description McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet Overview
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, carrier-capable multirole fighter jet that entered service with the United States Navy and Marine Corps in the early 1980s. Designed to fulfill both fighter and attack missions, the F/A-18 represented significant advances in naval aviation with its reliable design, good handling characteristics, and maintenance accessibility. The aircraft has been exported to several allied nations including Australia, Canada, Spain, and Switzerland. The Hornet was further developed into the larger and more capable F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which gradually replaced the original F/A-18 models in U.S.
Navy service.
help McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet FAQ
What does the F/A in F/A-18 Hornet mean?
F/A means fighter and attack, reflecting the Hornet's dual air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. The aircraft was designed as a carrier-capable multirole jet rather than a single-purpose interceptor.
When did the F/A-18 Hornet first fly?
The F/A-18 first flew on November 18, 1978. It entered operational service with the U.S. Marine Corps in 1983 and the U.S. Navy soon after.
How is the legacy Hornet different from the Super Hornet?
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a larger Boeing-developed follow-on aircraft with more range, payload, and growth capacity. The original McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A/B/C/D Hornet is the smaller legacy version.
Did the Blue Angels fly the F/A-18 Hornet?
Yes. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew legacy F/A-18 Hornets for decades before transitioning to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
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