Number 34 of 100 in 100, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet 🛫🐝

Conceptualization:

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet was developed in response to the U.S. Navy’s need for a more versatile and capable aircraft to replace aging platforms like the F-14 Tomcat. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the aviation market was shifting towards multirole fighters capable of performing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. This trend was driven by budgetary constraints and the need to streamline military operations with fewer aircraft types. The original F/A-18 Hornet, while versatile, was reaching its limits in terms of range, payload, and survivability. The Super Hornet is the second major model upgrade since the inception of the F/A-18 aircraft program, highly capable across the full mission spectrum: air superiority, fighter escort, reconnaissance, aerial refueling, close air support, air defense suppression and day/night precision strike. The Super Hornet offered increased range, greater payload capacity, and improved avionics, making it well-suited for the diverse and demanding roles it would play in modern naval warfare.

Original Design:

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet’s design was a significant enhancement over its predecessor, the F/A-18 Hornet. The airframe was enlarged which allowed for increased internal fuel capacity, extending the aircraft’s range and endurance. The wing area was also expanded,  improving lift and maneuverability, particularly during carrier operations. The Super Hornet was equipped with more powerful General Electric F414 engines, providing more thrust than the original Hornet’s engines. This power increase enabled the Super Hornet to carry more weapons and equipment while maintaining high performance. Additionally, the aircraft was designed with reduced radar cross-section features, making it less detectable by enemy radar. The avionics suite was significantly upgraded, including the integration of the AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, which enhanced the Super Hornet’s target detection and tracking capabilities. These design improvements made the Super Hornet a more capable and survivable multirole fighter.​

Photo Credit: aerotime.aero

Principal Designer:

The design and development of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet was led by a team of engineers and designers from Boeing (previously McDonnell Douglas before the merger) and Northrop Grumman. These companies had a long history of developing advanced military aircraft, and their expertise was crucial in creating the Super Hornet. The design team focused on building upon the successes of the original F/A-18 Hornet while incorporating new technologies and addressing the evolving needs of the U.S. Navy. This collaborative effort resulted in an aircraft that was not only larger and more powerful than its predecessor but also more capable in a variety of mission roles, from air superiority to strike missions. The Super Hornet's development was a complex process that involved significant advancements in avionics, aerodynamics, and structural engineering, making it one of the most successful and versatile aircraft in naval aviation.

Production Run:

The production of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet began in the late 1990s, with the first aircraft entering service with the U.S. Navy in 1999. Production officially began in 1997, following successful testing and evaluation phases. Around 600 Super Hornets have been produced for the U.S. Navy, as of April 2020. As well as 172 EA-18G Growlers, as of October 2021, an electronic warfare variant based on the Super Hornet’s airframe. The production of the Super Hornet has continued into the 2020s, with the final aircraft expected to be delivered between 2025-2027. The production run has been extended several times due to ongoing demand, including the introduction of the Block III variant, which features advanced avionics, extended range, and enhanced networking capabilities. Despite the introduction of newer aircraft like the F-35, the Super Hornet remains a critical component of the U.S. Navy’s fleet, with production continuing to support both domestic and potential international customers​.

Photo Credit: airliners.net - JK Zhong

Evolution:

Throughout its production run, the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet has undergone several significant upgrades and modifications. The introduction of the Block II upgrade in 2005 brought advanced avionics, including the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, and improved electronic warfare systems. The Block III upgrade, which Boeing began delivering in 2021, includes even more advanced features such as the Advanced Cockpit System, conformal fuel tanks, and a reduced radar cross-section. These upgrades have extended the aircraft’s service life and enhanced its operational capabilities, ensuring that it remains effective in modern combat scenarios. Additionally, the EA-18G Growler was developed from the Super Hornet’s airframe, further expanding the platform’s versatility. These evolutionary steps have made the Super Hornet one of the most adaptable and capable aircraft in the U.S. Navy’s inventory, capable of meeting a wide range of mission requirements​.

Specifications:

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Specifications

General Characteristics:

• Crew:
• F/A-18E: 1 (pilot)
• F/A-18F: 2 (pilot and weapons systems officer)
• Length: 60.3 feet (18.31 meters)
• Wingspan: 44.9 feet (13.68 meters) with wings unfolded
• Height: 16 feet (4.88 meters)
• Wing Area: 500 square feet (46.5 square meters)
• Empty Weight: 32,081 pounds (14,552 kilograms)
• Max Takeoff Weight: 66,000 pounds (29,937 kilograms)

Performance:

