tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77375916086995028742024-03-14T09:53:36.905-07:00F/A-18 HornetMyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-47154481582858614052009-01-08T01:18:00.000-08:002009-01-08T01:32:26.992-08:00F/A-18 Hornet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROboof7z2q_xJa8dPWPq_IP54uJrd1uDSE8R37bbFEy7Ry7YF4wnPwsdXlzjP8n3IZRZ9x2W9fQyWnHTUaRFN3Ermt1JE3_pLlMvpZ5WXvt6dqCj6T2rGSdQuJYfyPsen7tJ6AVPdQqw/s1600-h/800px-USMC_FA-18_Hornet.JPEG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROboof7z2q_xJa8dPWPq_IP54uJrd1uDSE8R37bbFEy7Ry7YF4wnPwsdXlzjP8n3IZRZ9x2W9fQyWnHTUaRFN3Ermt1JE3_pLlMvpZ5WXvt6dqCj6T2rGSdQuJYfyPsen7tJ6AVPdQqw/s320/800px-USMC_FA-18_Hornet.JPEG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5288853391130709634" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><p><img src="file:///C:/Users/JIHANJ%7E1/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.jpg" alt="" /></p><p><br /></p><p>The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) <b>F/A-18 Hornet</b> is an all-weather carrier-capable multirole fighter jet, designed to attack both ground and aerial targets. Designed in the 1970s for service with the United States Navy and Marine Corps, the Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations. It has been the aerial demonstration aircraft for the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels since 1986. Its primary missions are fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD), interdiction, close air support and reconnaissance. Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset, though it has been criticized for its lack of range and payload compared to its contemporaries.</p> The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a distinct, evolutionary upgrade to the F/A-18 designed to serve a complementary role with Hornets in the U.S. Navy.</div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-70555747712681220822009-01-07T02:20:00.000-08:002009-01-08T04:20:08.901-08:00Variants<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><h2><span class="mw-headline">Variants</span></h2><br /><br /><div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/d/da/Navy_F-18B_Hornet.jpg/180px-Navy_F-18B_Hornet.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="119" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> An F/A-18B Hornet assigned to the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/f/f5/A-18D_VMFAT_101.jpg/180px-A-18D_VMFAT_101.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="118" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> A Marine F/A-18D of VMFAT-101 prepares for takeoff.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <p><a name="A.2FB" id="A.2FB"></a></p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">A/B</span></h3> <p>The <b>F/A-18A</b> is the single-seat variant and the <b>F/A-18B</b> is the two seat variant. The space for the two seat cockpit is provided by a relocation of avionic equipment and a 6% reduction in internal fuel; two-seat Hornets are otherwise fully combat-capable. The B model is used primarily for training.</p> <p>In 1992, the original Hughes <span class="mw-redirect">AN/APG-65</span> radar was replaced with the Hughes (now Raytheon) <span class="mw-redirect">AN/APG-73</span>, a faster and more capable radar. A model Hornets that have been upgraded to the AN/APG-73 are designated <b>F/A-18A+</b>.</p> <p><a name="C.2FD" id="C.2FD"></a></p> <h3> <span class="mw-headline">C/D</span></h3> <p>The <b>F/A-18C</b> is the single-seat variant and the <b>F/A-18D</b> is the two seat variant. The D model can be configured for training or as an all-weather strike craft. The "missionized" D's rear seat is configured for a Weapons and Sensors Officer to assist in operating the weapons systems. The D model is primarily operated by the <span class="mw-redirect">U.S. Marine Corps</span> in the night attack and FAC(A) (Forward Air Controller (Airborne)) roles.</p> <p>The F/A-18C and D models are the result of a block upgrade in 1987 incorporating upgraded radar, avionics, and the capacity to carry new missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile and AGM-65 Maverick<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-9" class="reference"><span>[</span>2<span>]</span></sup> and <span class="mw-redirect">AGM-84 Harpoon</span> air-to-surface missiles. Other upgrades include the Martin-Baker NACES (Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat), and a self-protection jammer. A synthetic aperture ground mapping radar enables the pilot to locate targets in poor visibility conditions. C and D models delivered since 1989 also include an improved night attack capability, consisting of the Hughes AN/AAR-50 thermal navigation pod, the <span class="mw-redirect">Loral</span> AN/AAS-38 NITE Hawk <span class="mw-redirect">FLIR</span> (forward looking infrared array) targeting pod, night vision goggles, and two full-color (previously monochrome) MFDs and a color moving map.</p> <p>In addition, 60 D model Hornets are configured as the night attack <b>F/A-18D (RC)</b> with ability for reconnaissance. These could be outfitted with the <span class="mw-redirect">ATARS</span> electro-optical sensor package that includes a sensor pod and equipment mounted in the place of the M61 cannon.