By Olawale Abaire, Warrior Editorial Fellow
The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and its evolution, the Super Hornet, represent two pillars of tactical dominance. These aircraft, conversationally known as the “Hornet” and “Super Hornet,” serve as the backbone of U.S. Navy carrier-based operations.
The F/A-18C/D Hornet has an empty weight of 23,000 pounds and a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of 51,900 lbs, with the two General Electric F404 engines producing up to 17,750 lbf of maximum thrust. The maximum speed of the Hornet is Mach 1.8.
On the other hand, the Super Hornet’s empty weight is 32,100 lbs and its MTOW is 66,000 lbs, with the two upgraded GE F404 engines producing up to 22,000 lbf of thrust. The fighter jet is capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 1.6.
The Super Hornet is a modernized and much better version of the Hornet, addressing the latter’s shortfalls. It was designed to have increased weight, power, and survivability against growing threats. Meanwhile, the earlier F/A-18C Hornets persist within four squadrons, underscoring their enduring utility.
Technically, the Super Hornet is not merely an upgrade but a distinct breed. It boasts a lengthier and taller frame, increased by 1.31 meters and 17.8 centimetres respectively compared to its predecessor. Its wingspan and wing area have grown substantially, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and fuel capacity, thereby extending its operational range by an impressive 50%. This modification not only bolsters its endurance but also its payload capacity, allowing it to return a substantial 4491 kilograms of ordnance to the carrier, a notable increase from the 2495 kilograms of the classic Hornet.
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From a performance standpoint, the Super Hornet features a state-of-the-art four-channel fly-by-wire system, improving reliability and control. Its stealth capabilities are enhanced through sophisticated design tweaks such as radar-absorbent materials and serrated edges to minimize radar signatures. Additionally, the Super Hornet’s armament and fuel capabilities surpass those of its predecessor, supporting a wider array of weaponry and carrying significantly more fuel, both internally and via external tanks.
The sensor suite of the Super Hornet is equally formidable. It has transitioned from the AN/APG-65 to the more capable AN/APG-79 phased array radar, offering superior target detection and tracking. This aircraft also integrates modern electronic warfare and countermeasure systems, enhancing its survivability in contested environments.
The Hornet lineage traces its origins to a 1978 collaboration between McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, responding to a Navy call for a multi-role combat/attack aircraft.
The initial F/A-18 A variant was operational by 1981 and saw its combat debut in 1986 over Libya. The Super Hornet’s genesis emerged from the “Hornet 2000” concept, which aimed to augment the base model into a more advanced fighter. This vision materialized with the Super Hornet’s first flight in 1995 and its subsequent fleet introduction in 1999, reaching initial operational capability by 2001.
While the classic Hornet remains a competent and versatile fighter, the Super Hornet stands out with its enhanced capabilities, greater range, and improved survivability. It represents a quantum leap in naval aviation technology, offering unmatched versatility and effectiveness in modern aerial warfare.
OLAWALE ABAIRE is a Warrior researcher, writer and analyst who has written many published nonfiction books