• Maximum Speed:
• Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h) at altitude
• Combat Radius:
• 390 nautical miles (722 kilometers) for interdiction missions with full loadout
• 500+ nautical miles (926+ kilometers) with conformal fuel tanks (Block III variant)
• Ferry Range:
• 1,800+ nautical miles (3,300+ kilometers) with external fuel tanks
• Service Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters)
• Rate of Climb: 44,882 feet per minute (13,670 meters per minute)
• Thrust/Weight Ratio: 0.93 at maximum takeoff weight
• G-Limits: +7.5 / -3.0 g

Propulsion:

• Engines:
• 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines
• Thrust: 22,000 pounds-force (98 kN) per engine with afterburner

Avionics:

• Radar:
• AN/APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar
• Electronic Warfare Suite:
• AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM)
• ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receiver
• AN/ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Protection Jammer
• Communication and Data Systems:
• MIDS (Multifunctional Information Distribution System) for Link 16 data link
• Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) (Block III variant)
• Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N) (Block III variant)
• Helmet-Mounted Display:
• Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
• Cockpit:
• Advanced Cockpit System with Large Area Display (LAD) (Block III variant)
• Multifunction Color Displays (MFDs)

Armament:

• Guns:
• 1 × 20 mm M61A2 Vulcan rotary cannon with 412 rounds
• Hardpoints:
• 11 total (2 wingtip, 6 under-wing, 2 under-fuselage, 1 centerline) for a mix of:
• Air-to-Air Missiles: AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-120 AMRAAM
• Air-to-Ground Missiles: AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-154 JSOW
• Bombs: Paveway series (GBU-10/12/16), JDAM (GBU-31/32/38), Mk 80 series
• Additional Payloads: External fuel tanks, targeting pods (e.g., AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR)
• Optional Conformal Fuel Tanks (CFTs) (Block III variant)

Dimensions:

• Fuselage Width: 5.4 feet (1.64 meters)
• Internal Fuel Capacity: 14,400 pounds (6,535 kilograms) in internal tanks
• External Fuel Capacity: Up to 3 × 480-gallon drop tanks

Operational Capabilities:

• Carrier Operations:
• Folding wings for carrier storage
• Tailhook for arrested landings
• Strengthened landing gear for catapult takeoffs and arrested landings
• Interoperability:
• Compatible with U.S. Navy and allied forces’ carriers and support systems

Comparison to Other Aircraft in its Class:

F-35C Lightning II (Carrier-based stealth multirole fighter):

• Stealth: The F-35C has a significantly lower radar cross-section compared to the Super Hornet, making it more challenging for enemies to detect.
• Speed and Maneuverability: The Super Hornet is faster (Mach 1.6 vs. Mach 1.4) and can perform tighter maneuvers due to its aerodynamic design, though the F-35C benefits from advanced avionics and stealth capabilities.
• Avionics: Both aircraft feature cutting-edge avionics, but the F-35C’s sensor fusion and integrated systems give it a slight edge in situational awareness.
• Payload: The Super Hornet can carry more external payloads due to its greater number of hardpoints, though this increases its radar signature, whereas the F-35C carries fewer but internally stored weapons.

Dassault Rafale M (French carrier-based multirole fighter):

• Performance: The Rafale M is comparable in speed and agility to the Super Hornet, though slightly faster (Mach 1.8).
• Multirole Capability: Both aircraft are highly versatile, with similar multirole capabilities, though the Super Hornet has a slight edge in payload capacity and operational range, especially with conformal fuel tanks.
• Avionics: Both aircraft are equipped with advanced AESA radar and electronic warfare systems, but the Super Hornet’s Block III upgrades provide enhanced network capabilities that may surpass the Rafale M in joint operations.

Eurofighter Typhoon (Multinational carrier-capable multirole fighter):

• Performance: The Typhoon is faster (Mach 2.0) and more agile due to its higher thrust-to-weight ratio. However, it lacks some of the carrier-specific design features of the Super Hornet, such as folding wings and strengthened landing gear.
• Role: The Typhoon excels in air superiority missions, while the Super Hornet is more versatile with a stronger emphasis on strike and carrier-based operations.

Please note, exact speeds and payload capacities may vary depending on the source and the specific model variant being discussed.