</p> <p>Beginning in 1992, the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engine, providing approximately 10% more maximum static thrust became the standard Hornet engine. Since 1993, the AAS-38A NITE Hawk added a designator/ranger laser, allowing it to self-mark targets. The later AAS-38B added the ability to strike targets designated by lasers from other aircraft.</p> <p>Production of the F/A-18C ended in 1999. In 2000, the last F/A-18D was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps.</p> <p><a name="E.2FF_Super_Hornet" id="E.2FF_Super_Hornet"></a></p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">E/F Super Hornet</span></h3> <dl><dd> <div class="noprint relarticle mainarticle"><i><br /></i></div> </dd></dl> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/FA-18F-USN-RedRippers-20070406.jpg/180px-FA-18F-USN-RedRippers-20070406.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="134" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> A VFA-11 F/A-18F Super Hornet performing evasive maneuvers during an air power demonstration above <i>USS Harry S. Truman</i>.</div> </div> </div> <p>The single seat <b>F/A-18E</b> and two-seat <b>F/A-18F Super Hornets</b> carry over the name and design concept of the original F/A-18, but have been extensively redesigned. The Super Hornet has a new, 25% larger airframe, larger rectangular air intakes, more powerful GE F414 engines based on F/A-18's F404, and upgraded avionics suite. The aircraft is currently in production and will eventually equip 22 squadrons. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F, which entered production in 2007. The Growler will replace the Navy's <span class="mw-redirect">EA-6B Prowler</span>.</p> <p><a name="Other_US_variants" id="Other_US_variants"></a></p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Other US variants</span></h3> <dl><dt>F-18(R) </dt><dd>This was a proposed reconnaissance version of the F/A-18A. It included a sensor package that replaced the 20 mm cannon. The first of two prototypes flew in August 1984, however the variant was not produced.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>RF-18D </dt><dd>Proposed two-seat reconnaissance version for the US Marine Corps in the mid-1980s. It was to carry a radar reconnaissance pod. The system was canceled after it was unfunded in 1988. This capability was later realized on the F/A-18D(RC).</dd></dl> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/F-A-18_X_53_NASA.png/180px-F-A-18_X_53_NASA.png" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="143" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> X-53, NASA's modified F/A-18.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <dl><dt>TF-18A </dt><dd>Two-seat training version of the F/A-18A fighter, later redesignated <b>F/A-18B</b>.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>F-18 HARV</dt><dd>Single-seat High Alpha Research Vehicle for NASA.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>X-53 Active Aeroelastic Wing </dt><dd>A NASA F/A-18 has been modified to demonstrate the Active Aeroelastic Wing technology, and was designated <b>X-53</b> in December 2006.</dd></dl> <p><a name="Export_variants" id="Export_variants"></a></p> <h3><span class="mw-headline">Export variants</span></h3> <p><i>These designations are not part of 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system.</i></p> <dl><dt>F-18L </dt><dd>This was a lighter land-based version of the F/A-18 Hornet. It was designed to be a single-seat air-superiority fighter and ground-attack aircraft. It was originally intended to be assembled by Northrop as the export version of the F/A-18 Hornet. The F-18L was lighter due to the removal of carrier landing capability. Despite the advantages, customers preferred the "ordinary" Hornet, and the F-18L never went into production.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>(A)F/A-18A/B</dt></dl> <ul><li><b>(A)F/A-18A</b>: Single-seat fighter/attack version for the Royal Australian Air Force.</li><li><b>(A)F/A-18B</b>: Two-seat training version for the Royal Australian Air Force.</li></ul> <dl><dd>"F/A-18A" was the original company designation, designations of "AF-18A" & "ATF-18A" have also been applied. Assembled in Australia (excluding the first two (A)F/A-18Bs) by Aero-Space Technologies of Australia (ASTA) from 1985 through to 1990, from kits produced by McDonnell Douglas with increasing local content in the later aircraft. Originally the most notable differences between an Australian (A)F/A-18A/B and a US F/A-18A/B were the lack of a catapult attachment, replacement of the carrier tailhook for a lighter "land" arresting hook, and the replacement of the automatic carrier landing system with an <span class="mw-redirect">Instrument Landing System</span>. Australian Hornets have been involved in a number of major upgrade programs. This program called HUG (Hornet Upgrade) has had a few evolutions over the years. The first was to give Australian Hornets F/A-18C model avionics. The second and current upgrade program (HUG 2.2) updates the fleet's avionics even further.</dd></dl> <dl><dt>CF-18 Hornet</dt></dl> <ul><li><b>CF-18A</b> : Single-seat fighter/attack version for the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces' official designation is <b>CF-188A Hornet</b>.</li><li><b>CF-18B</b> : Two-seat training and combat version for the Canadian Forces. The Canadian Forces' official designation is <b>CF-188B Hornet</b>.