The F-18 Fighter Jet: A Review

 The F-18 Fighter Jet has become one of the most iconic military aircraft in history. It has been a supersonic, twin-engine, all-weather, multi-role combat aircraft since 1995. From its ability to conduct air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions to its outstanding performance, the F-18 has earned its reputation as an incredibly capable fighter jet.

 

In this post, we will review the features, capabilities, and specifications of the F-18 and understand why it has become such a superior aircraft.

 

Variants

The F-18 Fighter jet has different variations. These versions are easy to identify when you look at the features. You can easily identify when you look at the following:

• Availability of Wing fences

• The number of seats

• The size of the F-18 fighter jet

• The shape of its air intakes

• Number of external antennas present on nose and tail

• Lending edge extensions shape

 

Here is a list of the F-18 Fighter Jet:

 

The F/A-18A Hornet

This is the first version of an F-18 fighter jet. It is a single-seat aircraft. Some distinguishing features include oval air intake (O-shaped) under its wings. It has an S shape on the leading edge extensions. Using the features, you can quickly identify this old model of the F-18 fighter jet.

 

However, you can recognize the original A model and the C upgrades through its external antenna bumps. Each nose has one antenna and three at the top of each vertical stabilizer.

 

When Spain bought this version, it was designated EF-18A, while Canada was designated CF-188A.

 

The F/A-18A+ Hornet

The F/A-18A+ Hornet is a variant of the F-18 series that was designed to be an improved version of the F/A-18A Hornet. It features many upgrades over its predecessor. These improvements include increased range and weapons carrying capacity, an upgraded avionics system, and more powerful engines.

 

The F/A-18A+ Hornet has a more extended range than the F/A-18A, allowing it to fly further and engage targets with greater accuracy. In addition to its upgraded systems, it is easy to recognize it from its predecessor. This is because it has four blade antennas on top of the nose.

 

The F/A-18B Hornet

This jet fighter is an upgraded version of F/A-18A. However, it has two seats. The rest of the features are externally similar. The same version in Canada is referred to as CF-188B and EF-18B in Spain.

 

The F/A-18C Hornet

The many grades in a single block led to the birth of F/A-18C. The jet fighter is externally the same size as F/A-18A. However, there are significant differences like avionics, radar, and ability to launch missiles.

 

You can easily recognize this model from the outside. It has two additional antenna bumps and two additional bumps on its nose. You will also note that there are no antennas under the intakes.

 

The F/A-18D Hornet

This fighter jet is similar to the F/A-18C and one of the two-seat versions. If you want to spot the difference, look for its long canopy and antenna differences.

 

The fighter jet is also fitted Advanced Tactical Airborne Reconnaissance System, which is a camera nose. The ATARS replaces the cannon’s space.

 

The F/A-18E Super Hornet

This fighter jet is designated as F/A-18, although it is an E model, which differs from the original fighter jets A and C.

 

The first difference you will note is that this jet is bigger than others, like 25% more, which makes it referred to as Super Hornet. Another thing is its rectangular air intake; they make it easy for you to identify it.

 

The wing fences on top of the intakes are no longer anymore, as there are many antenna bumps. Lastly, you will find lending edge extensions with a different shapes. They lack an S curve and are also wider.

 

The F/A-18F Super Hornet

This model is an advanced version of the older version F/A-18E. However, like F/A-18B and F/A-18D, it is a two-seat training version. The back seat of this model has been occupied by an advanced weapon systems officer and not the instructor.

 

The F/A-18F Super Hornet replaced the F-14 Tomcat. It also has similar external characteristics to the F/A-18E model. But the canopy is longer.

 

The EA-18G Growler

After Super Hornet, we came to the Growler model. Previously, the Super Hornet replaced the A-6 Intruder, F-14 Tomcat, A-7 Corsair, S-3 Viking, and the EA-6B Prowler models. And that could be the reason why EA-18G received a similar name — the Growler. However, in practice, this model is referred to as Grizzy so that it can avoid confusion.

 

Like the F/A-18F, the Growler is externally large. However, it has jamming pods located under the wings and at the wing tips. You will also find a plate on the nose where the cannon is in Hornets.

 

Boeing wanted to add stability to this jet fighter. So, it worked on aerodynamic improvements. And in this model, the wing fences are the most prominent. It also focused on other modifications, such as strips and leading edges.

 

The EF-18M

This is an upgraded EF-18As. In Spain, they are similar to F/A-18C. However, they differ from the F/A-18A+ os, based in the US Navy. This is because they lack four plate antennas located in front of their canopy. However, a second antenna bump is located on the side of its nose — above the existing one.

The Mission

It is a versatile, powerful, and reliable aircraft that can handle a wide range of missions. The design allows it to function in two ways:

 

●      As a fighter jet

A fighter jet is an aircraft designed for air-to-air combat. Fighter jets are typically used to intercept and engage enemy aircraft and can be used for offensive or defensive purposes. They are also sometimes used in supporting roles, such as providing reconnaissance.

 

Fighter jets are highly maneuverable and can reach higher speeds. They are equipped with advanced avionics and weaponry, including guided missiles.

 

●      As an attack jet

An attack jet is an aircraft designed for close air support and ground attack missions. Attack jets are typically equipped with air-to-ground missiles, bombs, and other weapons to conduct operations against enemy forces on the ground.

 

Attack jets are typically slower and less maneuverable than fighter jets, but their armament allows them to engage targets from a greater distance. Attack jets are also equipped with advanced avionics and navigation systems, allowing them to fly autonomously or with minimal human input.