Photo Credit: airliners.net - Chiu Ho-Yang

Performance:

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet Performance Envelope

V-Speeds and Flight Performance:

• V_NE (Never Exceed Speed): Mach 1.6 (approximately 1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h) at altitude
• V_MAX (Maximum Speed): Mach 1.6 at altitude
• V_A (Maneuvering Speed): Varies depending on configuration and weight; typically around 300–350 knots indicated airspeed (KIAS)
• V_SO (Stall Speed, Landing Configuration): Approximately 118 knots (KIAS) with full flaps and gear down
• V_S (Stall Speed, Clean Configuration): Approximately 160 knots (KIAS)
• V_APP (Approach Speed): Typically 135–145 knots (KIAS) depending on weight and configuration
• V_REF (Reference Speed for Landing): Varies based on weight, typically around 140–150 knots (KIAS)
• V_R (Rotation Speed): Typically 120–140 knots (KIAS) depending on weight

G-Load Limits:

• Positive G-Limit: +7.5 G
• Negative G-Limit: -3.0 G
• Sustained G-Load: Capable of sustaining 7.5 G in combat maneuvers

Approved Maneuvers:

• Basic Fighter Maneuvers (BFM): The Super Hornet is approved for all standard BFM, including high-G turns, barrel rolls, Immelmann turns, and split-S maneuvers.
• Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM): The aircraft is fully capable of ACM, including advanced dogfighting techniques such as the high-angle-of-attack (AOA) "cobra" maneuver, though this is typically used sparingly and only in specific scenarios.
• High-Alpha Maneuvers: The Super Hornet can operate at high angles of attack, leveraging its fly-by-wire controls and powerful engines to maintain control at low speeds during combat maneuvers.
• Carrier Operations: Approved for all carrier-based operations, including catapult-assisted takeoffs, arrested landings, and touch-and-goes on carrier decks.
• Aerobatic Maneuvers: Approved for standard aerobatic maneuvers, including loops, rolls, and spins, within its G-limit envelope.
• Formation Flying: The Super Hornet is approved for close formation flying, including tight turns and tactical formations.

Suitability of Performance for Roles in Training and Personal Aviation:

• Training Role:
• The Super Hornet’s performance envelope is well-suited for advanced pilot training, particularly in preparing pilots for high-G environments and complex combat scenarios. Its fly-by-wire system and responsive controls allow instructors to teach precision maneuvers and situational awareness in both offensive and defensive scenarios.
• The aircraft’s ability to conduct carrier operations is crucial for training naval aviators, offering realistic practice in takeoffs and landings on an aircraft carrier. The extensive use of simulated combat exercises in the Super Hornet allows pilots to experience and adapt to the high-stress environments they will encounter in real-world operations.
• Personal Aviation:
• While the Super Hornet is primarily a military aircraft and not designed for personal aviation, its performance characteristics offer a glimpse into the capabilities that could appeal to a highly specialized audience, such as former military pilots or those involved in private defense contracting.
• Its high-performance capabilities, including rapid acceleration, high-G maneuverability, and supersonic speeds, make it an exciting but demanding aircraft to operate. However, the cost, maintenance requirements, and specialized training needed to safely fly a Super Hornet place it outside the realm of typical personal aviation.

Safety Record:

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet has maintained a strong safety record throughout its service life, particularly considering the high-risk nature of carrier-based operations. The aircraft’s design includes numerous safety features, such as a robust airframe and advanced avionics, which have contributed to its low accident rate. Notable incidents have occurred, primarily related to the challenges of carrier operations, but the overall safety record remains favorable. The Super Hornet has faced issues related to engine reliability and structural fatigue, but these have been addressed through continuous improvements and rigorous maintenance protocols. Compared to other aircraft in its class, such as the F-14 Tomcat and the F-35C, the Super Hornet’s safety record is commendable, with fewer major accidents and a strong track record of operational reliability​.

Acquisition Cost:

The acquisition cost of the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet has evolved over the years, reflecting inflation, technological advancements, and the incorporation of new capabilities. When the aircraft was first introduced in the late 1990s, the cost per unit was approximately $60 million. As of 2024, the cost of the latest Block III variant is estimated to be around $66–$80 million per unit, with some variants, such as the EA-18G Growler, costing up to $125 million. These increases are due to the addition of advanced avionics, extended service life modifications, and other enhancements that have kept the Super Hornet competitive in modern military aviation. Despite these cost increases, the Super Hornet remains a cost-effective option compared to other multirole fighters like the F-35C, particularly for nations seeking a proven and versatile platform.

Conclusion:

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet stands as a testament to the evolution of modern naval aviation, blending cutting-edge technology with the lessons learned from decades of carrier-based operations. Designed to address the limitations of its predecessors, the Super Hornet has continuously evolved, incorporating advanced avionics, improved range, and enhanced survivability features that ensure its relevance in modern combat scenarios. The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is not just a workhorse of the fleet, but a symbol of the enduring strength and innovation of naval aviation. 

Photo Credit: airliners.net - Bill Shull Photography

Bibliography:

Boeing Official Website – F/A 18 Super Hornet

U.S. Navy’s Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)

U.S. Navy Official Website

Airliners.net – F/A 18

The Aviationist - F/A-18 Super Hornet

Wikipedia - Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet