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F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Fighter Jet

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Fighter Jet

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Fighter Jet official images

Brand: Boeing
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4.5th Generation
Maximum Speed Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph / 1,915 km/h)
No. of Engines 2 × F414-GE-400
Radar Range ~150+ km (AESA Radar)

Full Specifications
Product Overview
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Full Specifications

General Information

Name	F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Manufacturer	Boeing Defense, Space & Security
Country of Origin	United States
Type / Role	Carrier-based Multirole Fighter
Generation	4.5th
Status	In active service
First Flight	November 29, 1995
Introduction / In Service Since	1999
Number Built	Over 600 units
Operators	U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Air Force

Dimensions & Structure

Length	60.3 ft (18.5 m)
Wingspan	44.9 ft (13.6 m)
Height	16 ft (4.9 m)
Wing Area	500 sq ft (46.5 m²)
Empty Weight	32,081 lb (14,552 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	66,000 lb (29,937 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	11

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8
Range	1,275 nm (2,346 km)
Combat Radius	390 nm (722 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Rate of Climb	44,882 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.93
G Limits	+7.5 / -3.0

Powerplant

Engine Type	Afterburning Turbofan
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	22,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	14,400 lb (internal)

Armament

Gun	1× M61A2 20mm Vulcan
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-88 HARM
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway, Mk 83/84
Hardpoints	11
Payload Capacity	9,920 kg (21,900 lb)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APG-79 AESA
Radar Range	150+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	AN/ALQ-214 IDECM
Targeting System	ATFLIR pod
Helmet Display	JHMCS
Navigation	GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced Flight Control System
Communication	Secure data link, Link 16

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Reduced (~1 m² class)
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent materials, shaping
Infrared Signature Reduction	Moderate
Sensor Fusion	Partial
Networking Capabilities	NIFC-CA compatible

Variants

Special Export Versions

Australia (F/A-18F)

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya
Notable Operators	U.S. Navy, Australia
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, SEAD, maritime patrol

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$70–80 million (Block III)
Development Cost	~$5 billion
Program Name	F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Program
Funding Countries	United States, Australia

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Block III digital cockpit, network enhancements
Future Replacement	F/A-XX (Next Generation Air Dominance)
Export Restrictions	U.S. ITAR-controlled
Notable Achievements	Over two decades of carrier dominance
Competitors	Rafale M, F-35C, MiG-29K

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Firepower 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Proven, carrier-capable multirole platform
AESA radar and advanced EW suite
High payload and mission flexibility
Excellent reliability and maintainability
Block III upgrade enhances longevity

CONS

Less stealthy than fifth-generation fighters
High operating costs per flight hour
Limited supercruise capability
Aging airframe design
Dependent on carrier infrastructure

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Fighter Jet – The U.S. Navy’s Carrier Powerhouse

Developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet represents the backbone of U.S. Navy carrier aviation. Evolving from the legacy F/A-18C/D Hornet, the Super Hornet was designed for greater range, payload, survivability, and multirole flexibility. Entering service in 1999, it remains the Navy’s workhorse for air superiority, strike missions, and maritime interdiction.

The Super Hornet comes in two primary variants: the single-seat F/A-18E and the two-seat F/A-18F. Both are powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, enabling a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 390 nautical miles. Its expanded airframe, increased internal fuel capacity, and 11 external hardpoints allow it to carry a 9,920 kg (21,900 lb) payload of missiles, bombs, and sensors.

Equipped with the AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS), and advanced electronic warfare suites, the Super Hornet ensures exceptional situational awareness and networked combat performance. It supports a wide arsenal, including AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Harpoon, and JDAM weapons.

The aircraft’s robust airframe is optimized for carrier operations, featuring folding wings, reinforced landing gear, and advanced arrestor systems. It has seen extensive combat use in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and ongoing maritime patrols across the Indo-Pacific.

The latest Block III upgrade enhances survivability and lethality with reduced radar signature, conformal fuel tanks, new cockpit displays, and open mission systems architecture — extending its service life well into the 2040s.

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