F/A-18F Super Hornet

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a twin-engine carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft variant based on the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. Additional fuel can be carried in up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system.

Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Full-rate production began in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006, and serves alongside the original Hornet. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which has operated the F/A-18A as its main fighter since 1984, ordered the F/A-18F in 2007 to replace its aging F-111 fleet. RAAF Super Hornets entered service in December 2010.



Aircraft Information

Role	Carrier-based multirole fighter National origin	United States Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas Boeing Defense, Space & Security First flight	29 November 1995 Introduction	1999 Status	In service, in production Primary users	United States Navy Royal Australian Air Force Produced	1995–present Number built	500 as of April 2011[1] Program cost	Total procurement: US$48.09 billion (through FY2011)[2] Unit cost	US$66.9 million (2012 flyaway cost)[3][N 1] Developed from	McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet Variants	Boeing EA-18G Growler Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz CVN68