</li><li><br /></li></ul> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Fa-18c.hornet.j5003.swissaf.jpg/180px-Fa-18c.hornet.j5003.swissaf.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="127" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> F/A-18C of the Swiss Air Force taxis for takeoff<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <dl><dt>EF-18 Hornet</dt></dl> <ul><li><b>EF-18A</b>: Single-seat fighter/attack version for the Spanish Air Force. The Spanish Air Force designation is <b>C.15</b>.</li><li><b>EF-18B</b>: Two-seat training version for the Spanish Air Force. The Spanish Air Force designation is <b>CE.15</b>.</li></ul> <dl><dt>KAF-18 Hornet</dt></dl> <ul><li><b>KAF-18C</b>: Single-seat fighter/attack version for the Kuwait Air Force.</li><li><b>KAF-18D</b>: Two-seat training version for the Kuwait Air Force.</li></ul> <dl><dt>F-18C/D Hornet</dt></dl> <ul><li>The Finnish Air Force uses F/A-18C/D Hornets, with a Finland-specific mid-life update. The first 7 Hornets (D-models) were produced by McDonnell Douglas. The 57 single-seat F-18C model units were assembled by Patria in Finland.</li></ul> <dl><dt>F-18C/D Hornet</dt></dl> <ul><li>Switzerland uses F-18C/D, later Swiss specific mid-life update. The Swiss F-18s were originally without ground attack capability until hardware was retrofitted.</li></ul><br /></div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-62449503755312292442009-01-07T02:13:00.000-08:002009-01-08T02:29:40.212-08:00F/A-18 Service<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><h2><span class="mw-headline">Operational history</span></h2> <p><a name="United_States" id="United_States"></a></p> <h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">United States</span></h3> <p><a name="Entry_into_service" id="Entry_into_service"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Entry into service</span></h4> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Harry_S_Truman_%28CVN-75%29_Flight_Deck.JPG" class="image" title="F/A 18 Hornets on the flight deck of the Nimitz-class supercarrier Harry S. Truman"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/USS_Harry_S_Truman_%28CVN-75%29_Flight_Deck.JPG/180px-USS_Harry_S_Truman_%28CVN-75%29_Flight_Deck.JPG" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="75" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USS_Harry_S_Truman_%28CVN-75%29_Flight_Deck.JPG" class="internal" title="Enlarge"><br /></a></div> F/A 18 Hornets on the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flight_deck" title="Flight deck">flight deck</a> of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nimitz_class_carrier" title="Nimitz class carrier" class="mw-redirect"><i>Nimitz</i>-class</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supercarrier" title="Supercarrier">supercarrier</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Harry_S._Truman_%28CVN-75%29" title="USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75)"><i>Harry S. Truman</i></a><br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <p>McDonnell Douglas rolled out the first F/A-18A on 13 September 1978,<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> in blue-on-white colors marked with "Navy" on the left and "Marines" on the right. Its first flight was on 18 November.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> In a break with tradition, the Navy pioneered the "principal site concept"<sup id="cite_ref-NavyHistoryHornet_5-3" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-NavyHistoryHornet-5" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> with the F/A-18, where almost all testing was done at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naval_Air_Station_Patuxent_River" title="Naval Air Station Patuxent River">NAS Pax River</a>,<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-6" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-FedAmSci-1" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> instead of near the site of manufacture, and involving Navy test pilots instead of contractor pilots much earlier in the process.</p> <p>In March 1979, Lt Cdr John Padgett became the first Navy pilot to fly the F/A-18.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p29_12-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins_p29-12" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> In all, nine F/A-18As and two F/A-18Bs were assigned to flight systems development.</p> <div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:050817-N-3488C-028.jpg" class="image" title="An F/A-18 taking off from USS Kitty Hawk."><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/050817-N-3488C-028.jpg/180px-050817-N-3488C-028.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="119" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:050817-N-3488C-028.jpg" class="internal" title="Enlarge"><br /></a></div> An F/A-18 taking off from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Kitty_Hawk_%28CV-63%29" title="USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63)">USS <i>Kitty Hawk</i></a>.