Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet

Also known as Boeing F/A-18E/F, F/A-18E/F, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Super Hornet, F/A-18 Super Hornet, Rhino

multi-role combat aircraft series by Boeing

AI overview

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is a fighter jet used by the U.S. Navy and Air Force that can perform multiple types of combat missions, from air-to-air fighting to ground attacks. It matters because it's a primary aircraft for American military operations and is also sold to allied countries around the world.

AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.

Key facts

Type: Carrier-based multirole fighter
National origin: United States
Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas (1995–1997) , Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present)
Status: In service
Primary users: United States Navy Royal Australian Air Force , Kuwait Air Force
Number built: ≥632 as of April 2020
Manufactured: 1995–present
Introduction date: 1999 , 2001 ( Initial operating capability , IOC)
First flight: 29 November 1995 ; 30 years ago ( 1995-11-29 )
Developed from: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
Variant: Boeing EA-18G Growler

via Wikipedia infobox

~40 min read

Article

The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are a series of American supersonic twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft derived from the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. The Super Hornet is in service with the armed forces of the United States, Australia, and Kuwait. The F/A-18E single-seat and F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced versions of the F/A-18C and D Hornet, respectively.

A strike fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground/surface missions, the Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm M61A2 rotary cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and a variety of other 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-to-air refueling system. Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Low-rate production began in early 1997, reaching full-rate production in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. An electronic warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler, was also developed. Although officially named "Super Hornet", it is commonly referred to as "Rhino" within the United States Navy.