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 and features a larger airframe, more powerful engines, and enhanced capabilities. Entering service in 1999, the Super Hornet is one of the primary aircraft of the US Navy and can be used for 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 US Navy needed a more modern and versatile aircraft to replace its aging planes like the A-6 Intruder and F-14 Tomcat. McDonnell Douglas developed an aircraft based on the F/A-18C/D Hornet's design, equipped with a larger airframe, more powerful engines, and advanced avionics systems. The first F/A-18E/F prototype made its maiden flight in 1995.

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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 weapons. The aircraft is equipped with two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines. These engines provide the aircraft with high speed and maneuverability. The Super Hornet's avionics systems have also been improved. The aircraft features an APG-79 AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array) radar, an advanced electronic warfare system, and Link 16 data link.

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Models

• F/A-18E Super Hornet: Single-seat model.
• F/A-18F Super Hornet: Two-seat model. In addition to the pilot, it also has a weapon systems officer.
• EA-18G Growler: Two-seat electronic warfare variant. It is specially designed to jam enemy radars and communication systems.

Technical Specifications (F/A-18E)

• Crew: 1
• Length: 18.31 m
• Wingspan: 13.62 m
• Height: 4.88 m
• Empty Weight: 14,537 kg
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 29,937 kg
• Engines: 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan
• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (1,915 km/h)
• Range: 2,346 km
• Service Ceiling: 15,000 m
• Armament: 1 × 20 mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon, various air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and rockets

Usage Areas

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

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