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CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
Category: Fighter Jets
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Generation 4th
Maximum Speed Mach 1.8+
No. of Engines 2
Radar Range 90 to 100 km

Full Specifications

General Information

Name	CF-18 Hornet
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas and Boeing
Country of Origin	Canada and United States
Type / Role	Multirole Fighter
Generation	4th
Status	Active
First Flight	1980
Introduction / In Service Since	1982
Number Built	138
Operators	Canada

Dimensions & Structure

Length	56 ft (17.1 m)
Wingspan	40 ft (12.3 m)
Height	15 ft (4.7 m)
Wing Area	400 sq ft (37 m²)
Empty Weight	23,000 lb (10,400 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW)	51,000 lb (23,000 kg)
Internal Weapons Bay	None
External Hardpoints	9

Performance

Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8+
Range	1,250 mi (2,000 km)
Combat Radius	415 mi (670 km)
Service Ceiling	50,000 ft plus
Rate of Climb	50,000 ft per minute
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio	1.04
G Limits	plus 7.5 to minus 3

Powerplant

Engine Type	General Electric F404 GE 400
No. of Engines	2
Thrust (each)	16,000 lbf (71 kN)
Thrust Vectoring	No
Fuel Capacity	10,000 lb (4,500 kg)

Armament

Gun	20 mm M61A1 Vulcan
Missiles (Air-to-Air)	AIM 7 Sparrow, AIM 120 AMRAAM
Missiles (Air-to-Ground)	AGM 65 Maverick
Bombs	Paveway and Mk series
Hardpoints	9
Payload Capacity	12,500 lb (5,700 kg)

Avionics & Systems

Radar	APG 65 or APG 73
Radar Range	90 to 100 km
Electronic Warfare (EW) System	ALQ 165
Targeting System	LANTIRN pods
Helmet Display	Optional
Navigation	INS and GPS
Autopilot / AI Assistance	Standard autopilot
Communication	Secure VHF and UHF

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS)	Medium
Stealth Features	Minimal
Infrared Signature Reduction	Basic
Sensor Fusion	Partial
Networking Capabilities	Link 16

Variants

Special Export Versions

None significant

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments	Gulf War, Libya, NATO missions
Notable Operators	Canada
Combat Proven?	Yes
Mission Types	Air defense, strike, reconnaissance

Cost & Program

Unit Cost	38 to 45 million USD
Development Cost	4.5 billion CAD
Program Name	CF 18 Program
Funding Countries	Canada

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned	Radar and avionics improvements
Future Replacement	F 35 Lightning II
Export Restrictions	Controlled by Canadian government
Notable Achievements	Long service life and proven combat record
Competitors	F 16, MiG 29, JAS 39 Gripen

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

High-speed and agile fighter capabilities
Multirole versatility for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
Proven combat record in NATO operations
Modern avionics and sensor integration
Reliable twin-engine performance

CONS

Limited stealth capabilities
Aging airframe compared to 5th-generation fighters
Moderate range without aerial refueling
Payload capacity below newer multirole fighters
Upgrades can be costly and time-intensive

CF-18 Hornet Multirole Fighter Jet

Developed through a Canadian-American partnership, the CF-18 Hornet is based on the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet. It was produced by McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, Missouri, and assembled in Canada to suit national defense requirements. Its primary mission is air defense, interdiction, and close air support.

Capabilities and Performance

The CF-18 can reach speeds over Mach 1.8 and operate at altitudes exceeding 50,000 feet. It has a combat radius of roughly 415 miles, allowing for long-range strike operations. The aircraft is armed with a 20mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon, AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-ground missiles, and a variety of precision-guided bombs. Its twin General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofan engines deliver a high thrust-to-weight ratio for agile maneuvering.

Technology and Avionics

Equipped with advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and targeting pods, the CF-18 integrates sensor fusion and modern avionics to maintain situational awareness. Helmet-mounted displays, autopilot, and navigation systems support precision operations in day, night, or adverse weather conditions.

Operational Use

The CF-18 has been deployed in NATO missions, Arctic sovereignty patrols, and overseas combat operations. Its multirole design allows for flexibility in both defensive and offensive scenarios.

CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet Price

The CF-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multirole fighter jet developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Canada’s Aerospace industry. Designed to meet both air superiority and ground attack missions, it has served as the backbone of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) since the 1980s. Renowned for its reliability and versatility, the CF-18 is optimized for rapid deployment, tactical flexibility, and modern combat requirements.

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