Intro
Discover the key differences between the F18 Hornet and Super Hornet, two of the US Navys most advanced fighter jets. Learn about their design, capabilities, and upgrades, and find out what sets the Super Hornet apart from its predecessor. Explore the world of military aviation and get the inside scoop on these iconic aircraft.
The F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are both highly advanced, multi-role fighter jets developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the United States Navy. While they share a common design heritage, there are significant differences between the two aircraft. In this article, we will delve into the key differences between the F-18 Hornet and the Super Hornet, exploring their design, capabilities, and performance.
F/A-18 Hornet: A Legacy of Excellence
The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, multi-role fighter jet that first entered service in 1980. Designed to replace the F-4 Phantom II and A-4 Skyhawk, the Hornet quickly proved itself as a highly capable and versatile aircraft. Its design features a unique blend of maneuverability, range, and payload capacity, making it an ideal platform for a variety of missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance.
Key Features of the F/A-18 Hornet
- Length: 56 feet (17 meters)
- Wingspan: 40 feet (12 meters)
- Height: 15 feet (4.6 meters)
- Empty weight: 24,400 pounds (11,065 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 50,000 pounds (22,680 kilograms)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofans
- Thrust: 18,000 pounds (8,165 kilograms) per engine
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h)
- Range: 2,000 miles (3,219 kilometers)
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: A Major Upgrade
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a significantly upgraded version of the Hornet, featuring improved avionics, engines, and aerodynamics. First introduced in 1995, the Super Hornet was designed to address the shortcomings of the original Hornet, particularly in terms of range, payload capacity, and radar capabilities.
Key Features of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
- Length: 60 feet (18 meters)
- Wingspan: 44 feet (13.4 meters)
- Height: 16 feet (4.9 meters)
- Empty weight: 26,000 pounds (11,793 kilograms)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 66,000 pounds (29,937 kilograms)
- Engines: 2 x General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
- Thrust: 22,000 pounds (9,979 kilograms) per engine
- Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h)
- Range: 2,300 miles (3,701 kilometers)
Key Differences Between the Hornet and Super Hornet
While both aircraft share a similar design, there are significant differences between the F/A-18 Hornet and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Some of the key differences include:
- Length and Wingspan: The Super Hornet is slightly longer and has a wider wingspan than the Hornet.
- Engines: The Super Hornet is powered by more powerful General Electric F414-GE-400 engines, which provide a significant increase in thrust.
- Radar: The Super Hornet features a more advanced AN/APG-73 radar system, which offers improved range and resolution.
- Avionics: The Super Hornet has more advanced avionics, including a new mission computer, improved displays, and enhanced communication systems.
- Payload Capacity: The Super Hornet has a higher payload capacity than the Hornet, allowing it to carry more fuel, missiles, and bombs.
- Range: The Super Hornet has a longer range than the Hornet, thanks to its more efficient engines and increased fuel capacity.
Operational Differences
In addition to the physical differences between the two aircraft, there are also operational differences. The Super Hornet is designed to operate in a more advanced battlefield environment, with improved networking capabilities and enhanced situational awareness. The Super Hornet also features improved air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, making it a more effective multi-role fighter.
Gallery of F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet Images
F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet Image Gallery
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the F/A-18 Hornet and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
+The main difference between the two aircraft is the Super Hornet's more advanced avionics, engines, and aerodynamics, which provide improved range, payload capacity, and radar capabilities.
Which aircraft is more maneuverable, the F/A-18 Hornet or the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
+The F/A-18 Hornet is slightly more maneuverable than the Super Hornet, due to its smaller size and lighter weight.
What is the range of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
+The range of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is approximately 2,300 miles (3,701 kilometers).
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the key differences between the F/A-18 Hornet and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Both aircraft are highly advanced, multi-role fighter jets that have played critical roles in military operations around the world. Whether you're a military enthusiast or simply interested in aviation, we encourage you to share your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.