F/A-18 Hornet: History and Features

What initially began as the YF-17 Cobra evolved into one of the most powerful and advanced aircraft ever operated by the US Navy. The F/A-18 Hornet remains in service despite the advent of the F-35B Lightning II. It is also used by several countries across Europe, Oceania, and the Middle East.

The Hornet first saw combat during the US bombing of Libya in 1986 and later participated in:

• The Gulf War (1991),
• The Yugoslav conflicts (1995, 1999),
• The Iraq War (2003).

F/A-18 Super Hornet Modification

In its modified version, the F/A-18 Super Hornet (E and F series, produced since 1995), the aircraft remains:

• The primary combat aircraft for US naval aviation.
• A land-based fighter-bomber for NATO countries.

For 36 years, the F/A-18 has served in the elite aerobatic squadron "Blue Angels," setting a record for the longest service life of any aircraft in this unit.

In Cinema

The F/A-18 took center stage in the movie “Top Gun: Maverick”, one of the best films of 2022. In this film, it became the featured aircraft, even surpassing the iconic F-14 Tomcat.

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Historical Achievements

The F/A-18 was a revolutionary aircraft right from its first flight on November 18, 1978:

• The first multi-role carrier-based fighter of the US Navy.
• The first aircraft with carbon fiber wings.
• The first fighter jet equipped with a fully digital fly-by-wire control system.

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Specifications of the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet

Key Features:

• Engines:
  • Hornet: 2 x F404-GE-402 (49 kN each, 79.8 kN with afterburner).
  • Super Hornet: 2 x F414-400 (58 kN each, 98 kN with afterburner).
• Wingspan:
  • Hornet: 12.31 m.
  • Super Hornet: 13.62 m.
• Length:
  • Hornet: 17.1 m.
  • Super Hornet: 18.31 m.
• Maximum Takeoff Weight:
  • Hornet: 23,541 kg (with armaments).
  • Super Hornet: 29,937 kg.

Armaments:

• Gun: 20mm M61A1 cannon.
• Air-to-Air Missiles:
  • Hornet: Up to 6 AIM-7/AIM-9/AIM-120.
  • Super Hornet: Up to 12 AIM-120/AIM-260.
• Air-to-Ground Missiles:
  • Hornet: Up to 4 AGM-65E/F, AGM-84, AGM-88, AGM-158.
  • Super Hornet: Up to 6 AGM-65E/F, AGM-84, AGM-88, AGM-158.
• Bombs:
  • JDAM, Paveway, MK-80, CBU-87/97/100, and others.

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Modern F/A-18C Simulator

Simulator Features:

• Realistic Flight Model (PFM) and Flight Control System (FCS).
• Detailed modeling of aircraft systems: engines, fuel, electrical, hydraulic, weapon systems, and navigation.
• Interactive cockpit with full functionality.
• Automatic spin recovery system.
• Authentic aircraft sounds provided by Boeing.
• Virtual reality support.

Weapons and Sensors:

• Multi-function radar APG-73.
• Navigation system with satellite mapping.
• Infrared targeting pod ASQ-228 ATFLIR.
• JHMCS helmet-mounted targeting system.

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The F/A-18 is not only a legend on the battlefield but also in simulations. It continues to inspire aviators and enthusiasts worldwide. Experience its power and technical excellence with our simulator!