 

However, the F-18 fighter jet is designed to fit both roles. It can act as a fighter jet or an attack jet. Some features allow it to perform excellently in both roles. These include;

 

Collection of stations: The jet has storage areas located on the wings and belly. These storages can carry anything needed in a war — including tactical nuclear bombs and extra fuel tanks. When these stations are loaded with different components, the F-18 turns to a different plane.

 

High Performance: The other major secret is the high-performance standards for this jet. This is because it has impressive engineering, which makes it better than other aircraft.

 

Its maneuverability gives it an advantage over other jets in fights. It allows it to outmaneuver the enemy and gain a tactical advantage. It is also equipped with an array of advanced avionics and electronic systems, allowing it to fly at lower altitudes and deliver precise weapons strikes. Additionally, its high speed makes it difficult for adversaries to intercept or track it.

 

Under the Hood

Hornets perform and operate like other jet planes. They have powerful turbine engines that create thrust. The two broad wings will then create lift. However, rear fins stabilize the aircraft, and rudders allow the jet to turn. And when the pilot wants to slow down, they will use an air brake.

 

In addition, they have two engines F414-GE-400 which can give a static thrust of 22,000 pounds (9,977 kg) each. It can also reach a speed of 563 meters per second (Mach 1.7) and fly up to 11,000 meters ( 36,089 feet).

 

The engine afterburners will provide a powerful thrust to help this F/A-18 attack the enemy and escape quickly. Afterburner will inject fuel into its jet exhaust to ignite it. The combustion boosts the speed of the jet.

 

Inside Cockpit

The F/A-18 fighter jet has advanced gadgetry inside the cockpit. Together with avionics software, this equipment provides the pilot with everything needed to be on top of things — even during the hairiest situation.

 

In addition, the interface of the features is laid intuitively, which enables easier operation.

 

Here are some of the features include:

• Raster heads-up display (HUD)

• Digital color moving map

• NAVFLIR

• Night vision goggles

• Hughes ATFLIR infrared radar pod

• Independent multipurpose color display

• Special cockpit lighting used with night vision

Weapons

F/A-18 is a war jet, so it has some powerful features. The aircraft carries different types of weapons into battle.

 

In addition to the ordnance, this jet also defends itself using the powerful M61A2 Vulcan, which is a 20 mm and 6-barrel rotary cannon. It is mounted inside its nose, which is hydraulically driven and electrically fired. Operators have to choose the rates of fire, either 4000 or 6000 rounds/minute.

 

It also has a cooling system used to prevent the melting of the barrel while spewing out the hot lead. The firing is done to ground targets and enemy aircraft with PGU series electrically-primed rounds or 20mm linkless M-50.

 

How Hornets Were Developed

 

Around the 1970s, Congress allowed the Navy to create a new combat fighter. The jet was to incorporate the newest technology during that time. However, they were on a budget after Congress set a limitation and wanted the new craft design to look like F-16 or F-17.

 

Unfortunately, these crafts had only been designed only to take off from an airstrip. However, a combat fighter for the Navy should be deployed from an aircraft carrier. So, it was a big challenge that brought together several competing defense contractors to create the new craft.

 

The discussion continued until 1976, when they officially decided to choose the F/A-18. And in 1983, the F/A-18 was fully integrated.

 

Some significant contributors were Northrop Grumman, McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, and Boeing. They worked together and created the Hornet’s airframe — this was the body frame of the craft, wings, flight control surfaces, and more.

 

The engines were designed by General Electric, a company responsible for light bulbs and everything else, including dishwashers. The radar equipment was provided by Hughes, the communication contractor.

The FA-18 Super Hornet Statistics

This fighter jet has among the most appreciated statistics in history. From impressive performance and high speed, this F-18 Jet may not retire soon. No one would like a monster of an aircraft to retire.

 

Here are the statistics of this close air support fighter jet:

Speed: 1,190 mph at 40,000 ft

Combat Range: 449 mi. It also has two AIM-9s and four 1,000-pound bombs

Range: 1,458 mi

Service Ceiling: 50,000 ft

Rate of Climb: 44,882 ft/min

Different Bombs

• CBU-78 Gator mine system

• Mk 80 series unguided bombs

• JDAM bombs

• Paveway series laser-guided bombs

 

Different Missiles

• AIM-7 Sparrows, which are medium-range air missiles

• AIM-120 AMRAAM, which are medium-range air missiles

• AIM-9 Sidewinder, which is short-range air missiles

• AGM-65E/F Maverick, which is air-to-ground missiles

 

The list above is not comprehensive about this F-18 fighter jet. We have only listed what the aircraft can carry. But the amazing thing, it can quickly take off, even from ships, and easily drop bombs before it returns.

 

Hornets in Action

Since the jet fighters are developed with a purpose, they have shown impressive action. They have been in service for a long time. One of the actions was during the Operation Desert Storm.

 

In 1991, a war broke out in Iraq where the Hornets were used for a trial by fire. They used two F/A-18s that were fitted with 2,000-pound bombs. Each carried four such bombs, but they were intercepted by MiG fighter jets. The two aircraft shot the two MiG jets and completed their bombing mission.

 

Conclusion

Since its introduction, the F/A-18 has become one of the most successful combat aircraft in history. It has served in several military operations. The Hornet also serves with the air forces of several nations around the world, including Canada, Australia, Kuwait, Spain, Switzerland, Malaysia, and Finland.

 

 

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