Intro
Discover who makes the F-18 fighter jet aircraft, a multi-role combat plane used by the US Navy and other countries. Learn about the manufacturing process, key features, and capabilities of this iconic aircraft. Explore the role of Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and General Electric in the production of the F/A-18 Hornet and its variants.
The F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role fighter jet aircraft that has been widely used by the United States military and several other countries. The development and production of the F/A-18 Hornet involve a collaborative effort between several major aerospace companies.
Primary Contractors
The primary contractors responsible for the development and production of the F/A-18 Hornet are:
- McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing): McDonnell Douglas was the primary contractor for the F/A-18 Hornet program. The company designed and developed the aircraft, and its production facility in St. Louis, Missouri, manufactured the majority of the F/A-18 Hornets.
- Northrop Grumman (formerly Northrop): Northrop Grumman was the secondary contractor for the F/A-18 Hornet program. The company was responsible for the development and production of the aircraft's fuselage and other structural components.
Major Subcontractors
Several major subcontractors contributed to the development and production of the F/A-18 Hornet. Some of the notable subcontractors include:
- General Electric: General Electric developed and produced the F404 turbofan engine that powers the F/A-18 Hornet.
- Hughes Aircraft (now part of Raytheon Technologies): Hughes Aircraft developed and produced the radar and electronic warfare systems for the F/A-18 Hornet.
- Lockheed Martin: Lockheed Martin (formerly Loral) developed and produced the aircraft's targeting and navigation systems.
International Partners
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced under license by several international partners, including:
- Canada: The Canadian government partnered with McDonnell Douglas to produce the CF-18 Hornet, a variant of the F/A-18 Hornet specifically designed for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
- Australia: The Australian government partnered with McDonnell Douglas to produce the F/A-18 Hornet for the Royal Australian Air Force.
- Spain: The Spanish government partnered with McDonnell Douglas to produce the EF-18 Hornet, a variant of the F/A-18 Hornet specifically designed for the Spanish Air Force.
Modernization and Upgrades
Over the years, the F/A-18 Hornet has undergone several modernization and upgrade programs to improve its performance and capabilities. Some of the notable upgrades include:
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a more advanced variant of the F/A-18 Hornet, developed by Boeing. The Super Hornet features improved radar and electronic warfare systems, as well as enhanced engine performance.
- F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade Program: The F/A-18 Hornet Upgrade Program is an ongoing effort to upgrade the existing F/A-18 Hornet fleet with modern avionics and electronic warfare systems.
In conclusion, the development and production of the F/A-18 Hornet involve a collaborative effort between several major aerospace companies, including McDonnell Douglas, Northrop Grumman, and General Electric. The aircraft has undergone several modernization and upgrade programs to improve its performance and capabilities.
F-18 Fighter Jet Image Gallery
What is the F-18 fighter jet used for?
+The F-18 fighter jet is a multi-role aircraft used for various military operations, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance.
Who manufactures the F-18 fighter jet?
+The F-18 fighter jet is manufactured by Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) and Northrop Grumman.
What is the top speed of the F-18 fighter jet?
+The top speed of the F-18 fighter jet is approximately Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph or 1,915 km/h).
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