F/A-18 Super Hornet
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First flown in 1995, the F/A-18 E/F upgrades the combat-proven night attack F/A-18 C/D built by Boeing.
Building on the basic design and strengths of its Hornet predecessor, the F/A-18 E/F has greater range, a larger payload capacity, more powerful engines, enhanced survivability and a built-in potential to incorporate future systems and technologies.
Fully capable in both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions, the F/A-18 E/F can carry 33% more fuel, has a 30% greater payload capacity with three times the 'bringback' capability of unexpended ordnance, and can fly up to 40% farther than today's C/D.
The F/A-18 is a twin engine, mid-wing, multi-mission tactical aircraft. The F/A-18A and C are single seat aircraft. The F/A-18B and D are dual-seaters. The B model is used primarily for training, while the D model is the current Navy aircraft for attack, tactical air control, forward air control and reconnaissance squadrons. The newest models, the E and F were rolled out at McDonnell Douglas Sept. 17, 1995. The E is a single seat while the F is a two-seater.
The F/A-18 E/F acquisition program was an unparalleled success. The aircraft emerged from Engineering and Manufacturing Development meeting all of its performance requirements on cost, on schedule and 400 pounds under weight. All of this was verified in Operational Verification testing, the final exam, passing with flying colors receiving the highest possible endorsement.
Specifications
| Manufacturer: | McDonnell Douglas/Boeing | Function: | Multi-role attack and fighter aircraft | Unit Cost: | $ 57 million | Wing Span: | 44.9 feet (13.68 meters) | Length: | 60.3 feet (18.5 meters) | Height: | 16 feet (4.87 meters) | Wing Area: | 46.45 sq. meters | Propulsion: | Two F414-GE-400 turbofan engines | Engine Thrust: | 22,000 pounds (9,977 kg) static thrust per engine | Ferry Range: | 1,660 nautical miles (3,054 kilometers), two AIM-9s, three 480 gallon tanks retained | Combat Range: | 1,275 nautical miles (2,346 kilometers), clean plus two AIM-9s | Max. Speed: | Mach 1.8+ | Ceiling: | 50,000+ feet | Crew: | A, C and E models: One B, D and F models: Two |
Armament: | One M61A1/A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon; External payload: AIM 9 Sidewinder, AIM-9X (projected), AIM 7 Sparrow, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Harpoon, Harm, SLAM, SLAM-ER (projected), Maverick missiles; Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW); Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM); Data Link Pod; Paveway Laser Guided Bomb; various general purpose bombs, mines and rockets. |
Recommended Websites:
- FAS.org F/A-18 EF page
- Aerospaceweb.org F/A-18 page
- US Navy Fact File
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