Designed specifically to maximize the combat and range capabilities of carrier-based fighter craft, the F/A-18 Hornet is set to become the backbone of American sea squadrons in the coming years. Its balanced design allows for a surprising range of applications, from interdiction to enemy defense suppression to reconnaissance. Recently, the F/A-18 Hornet’s features have been supercharged to create the Super Hornet.
Suited to the Sea
Development on the F-18 family of fighter craft began in the 1970s as the need for an improved carrier-based jet surfaced. With some initial assistance from Northrop, McDonnell Douglas would produce a superbly versatile multi-mission tactical plane for the Navy Air Combat Fighter program of the United States. Maximum use was made of technology developed for the Air Force’s successful Light Weight Fighter program.
The firstborn F/A-18A would fly on April 12 1980. Its superior close combat capabilities and maneuverability would be proven beyond doubt by the F-18 hornet pilots in their initial missions. It became abundantly clear that the aircraft’s major limitation was it small combat radius, which necessitated modifications in the original design.
Forced Evolution
The rapidly escalating arms technology race would result in rapid development in F-18s. New weapons and avionics modifications increased aircraft operational reliability, however, the problem of combat radius would require a radical rethink.
In order to remake the early F-18s, its wing, aft fuselage, tail surfaces and power systems were redesigned to create the F-18 Super Hornet. Capitalizing on its forebear’s naval optimization, the Super Hornet would add substantially to its fuel capacity, mission range and endurance. Improved stealth systems, advanced electronic combat abilities and a beefed-up weapons profile would complete the transformation.
Advanced F-18 Super Hornet Design
The changing military landscape required a primary focus on survivability for fighter craft. Modern air combat tends to focus on accurate identification on hostiles beyond visual range and the use of highly effective heat seeking missiles. The radar signature of the Super Hornet is significantly smaller when compared to contemporary fighters. Reduced ballistic ability and standoff weapons further enhance crew safety.
The F-18 super hornet cockpit is a marvel of modern avionics. Touch sensitive screens display controls for swift access. Liquid crystal multipurpose color date provide up to the minute data on combat situations. State of the art fly-by-wire systems optimize computer enhanced maneuvers with compensation programs that automatically correct for battle damage.
The Success Story Begins
Since entering active service in 1999, the Super Hornet has more than lived up to its hype. It has been used to great effect in the American military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Foreign governments have taken notice, with the Royal Australian Air Force set to acquire a squadron of F-18 fighters. Finland and Brazil have also signified interest in the Super Hornet.
Its brothers have not lagged far behind. F/A-18 Hornets are the stars in the US Navy Blue Angels aerobatics team, displaying its superior agility in air shows worldwide. The outstanding features of this superbly designed line of fighter craft can be fully appreciated in high-quality F-18 hornet pics available for enthusiastic enjoyment.
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