareness and enable precise targeting and engagement of enemy threats in all weather conditions.
In terms of armament, the F/A-18 Hornet is equipped with an internal M61 Vulcan cannon for close-range engagements, along with nine weapon hardpoints for carrying a wide variety of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions. This includes AIM-9 Sidewinder and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-84 Harpoon air-to-surface missiles, and various guided and unguided bombs.
The F/A-18 Hornet has seen extensive combat service in various conflicts around the world, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability in a wide range of operational environments. Its combat record includes operations in the Gulf War, Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya, among others.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C/D Specifications
- Crew: 1 (C)/2 (D – pilot and weapon systems officer)
- Length: 56 ft 1 in (17.1 m)
- Wingspan: 40 ft 4 in (12.3 m) with AIM-9 Sidewinders on wingtip LAU-7 launchers
- Width: 27 ft 7 in (8.4 m) wing folded
- Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.7 m)
- Wing area: 410 sq ft (38 m2)
- Aspect ratio: 4
- Airfoil: root:NACA 65A005 mod.; tip:NACA 65A003.5 mod.
- Empty weight: 23,000 lb (10,433 kg)
- Gross weight: 36,970 lb (16,769 kg)
- Max takeoff weight: 51,900 lb (23,541 kg)
- Fuel capacity: 10,860 pounds (4,930 kg) internally
- Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F404-GE-402 afterburning turbofan engines, 11,000 lbf (49 kN) thrust each dry, 17,750 lbf (79.0 kN) with afterburner
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C/D Performance
- Maximum speed: 1,034 kn (1,190 mph, 1,915 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,000 m)
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8
- Cruise speed: 570 kn (660 mph, 1,060 km/h)
- Range: 1,089 nmi (1,253 mi, 2,017 km)
- Combat range: 400 nmi (460 mi, 740 km) air-air mission
- Ferry range: 1,800 nmi (2,100 mi, 3,300 km)
- Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,000 m)
- Rate of climb: 50,000 ft/min (250 m/s)
- Wing loading: 93 lb/sq ft (450 kg/m2)
- Thrust/weight: 0.96 (1.13 with loaded weight at 50% internal fuel)
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18C/D Armament
- Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1 Vulcan nose mounted 6-barrel rotary cannon, 578 rounds
- Hardpoints: 9 total: 2 × wingtips missile launch rail, 4 × under-wing, and 3 × under-fuselage with a capacity of 13,700 lb (6,200 kg) external fuel and ordnance, with provisions to carry various combinations.
