


| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Engine Type | General Electric F404-GE-402 |
| No. of Engines | 2 |
| Thrust (each) | 17,700 lb |
| Thrust Vectoring | No |
| Fuel Capacity | 10,860 lb |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| Special Export Versions | F/A-18A/B for Australia, Canada |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
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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