Time Period: Post-WW2
Country of Origin: United States
Type: Fighter Aircraft, Multirole Aircraft
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas (McDonnell) (1995–1997) and Boeing Defense, Space & Security (Boeing) (1997–present)
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Aircraft Overview
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a modern, multirole fighter aircraft that serves as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s carrier-based aviation fleet. An upgraded and larger version of the earlier F/A-18 Hornet, the Super Hornet is designed for versatility, capable of excelling in air-to-air combat, ground-attack missions, and reconnaissance. The aircraft comes in two variants: the single-seat F/A-18E and the dual-seat F/A-18F, offering flexibility depending on mission requirements.
Since entering service in 1999, the Super Hornet has been a key asset for the U.S. Navy, replacing older aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat and the A-6 Intruder. It has been involved in numerous conflicts, showcasing its reliability and adaptability. It is also the platform for the EA-18G Growler, a specialized electronic warfare variant.
In addition to the U.S. Navy, the Super Hornet has been adopted by other nations, including Australia, where it plays a critical role in their air force.
Key Features
- Advanced Avionics: The Super Hornet is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics, including an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, providing superior tracking, targeting, and situational awareness.
- Increased Range and Payload: With a 25% larger airframe compared to its predecessor, the Super Hornet can carry more fuel and a wider variety of weapons, increasing its operational range and effectiveness.
- Stealth and Survivability: While not a stealth aircraft, the Super Hornet incorporates design features to reduce its radar cross-section, improving survivability in contested environments.
- Multirole Capability: The aircraft can seamlessly switch between roles, from dogfighting and bombing to electronic warfare and carrier operations, making it a true “jack of all trades.”
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E/F Specifications
Dimensions & Structure:
- Crew: 1 (F/A-18E) or 2 (F/A-18F)
- Length: 60 ft 1 in (18.3 m)
- Wingspan: 44 ft 9 in (13.6 m)
- Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
- Wing Area: 500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
Weight:
- Empty Weight: 32,081 lb (14,552 kg)
- Max Takeoff Weight: 66,000 lb (29,937 kg)
Fuel Capacity:
- Internal: 14,700 lb (F/A-18E) / 13,760 lb (F/A-18F)
- External: Up to 13,040 lb with four external tanks; an additional 7,000 lb possible with Block III conformal tanks.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E/F Performance
- Top Speed: Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph / 1,915 km/h)
- Range: 1,275 nautical miles (armed with AIM-9 missiles)
- Combat Radius: Up to 489 nautical miles with external fuel tanks
- Service Ceiling: 52,300 ft (15,940 m)
- Climb Rate: 44,882 ft/min (228 m/s)
- Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: 0.93
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E/F Armament
- Internal Gun: 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan with 412 rounds
- Hardpoints: 11 total, with a max payload of 17,750 lb (8,050 kg)
- Weapons:
- Air-to-Air: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-260 JATM (future integration)
- Air-to-Ground: AGM-88 HARM, AGM-84 Harpoon, JDAM precision bombs
- Other: Cluster bombs, naval mines, and advanced data link pods
- External Tanks: Up to 4 drop tanks for extended range and an aerial refueling pod for tanker missions.
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E/F Avionics
- Radar: Raytheon APG-79 AESA radar or Hughes APG-73
- Defense Systems: ALQ-214 electronic countermeasures, AN/ALE-50 decoys
- Targeting Pods: AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR or Litening targeting systems
- Communication: Advanced datalink systems (MIDS JTRS)
