The F/A-18 'Super Hornet' is an evolution of the original F/A-18 'Hornet' line of 1984, selected to succeed the aging stock of Grumman F-14 'Tomcat' fleet defense fighters then in service with the USN. The Super Hornet is dimensionally larger than the original Hornet C- and D-models, itself encompassing the F/A-18E single-seat form and the F/A-18F twin-seat (tandem) model. Produced from 1995 onward, the Super Hornet reached IOC in 2001 and some 600 examples have been produced for service with the USN and Australia's RAAF.
1(+1) CREW
Speed
1,190 MPH
Ceiling
50,853 FEET
Range
2,069 MILES
Mission Roles
AIR-TO-AIR
INTERCEPTION
GROUND ATTACK
STRIKE
ANTI-SHIP
ANTI-RADAR
RECON
TRAINING
EXPERIMENTAL
Gallery
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
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Image from the U.S. DoD DVIDS imagery database; Public Release.
Manufacturer(s) Boeing Company - USA / McDonnell Douglas - USA (original Mfg).
Production 600 Units
2 Total
Australia; Kuwait (ordered); United States
(List includes former, current, and potential operating nations)
F/A-18E/F: 2 x General Electric F414-GE-400 series afterburning turbofan engines developing 13,000lb of dry thrust (each) and 22,000lb of thrust with reheat (each).
Operational Range 2,069 miles | 3,330 km | 1,798 nm
Rate-of-Climb 44,885 ft/min | 13,681 m/min
(Showcased performance statistics pertain to the F/A-18E/F production model)
Length 60.04 feet (18.30 meters)
Width 44.62 feet (13.60 meters)
Height 16.01 feet (4.88 meters)
(Showcased measurements pertain to the F/A-18E/F production model)
Empty 32,088 lb (14,555 kg)
M.T.O.W. 66,139 lb (30,000 kg)
(Showcased weights pertain to the F/A-18E/F production model)
Ordnance carried externally across 6 x Underwing hardpoints (three to a wing member) and a single under-fuselage hardpoint. Wingtip mountings reserved for Air-to-Air Missiles (AAMs). Centerline hardpoint and twin inboard stations plumbed for fuel delivery/carrying. Supported Types:
Close-in Gun(s)
Air-to-Air Missiles
Air-to-Surface Missiles
Precision-Guided Bombs
Conventional Drop Bombs
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel
F/A-18 "Super Hornet" - Base Series Name.
F/A-18E - Single-seat model.
F/A-18F - Twin-seat model.
NEA-18G - Two examples of F/A-18F fighter models modified to serve as prototypes for the EA-18G "Growler" Electronic Warfare (EW) variant program.
EA-18G "Growler" - Electronic Warfare (EW) platform based in the F/A-18F carrierborne fighter model.
F/A-18 "Advanced Super Hornet" - Evolved F/A-18 Super Hornet model proposed by Boeing; based in the F/A-18F production model; additions include conformal jettisonable fuel tanks, enclosed weapon pods support, and stealth coating for reduced radar profile.
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Close-in Gun(s)
Air-to-Air Missiles
Air-to-Surface Missiles
Precision-Guided Bombs
Conventional Drop Bombs
Rockets / Rocket Pods
Additional Fuel