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F/A-18 Hornet vs F-35 Lightning II — Legacy Multirole Fighter vs Stealth Jet

F/A-18 Hornet vs F-35 Lightning II — Legacy Multirole Fighter vs Stealth Jet

The F/A-18 Hornet vs F-35 Lightning II comparison captures a pivotal moment in U.S. naval aviation — a clash between legacy multirole versatility and 5th-generation stealth innovation. The Hornet, born during the Cold War, has served as a reliable backbone for U.S. and allied air forces for over four decades. The F-35, meanwhile, represents the cutting edge of digital warfare, stealth technology, and joint-force integration.

As the U.S. Navy transitions from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the F-35C, understanding this evolution matters not only for American defense strategy but also for allies worldwide who depend on U.S. airpower standards and interoperability.

Specifications Comparison: F/A-18 Hornet vs F-35 Lightning II

Specification	F/A-18C/D Hornet	F-35A Lightning II
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas / Boeing	Lockheed Martin
Type	Multirole Fighter	Stealth Multirole Fighter
Crew	1–2	1
Top Speed	Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph)	Mach 1.6 (1,200 mph)
Combat Range	~1,100 km	~1,200 km
Ceiling	50,000 ft	50,000 ft
Powerplant	2 × GE F404-GE-402 (36,000 lbf)	1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 (43,000 lbf)
Armament Capacity	Up to 13,700 lb	Up to 18,000 lb (internal + external)
Unit Cost (USD)	~$65 million	~$85 million (F-35A), ~$115M (F-35C)
Service Entry	1983	2015

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Fighter Jet vs F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet

Design & Technology

The F/A-18 Hornet reflects late 20th-century design priorities: carrier durability, redundancy, and cost-effective performance. Its twin engines enhance safety for naval operations, and its modular structure allows easy maintenance — a major reason for its longevity.

The F-35 Lightning II, on the other hand, embodies the digital revolution. Its stealth shaping, radar-absorbent coatings, and internal weapons bays drastically reduce radar cross-section. The F-35’s sensor fusion, powered by the AN/APG-81 AESA radar, Distributed Aperture System (DAS), and Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), gives pilots unmatched situational awareness.

In modern contested airspace, stealth and data sharing often outweigh speed or maneuverability — and this is where the F-35 reigns supreme.

Firepower & Performance

Both aircraft are formidable multirole platforms, but their weapon configurations differ sharply.

F/A-18 Hornet Armament:

M61A1 Vulcan 20mm cannon
Up to 9 external hardpoints for AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM, AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-65 Maverick, JDAM, and laser-guided bombs
External fuel tanks for extended range

F-35 Lightning II Armament:

GAU-22/A 25mm cannon
Internal bays for AIM-120D AMRAAM, AIM-9X, GBU-31 JDAM, and SDB II precision bombs
External pylons (“Beast Mode”) for additional payload when stealth isn’t essential

In a f35 vs f18 dogfight, the F/A-18’s agility and twin-engine thrust remain advantages in visual-range combat. Yet beyond visual range (BVR), the F-35’s advanced sensors, stealth, and electronic warfare suite ensure first detection — and often, first kill.

Operational Range & Mobility

The Hornet’s design emphasizes short carrier takeoffs and recoveries, making it ideal for naval operations. Its twin engines also enhance survivability in combat zones.

The F-35, with superior fuel efficiency and aerodynamic stealth shaping, offers slightly more range. The F-35B’s STOVL variant (used by the Marine Corps) can operate from amphibious assault ships and forward bases — offering unmatched deployment flexibility.

Combat Effectiveness & Real-World Use

The F/A-18 Hornet has seen extensive combat — from Operation Desert Storm to Libya and Afghanistan. Its record proves its reliability and versatility in both strike and air defense roles.

The F-35 Lightning II, while newer, has already flown operational missions with the U.S. Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, and allied forces such as Israel and the U.K.. Israeli F-35s have reportedly conducted stealth strikes against Iranian targets, demonstrating real-world survivability and lethality.

According to the U.S. Navy, the F-35C’s integration with Nimitz-class and Ford-class carriers enhances joint-force capability by combining stealth with networked ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance).

(Source: U.S. Navy official site)

Cost & Export Value

The F/A-18 Hornet remains one of America’s most exported fighters, serving in Australia, Canada, Finland, and Switzerland. Its affordability and adaptability made it a NATO favorite.

The F-35, however, dominates the 21st-century export landscape, with over a dozen allied operators including Japan, South Korea, Italy, Poland, and Finland. The program’s global logistics and maintenance network, while complex, ensures standardized training and interoperability.

While the F-35’s unit cost has decreased over time, its operational cost per hour remains higher — estimated at around $35,000–$40,000, compared to the Hornet’s $25,000–$28,000.

Analysis: Legacy vs Future

The f18 hornet vs f35 comparison highlights a shift in warfare philosophy. The Hornet was built to win through versatility and pilot skill. The F-35 wins through information dominance — leveraging stealth, sensors, and shared data across the joint battle network.

Strengths of the F/A-18 Hornet:

Proven reliability
Easier maintenance and lower costs
Strong dogfighting performance

Strengths of the F-35 Lightning II:

Stealth and sensor fusion
Networked situational awareness
Precision strike capability in denied airspace

The U.S. military sees the F-35 not merely as a replacement, but as a force multiplier that enhances the capability of all other platforms — including the F/A-18 Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, and naval assets.

Conclusion: Two Generations of Airpower

In the F/A-18 vs F-35 debate, there is no true loser. The Hornet remains a symbol of Cold War engineering excellence and enduring versatility, while the F-35 represents the digital future of combat aviation.

