History
The origins of the F/A-18 Hornet trace back to the 1970s when the U.S. Navy sought a new aircraft to replace aging platforms such as the F-4 Phantom II and A-7 Corsair II. Following the U.S. Air Force’s Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program, the Navy adopted the YF-17 design by Northrop, modifying it to meet carrier-based operational requirements. This naval variant evolved into the F/A-18, developed jointly by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) and Northrop.
The F/A-18 Hornet was designed as a true multirole aircraft—able to perform both fighter (air-to-air) and attack (air-to-ground) missions with ease. Its name reflects this dual capability: “F/A” for “Fighter/Attack.” The prototype first flew on 18 November 1978, and the aircraft entered service with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in 1983. The Hornet introduced a number of innovations at the time, including a digital fly-by-wire control system, hands-on throttle and stick (HOTAS) controls, and integrated avionics systems that allowed for seamless mission switching.
In combat, the F/A-18 proved itself during Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, a retaliatory strike against Libya. It gained prominence during the Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm) in 1991, where Hornets flew over 4,000 sorties and achieved air-to-air kills while simultaneously conducting bombing missions. The aircraft's versatility was crucial in operations over Iraq, the Balkans, and Afghanistan throughout the 1990s and early 2000s.
Recognising the limitations of the original Hornet—particularly in range and payload—the U.S. Navy began developing the Super Hornet in the 1990s. Officially designated the F/A-18E (single-seat) and F (two-seat), the Super Hornet is 25% larger, has upgraded General Electric F414 engines, larger fuel capacity, and additional weapon stations. The first flight took place in 1995, and the Super Hornet entered service in 1999, gradually replacing the F-14 Tomcat and supplementing legacy Hornets in Navy squadrons.
The Super Hornet continued to evolve with upgrades in radar (AN/APG-79 AESA), electronic warfare (EA-18G Growler variant), and survivability enhancements. It played a major role in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, conducting precision strike missions and enforcing no-fly zones. More recently, F/A-18s participated in Operation Inherent Resolve against ISIS and continue to serve aboard U.S. aircraft carriers worldwide.
Australia became the first foreign operator of the Super Hornet, acquiring 24 F/A-18F models starting in 2010. The original Hornet variants (A/B/C/D) were also widely exported to nations including Canada, Spain, Finland, Malaysia, and Kuwait. Many of these countries are transitioning to newer platforms, but some still operate upgraded Hornets today.
Despite its age, the F/A-18 remains a vital asset due to continuous upgrades and its role as a carrier-capable multirole workhorse. The U.S. Navy plans to operate the Super Hornet into the 2030s, with Block III upgrades extending its life even further. With over four decades of service, the F/A-18 has earned its place as one of the most successful and versatile combat aircraft in history.
Variants
- F/A-18A/B – Original Hornet variants for Navy and Marines (single/dual-seat)
- F/A-18C/D – Upgraded avionics and weapons systems
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet – Larger frame, more powerful engines, enhanced range and survivability
- EA-18G Growler – Electronic warfare variant derived from the Super Hornet
Specifications (F/A-18E Super Hornet)
| Length: | 60.3 ft (18.5 m) |
| Wingspan: | 44.9 ft (13.68 m) |
| Max Speed: | Mach 1.6 (1,190 mph, 1,915 km/h) |
| Range: | 1,250 nmi (2,317 km) with drop tanks |
| Engines: | 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans |
| Armament: |
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Operators
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🇺🇸 United States Navy
F/A-18A/B/C/D (legacy Hornet), F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler -
🇺🇸 United States Marine Corps
F/A-18A/C/D (legacy Hornet) -
🇦🇺 Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)
F/A-18A/B (retired 2021), F/A-18F Super Hornet (active), EA-18G Growler (active) -
🇨🇦 Royal Canadian Air Force
CF-18A/B (Canadian variant of F/A-18A/B, active)
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🇪🇸 Spanish Air Force
EF-18A/B (Spanish designation for F/A-18A/B, active) -
🇫🇮 Finnish Air Force
F/A-18C/D (retiring by 2030) -
🇰🇼 Kuwait Air Force
F/A-18C/D (legacy Hornet, active), F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (on order/active) -
🇲🇾 Royal Malaysian Air Force
F/A-18D (active)
Notable Operations
The F/A-18 has participated in numerous operations including the Gulf War, Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and recent strikes in Syria. Its flexibility has made it a frontline asset in both carrier strike groups and land-based deployments.
