By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The F/A-18E Super Hornet, often referred to as the “Rhino”, is not just an ordinary fighter jet. It is about 25% larger than its predecessor, the F/A-18C/D, but contains 42% fewer structural parts. However, the Super Hornet was designed to have easy maintenance and fewer repairs, allowing for more flight time.
The F/A-18E is a dual-role fighter capable of operating in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios. Its design incorporates advanced stealth features, which, while not on par with fifth-generation fighters like the F-35, significantly reduce its radar cross-section. This stealth capability is complemented by state-of-the-art sensor integration that enhances the pilot’s situational awareness and targeting precision.
Enhanced Sensor Systems: The APG-79 AESA Radar
Key among the technologies of the F/A-18E Super Hornet is the APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system, which provides unparalleled target detection and tracking capabilities. The radar’s ability to perform multiple functions simultaneously—such as ground surveillance, air interception, and electronic warfare—greatly expands the operational flexibility of the Super Hornet.
The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a series of American supersonic twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft derived from the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. It is in service with the armed forces of the U.S., Australia, and Kuwait, the “Rampagers” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83 are a United States Navy F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron . They are a part of Carrier Air Wing.
Congress Pushes for More Aircraft Carrier Funding
The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a versatile aircraft that can perform a variety of roles, including air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, forward air control (airborne), air defense suppression, and day/night precision strike. It increases strike mission survivability and supplements the fleet air defense. The F/A-18E model has been highly successful, with over 600 aircraft built, and a production run extended to 2027. It has recently been enhanced with a significant capability upgrade, making it the first carrier-based aircraft to deploy the SDB-II, also known as the StormBreaker.
The “Rampagers” of VFA 83 fly the single-seat variant of the F/A-18E Super Hornet. They have been active since April 1950 and have participated in various engagements including the Gulf War, Operation Southern Watch, and the Iraq War. Their role in maintaining air superiority and their rich history and proven combat record make them vital to the U.S. Navy’s air power.
While the MiG-35 may be faster than the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet has proved to be highly successful, with over 600 aircraft built, and a production run extended to 2027.
According to a statement released by the US central command CENTCOM saying;
“On Jan. 9, at approximately 9:15 p.m. (Sanaa time), Iranian-backed Houthis launched a complex attack of Iranian-designed one-way attack UAVs (OWA UAVs), anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea, towards international shipping lanes where dozens of merchant vessels were transiting. Eighteen OWA UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles, and one anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down by a combined effort of F/A-18s from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69), USS Gravely (DDG 107), USS Laboon (DDG 58), USS Mason (DDG 87), and the United Kingdom’s HMS Diamond (D34). This is the 26th Houthi attack on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea since Nov. 19. There were no injuries or damage reported.”
The F/A-18 Super Hornets of the USS Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group intervened and worked alongside the Arleigh-Burke class guided missile destroyers USS Gravely, USS Laboon, USS Mason and the Royal Navy’s Type 45 guided missile destroyer HMS Diamond. As a result of this combined effort, 18 one-way attack UAVs, two anti-ship cruise missiles and one anti-ship ballistic missile were shot down.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior researcher, writer and analyst who has written many published nonfiction books