For high-threat, contested airspace, the F-35 Lightning II holds a decisive edge.
For carrier flexibility and cost efficiency, the F/A-18 Hornet still excels.

Ultimately, the transition from Hornet to Lightning II reflects America’s broader evolution from hardware-centric warfare to data-driven air dominance.

FAQ: F/A-18 Hornet vs F-35 Lightning II

Which is faster, the F-18 or F-35?

The F/A-18 Hornet has a slightly higher top speed (Mach 1.8) compared to the F-35 (Mach 1.6), though the F-35’s stealth advantage outweighs raw speed in modern combat.

Can the F-35 replace the F/A-18?

Yes, the F-35C is gradually replacing the F/A-18 in U.S. Navy carrier wings, but the Super Hornet will remain in service for at least another decade.

Which jet has better stealth capability?

The F-35 is a 5th-generation stealth aircraft, making it vastly harder to detect than the 4th-generation F/A-18.

What is the cost difference between F-18 and F-35?

The F/A-18 costs about $65 million per unit, while the F-35 ranges between $85–115 million depending on the variant.

Who would win in a dogfight — F-18 or F-35?

At close range, the F/A-18’s agility gives it a fighting chance, but the F-35’s stealth and superior sensors likely ensure it never needs to engage that close.

	F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Fighter Jet F-35 Lightning II Fighter Jet

Price
Our Rating	8.0 8.8
Manufacturer	Boeing Defense Lockheed Martin
Category	Fighter Jets Fighter Jets

General Information

Name	F/A-18E/F Super Hornet F-35 Lightning II
Manufacturer	Boeing Defense, Space & Security Lockheed Martin
Country of Origin	United States United States
Type / Role	Carrier-based Multirole Fighter Multirole Stealth Fighter
Generation	4.5th 5th
Status	In active service In Service
First Flight	November 29, 1995 December 15, 2006
Introduction / In Service Since	1999 2015
Number Built	Over 600 units 1,200+ (as of 2025)
Operators	U.S. Navy, Royal Australian Air Force USA, UK, Japan, Israel, Italy, Australia, and others

Dimensions & Structure

Length	60.3 ft (18.5 m) 51.2 ft (15.6 m)
Wingspan	44.9 ft (13.6 m) 35 ft (10.7 m)
Height	16 ft (4.9 m) 14.4 ft (4.38 m)
Wing Area	500 sq ft (46.5 m²) 460 sq ft (42.7 m²)
Empty Weight	32,081 lb (14,552 kg) 29,300 lb (13,300 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	66,000 lb (29,937 kg) 70,000 lb (31,800 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	None 2 (up to 5,700 lb payload)
External Hardpoints	11 6–10 (up to 18,000 lb total)

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8 Mach 1.6
Range	1,275 nm (2,346 km) 1,380 mi (2,220 km)
Combat Radius	390 nm (722 km) ~670 mi (1,080 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft (15,240 m) 50,000 ft (15,240 m)
Rate of Climb	44,882 ft/min 45,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	0.93 0.87
G Limits	+7.5 / -3.0 +9

Powerplant

Engine Type	Afterburning Turbofan Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100
No. of Engines	2 1
Thrust (each)	22,000 lbf 43,000 lbf
Thrust Vectoring	No Yes (on F-35B variant)
Fuel Capacity	14,400 lb (internal) ~18,500 lb internal

Armament

Gun	1× M61A2 20mm Vulcan GAU-22/A 25mm cannon (F-35A)
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM-9X, AIM-120 AMRAAM AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-88 HARM AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM
Bombs	JDAM, Paveway, Mk 83/84 JDAM, Paveway II/III, SDB I/II
Hardpoints	11 6 external + 2 internal
Payload Capacity	9,920 kg (21,900 lb) ~18,000 lb

Avionics & Systems

Radar	AN/APG-79 AESA AN/APG-81 AESA
Radar Range	150+ km ~150+ km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	AN/ALQ-214 IDECM AN/ASQ-239 suite
Targeting System	ATFLIR pod EOTS (Electro-Optical Targeting System)
Helmet Display	JHMCS HMDS Gen III
Navigation	GPS/INS GPS/INS with terrain-following
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Advanced Flight Control System Advanced flight management
Communication	Secure data link, Link 16 MADL & Link 16 secure data links

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Reduced (~1 m² class) ~0.001 m²
Stealth Features	Radar-absorbent materials, shaping RAM coating, internal weapons bay, edge alignment
Infrared Signature Reduction	Moderate Yes
Sensor Fusion	Partial Full 360° data integration
Networking Capabilities	NIFC-CA compatible Distributed data-sharing with allied units

Variants

Special Export Versions

Australia (F/A-18F) F-35I (Israel), F-35A (Japan), etc.

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya Middle East operations (Iraq, Syria)
Notable Operators	U.S. Navy, Australia USAF, USN, USMC, RAF, IDF
Combat Proven?	Yes Yes
Mission Types	Air superiority, strike, SEAD, maritime patrol Air superiority, strike, SEAD, ISR

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	~$70–80 million (Block III) $80–100 million (variant-dependent)
Development Cost	~$5 billion ~$400 billion (program total)
Program Name	F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Program Joint Strike Fighter (JSF)
Funding Countries	United States, Australia USA, UK, Italy, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, etc.

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Block III digital cockpit, network enhancements Block 4, Tech Refresh 3
Future Replacement	F/A-XX (Next Generation Air Dominance) NGAD (2035+)
Export Restrictions	U.S. ITAR-controlled U.S. FMS approval required
Notable Achievements	Over two decades of carrier dominance Widest global fighter program in history
Competitors	Rafale M, F-35C, MiG-29K Su-57, J-20, Tempest, KF-21

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