Detailed Notable Operations
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Operation El Dorado Canyon (1986):
The F/A-18 Hornet made its combat debut during this U.S. air strike against Libya in response to terrorist attacks. Hornets flew from the USS Coral Sea, providing air cover and conducting suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) missions. Despite facing heavy anti-aircraft fire, the Hornets successfully completed their tasks, demonstrating their reliability and survivability in hostile environments. -
Operation Desert Storm (1991):
During the Gulf War, F/A-18s played a pivotal role in coalition air operations. On the first day, two Hornets from VFA-81 "Sunliners" shot down two Iraqi MiG-21s with AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, then continued to deliver their bombs on target—showcasing the aircraft’s multirole flexibility. Throughout the conflict, Hornets flew over 4,000 sorties, striking a wide range of targets including airfields, command centers, and armored formations, while also providing air superiority and escort duties. -
Operation Southern Watch (1992–2003):
After the Gulf War, F/A-18s enforced the no-fly zone over southern Iraq. Operating from both land bases and aircraft carriers, Hornets conducted regular patrols, reconnaissance, and strike missions against Iraqi air defenses and military infrastructure, maintaining pressure on the regime and ensuring compliance with United Nations resolutions. -
Balkan Conflicts – Operation Deliberate Force (1995) & Allied
Force (1999):
F/A-18s participated in NATO operations over Bosnia and Kosovo, flying from carriers in the Adriatic Sea. They conducted precision strikes against Serbian military targets, air defense sites, and infrastructure, often in challenging weather and heavily defended airspace. The Hornet’s advanced avionics and targeting systems enabled effective operations with minimal collateral damage. -
Operation Enduring Freedom (2001–2014):
Following the September 11 attacks, F/A-18s were among the first aircraft to strike Taliban and al-Qaeda targets in Afghanistan. Operating from carriers in the Arabian Sea, they provided close air support for coalition ground forces, interdicted enemy supply lines, and conducted reconnaissance. The aircraft’s ability to loiter for extended periods and deliver precision-guided munitions was crucial in the mountainous Afghan terrain. -
Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003–2011):
Hornets and Super Hornets were heavily involved in the invasion and subsequent operations in Iraq. They flew thousands of sorties, delivering ordnance on strategic targets, supporting ground troops, and conducting SEAD missions. The EA-18G Growler variant provided electronic warfare support, jamming enemy radars and communications to protect coalition aircraft and ground forces. -
Operation Inherent Resolve (2014–present):
F/A-18E/F Super Hornets have been at the forefront of the campaign against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. Flying from U.S. Navy carriers, they have conducted airstrikes on enemy positions, provided close air support to allied forces, and performed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. The aircraft’s advanced sensors and precision weapons have been instrumental in degrading ISIS capabilities while minimizing civilian casualties.
Across these and many other operations, the F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet have proven their adaptability, reliability, and effectiveness. Their multirole design allows them to seamlessly transition between air-to-air combat, ground attack, electronic warfare, and reconnaissance, making them indispensable assets to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and allied air forces worldwide.
Role & Capabilities
The Hornet series is praised for its dual-role capability, allowing it to switch from fighter to attack roles mid-mission. With a digital fly-by-wire control system, advanced radar and targeting pods, and low maintenance needs, it provides a combat-proven, carrier-compatible platform that remains in service well into the 2020s.