The F/A-18F Super Hornet is one of the most advanced fighters in the U.S. Navy, designed for multi-mission roles, including air combat, ground attack, maritime interdiction, and close air support.
Below, learn about its history, capabilities, armaments, and some interesting facts that make this aircraft a milestone in military aviation.
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History and Development
The Super Hornet is a direct evolution of the F/A-18 Hornet, originally developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) in the 1970s. The Super Hornet emerged in the 1990s as a solution to replace the aging F-14 Tomcat and complement other aircraft such as the F/A-18 Hornet and A-6 Intruder.
- First flight: November 29, 1995.
- Service entry: 1999, in the U.S. Navy.
- Developed to meet the need for greater range, payload capacity, and system upgrades compared to the original Hornet.
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Technical Capabilities
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (~1,915 km/h).
- Range: 2,346 km unrefueled (up to 3,330 km with external tanks).
- Maximum altitude: 15,240 meters (~50,000 feet).
- Engines: Two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines, each generating approximately 22,000 pounds of thrust with afterburner.
Armaments
The F/A-18F Super Hornet is an extremely versatile fighter capable of carrying a wide range of armaments. Its maximum payload capacity is approximately 8 tons.
- Internal weapons:
- M61A2 Vulcan 20mm cannon with 412 rounds.
- Missiles:
- Air-to-air: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM.
- Air-to-ground: AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-84 SLAM-ER.
- Anti-ship: AGM-84 Harpoon.
- Anti-radar: AGM-88 HARM.
- Bombs:
- Laser-guided bombs (GBU-12 Paveway II).
- JDAM bombs (Joint Direct Attack Munition).
- Unguided bombs Mk 82, Mk 83, and Mk 84.
- Other systems:
- Electronic warfare and reconnaissance pods, such as the AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared).
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Interesting Facts
- Two-seater design:
- The F variant of the Super Hornet features a two-seater configuration with a second seat for the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO), enhancing efficiency in complex missions.
- Refueling capability:
- The Super Hornet can function as an aerial tanker, refueling other aircraft in flight.
- F-14 Tomcat replacement:
- Became the U.S. Navy’s primary air superiority fighter after the retirement of the F-14 in 2006.
- Low radar signature:
- While not a fifth-generation fighter, it features low radar visibility characteristics.
- Global presence:
- Used by other air forces and navies beyond the U.S., including Australia.
- Cost:
- The unit price ranges from $66 million to $80 million, depending on configuration.
- Famous appearances:
- The Super Hornet gained prominence in the movie Top Gun: Maverick (2022), showcasing impressive aerial combat scenes.
The F/A-18F Super Hornet remains a reliable and effective aircraft for critical missions, proving indispensable for the U.S. Navy and other armed forces worldwide. It exemplifies how continuous innovations can keep an aircraft relevant even in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Photos: Wikimedia. Sources: Boeing, U.S. Navy, Defense.gov. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.