Will the US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Fly to 2030 and beyond?

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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