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <p>Following trials and operational testing by VX-4 and VX-5, Hornets began to fill the Fleet Replacement Squadrons (FRS) <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-125" title="VFA-125">VFA-125</a>, VFA-106, and VMFAT-101, where pilots are introduced to the F/A-18. The Hornet entered operational service with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marine_Corps" title="Marine Corps" class="mw-redirect">Marine Corps</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squadron" title="Squadron">squadron</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMFA-314" title="VMFA-314">VMFA-314</a> at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MCAS_El_Toro" title="MCAS El Toro" class="mw-redirect">MCAS El Toro</a> on 7 January 1983,<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-3" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> and with Navy squadron <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-113" title="VFA-113">VFA-113</a> in March 1983, replacing F-4s and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-7_Corsair_II" title="A-7 Corsair II">A-7Es</a>, respectively.<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-7" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-FedAmSci-1" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p>The initial fleet reports were complimentary, indicating that the Hornet was extraordinarily reliable, a major change from its predecessor, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-4_Phantom_II" title="F-4 Phantom II">F-4</a>J.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_13-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins-13" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Other squadrons that switched to F/A-18 are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-146" title="VFA-146">VFA-146</a> "Blue diamonds", and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-147" title="VFA-147">VFA-147</a> "Argonauts". In January 1985, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-131" title="VFA-131">VFA-131</a> Wildcats moved from Naval Air Station Lemoore to Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, and became the Atlantic Fleet’s first F/A-18 squadron.</p> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BlueAngelsFA18.jpg" class="image" title="The Blue Angels' #6 F/A-18A."><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c9/BlueAngelsFA18.jpg/180px-BlueAngelsFA18.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="152" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BlueAngelsFA18.jpg" class="internal" title="Enlarge"><br /></a></div> The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Angels" title="Blue Angels">Blue Angels</a>' #6 F/A-18A.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <p>The US Navy's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Angels" title="Blue Angels">Blue Angels</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aerobatics" title="Aerobatics">aerobatic team</a> switched to the F/A-18 Hornet in 1986,<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-4" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> when it replaced the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-4_Skyhawk" title="A-4 Skyhawk">A-4 Skyhawk</a>. The Blue Angels perform in F/A-18A and B models at air shows and other special events across the US and worldwide. Blue Angels pilots must have 1,350 hours and an aircraft carrier certification. The two-seat B model is typically used to give rides to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Very_Important_Person" title="Very Important Person">VIPs</a>, but can also fill in for other aircraft in the squadron in a normal show if the need arises.</p> <p><a name="Into_combat" id="Into_combat"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Into combat</span></h4> <p>The F/A-18 first saw combat action in April 1986, when VFA-131 Hornets from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Coral_Sea_%28CV-43%29" title="USS Coral Sea (CV-43)">USS <i>Coral Sea</i></a> flew SEAD missions against Libyan air defenses during Operation Prairie Fire and an attack on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benghazi" title="Benghazi">Benghazi</a> as part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_El_Dorado_Canyon" title="Operation El Dorado Canyon" class="mw-redirect">Operation El Dorado Canyon</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_13-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins-13" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p>During the first <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_War" title="Gulf War">Gulf War</a>, two U.S. Navy F/A-18s were destroyed with the loss of their pilots.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_13-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins-13" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> On 17 January 1991, the first day of the war, Lieutenant Commander <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scott_Speicher" title="Scott Speicher">Scott Speicher</a> of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VFA-81" title="VFA-81">VFA-81</a> was shot down and remains listed as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Missing_in_action" title="Missing in action">missing in action</a>. The other F/A-18, piloted by Lieutenant Robert Dwyer (who was officially listed as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killed_in_action" title="Killed in action">killed in action</a>), was lost over the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persian_Gulf" title="Persian Gulf">North Persian Gulf</a> after a successful mission to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraq" title="Iraq">Iraq</a>.