The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-based, single or two-seat, multirole combat aircraft developed and produced by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing). It was designed to replace the F/A-18C/D Hornet, featuring a larger airframe, more powerful engines, and enhanced capabilities. Entering service in 1999, the Super Hornet is one of the U.S. Navy's primary aircraft, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

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Development Process

The development of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet began in the 1990s. The U.S. Navy required a more modern and versatile aircraft to replace aging platforms such as the A-6 Intruder and F-14 Tomcat. Building upon the design of the F/A-18C/D Hornet, McDonnell Douglas developed an aircraft featuring a larger airframe, more powerful engines, and enhanced avionics systems. The first F/A-18E/F prototype conducted its maiden flight in 1995.

^{F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (Haci Productions)}

Design Features

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is 25% larger than its predecessor and can carry 33% more internal fuel. This allows the aircraft to have a longer range and carry more weaponry. The aircraft is equipped with two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, which provide high speed and maneuverability. The Super Hornet's avionics systems have also been improved. It features an APG-79 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, an advanced electronic warfare system, and Link 16 data link capabilities.

^{F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (Pixabay)}

Models

• F/A-18E Super Hornet: Single-seat model.
• F/A-18F Super Hornet: Two-seat model, including a pilot and a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO).
• EA-18G Growler: Two-seat electronic warfare variant, specifically designed to jam enemy radars and communication systems.

Technical Specifications (F/A-18E)

• Crew: 1
• Length: 18.31 m (60 ft 1 in)
• Wingspan: 13.62 m (44 ft 8.5 in)
• Height: 4.88 m (16 ft 0 in)
• Empty Weight: 14,537 kg (32,040 lb)
• Max Takeoff Weight: 29,937 kg (66,000 lb)
• Engines: 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan
• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (1,915 km/h; 1,190 mph)
• Range: 2,346 km (1,458 mi)
• Service Ceiling: 15,000 m (49,200 ft)
• Armament: 1 × 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon, various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and rockets.

Areas of Use

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet can be used in a wide range of missions:

• Air superiority
• Ground attack
• Maritime strike
• Reconnaissance
• Electronic warfare (EA-18G Growler)