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F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet

Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas
Category: Fighter Jets
  • Generation 4th
  • Maximum Speed Mach 1.8
  • No. of Engines 2
  • Radar Range 124 miles

Full Specifications

General Information

Name F/A-18 Hornet
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
Country of Origin United States
Type / Role Multirole Fighter
Generation 4th
Status Active
First Flight 1978
Introduction / In Service Since 1983
Number Built 1,400+
Operators USA, Australia, Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, others

Dimensions & Structure

Length 56 ft
Wingspan 40 ft
Height 15 ft
Wing Area 400 sq ft
Empty Weight 23,000 lb
Maximum Takeoff Weight (MTOW) 51,900 lb
Internal Weapons Bay N/A
External Hardpoints 9

Performance

Maximum Speed Mach 1.8
Range 1,250 mi (ferry)
Combat Radius 400 mi
Service Ceiling 50,000 ft
Rate of Climb 50,000 ft/min
Thrust-to-Weight Ratio 1.07
G Limits +7.5 / -3.0

Powerplant

Engine Type General Electric F404-GE-402
No. of Engines 2
Thrust (each) 17,700 lb
Thrust Vectoring No
Fuel Capacity 10,860 lb

Armament

Gun 20mm M61 Vulcan
Missiles (Air-to-Air) AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9 Sidewinder
Missiles (Air-to-Ground) AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM
Bombs JDAM, Mk 82/84
Hardpoints 9
Payload Capacity 17,750 lb

Avionics & Systems

Radar AN/APG-73
Radar Range 124 mi
Electronic Warfare (EW) System ALQ-165
Targeting System Litening or Sniper Pod
Helmet Display JHMCS
Navigation GPS/INS
Autopilot / AI Assistance Yes
Communication Secure UHF/VHF, Link 16

Stealth & Technology

Radar Cross Section (RCS) Moderate
Stealth Features Reduced radar signature on Super Hornet
Infrared Signature Reduction Yes
Sensor Fusion Advanced in Super Hornet
Networking Capabilities Link 16, tactical data sharing

Variants

Special Export Versions F/A-18A/B for Australia, Canada

Operational History

Major Conflicts / Deployments Gulf War, Iraq War, Afghanistan, Libya
Notable Operators U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Australia, Canada
Combat Proven? Yes
Mission Types Air superiority, strike, reconnaissance, close air support

Cost & Program

Unit Cost ~$29 million (Hornet), $70 million (Super Hornet)
Development Cost Multi-billion USD
Program Name F/A-18 Hornet Program
Funding Countries United States, Export Partners

Additional Information

Upgrades Planned Avionics, radar, weapons integration
Future Replacement F-35 Lightning II
Export Restrictions U.S. ITAR regulations
Notable Achievements Carrier operations, multirole success
Competitors F-16, Eurofighter Typhoon, Rafale

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

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

PROS

  1. Multirole capability (air-to-air and air-to-ground)
  2. Carrier-capable with robust landing systems
  3. High maneuverability and supersonic speed
  4. Proven combat performance
  5. Advanced avionics and sensor integration

CONS

  1. Limited range compared to larger fighters
  2. Older variants less stealthy
  3. High operational and maintenance costs
  4. Payload smaller than heavy strike aircraft
  5. Vulnerable to advanced surface-to-air missiles without support

F/A-18 Hornet Multirole Fighter Jet

Equipped with advanced avionics, the Hornet features a multi-mode radar system, targeting pods, and modern electronic warfare capabilities. It can reach speeds up to Mach 1.8, operate at service ceilings of 50,000 feet, and has a combat radius of approximately 400 nautical miles depending on mission load. Its two General Electric F404 engines provide excellent thrust-to-weight performance, enabling rapid climb rates and high maneuverability.

Armament options include a 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon, AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, a variety of air-to-ground missiles, guided bombs, and rocket pods. The Hornet can carry up to 17,750 pounds of combined ordnance across nine external hardpoints, giving it significant offensive versatility. Its fly-by-wire system and integrated sensor fusion allow pilots to engage multiple targets simultaneously, enhancing operational effectiveness in contested environments.

The F/A-18 has seen service in multiple conflicts, demonstrating its combat-proven reliability in air superiority, close air support, and interdiction missions. Modern upgrades, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet variant, extend its capabilities with increased range, payload, and advanced networking systems for joint operations.

F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jet Price

The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic multirole fighter designed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) in the United States. Developed in the 1970s, it was intended to serve both air superiority and ground attack roles for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Its versatility and reliability have made it a staple of carrier-based operations and one of the most recognizable combat aircraft in the U.S. fleet.

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