</p> <p>F/A-18 pilots were credited with two kills during the Gulf War, both <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-21" title="Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21">MiG-21s</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-14" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-14" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> On the first day of the war, U.S. Navy pilots Lieutenant Nick Mongilio and Lieutenant Commander (now Rear Admiral) Mark Fox were sent from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Saratoga_%28CV-60%29" title="USS Saratoga (CV-60)">USS <i>Saratoga</i></a> in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Sea" title="Red Sea">Red Sea</a> to bomb an airfield in southwestern Iraq. While en route, they were warned by an E-2C of approaching MiG-21 aircraft. The Hornets shot down two MiGs and resumed their bombing run, each carrying four 2,000 lb bombs, before returning to <i>Saratoga</i>. Mongilio and Fox become the first pilots to register air-to-air kills while still completing their original air-to-ground mission.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-5" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-8" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-FedAmSci-1" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The Hornet's survivability was demonstrated when a Hornet took hits in both engines and flew 125 mi (201 km) back to base. It was repaired and flying within a few days. Overall during the Gulf War, F/A-18s flew 4,551 sorties with ten Hornets damaged including the two losses previously mentioned.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p72_15-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins_p72-15" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p>As the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A-6_Intruder" title="A-6 Intruder">A-6 Intruder</a> was retired in the 1990s, its role was filled by the F/A-18. The F/A-18 demonstrated its versatility and reliability during <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Desert_Storm" title="Operation Desert Storm" class="mw-redirect">Operation Desert Storm</a>, shooting down enemy fighters and subsequently bombing enemy targets with the same aircraft on the same mission. It broke records for tactical aircraft in availability, reliability, and maintainability.</p> <p>Both U.S. Navy F/A-18A/C models and Marine F/A-18A/C/D models were used continuously in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Southern_Watch" title="Operation Southern Watch">Operation Southern Watch</a> and over Bosnia and Kosovo in the 1990s. U.S. Navy Hornets flew in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Enduring_Freedom" title="Operation Enduring Freedom">Operation Enduring Freedom</a> from carriers operating in the North Arabian Sea. Both the F/A-18A/C and newer F/A-18E/F variants were used in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Iraqi_Freedom" title="Operation Iraqi Freedom" class="mw-redirect">Operation Iraqi Freedom</a>, operating from aircraft carriers. Later in the conflict USMC A+, C, and primarily D models operated from bases within Iraq. An F/A-18C was accidentally downed in a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friendly_fire" title="Friendly fire">friendly fire</a> incident by a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MIM-104_Patriot" title="MIM-104 Patriot">Patriot missile</a> early in the conflict, and two others collided over Iraq in May 2005. In January 2007, two Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornets collided in mid-air and crashed in the Persian Gulf.<sup id="cite_ref-16" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-16" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p><a name="Non-US_service" id="Non-US_service"></a></p> <h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Non-US service</span></h3> <p>Though Navy aircraft have not historically sold well on the export market, the F/A-18 has been purchased and is in operation with a number of foreign air services. Export Hornets are typically similar to U.S. models of a similar manufacture date. Since none of the customers operate aircraft carriers, all export models have been sold without the automatic carrier landing system, and Royal Australian Air Force further removed the catapult attachment on the nose gear.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_13-3" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins-13" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Except for Canada, all export customers purchased their Hornets through the U.S. Navy, via the U.S. Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Program, where the Navy acts as the purchasing manager but incurs no financial gain or loss. Canada ordered its planes directly from the manufacturer.</p> <p><a name="Australia" id="Australia"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Australia</span></h4> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Australian_Air_Force" title="Royal Australian Air Force">Royal Australian Air Force</a> purchased 57 F/A-18A fighters and 18 F/A-18B two-seat trainers, with 71 in service, and 4 lost to crashes.<sup id="cite_ref-17" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-17" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The first F/A-18 was delivered to the RAAF on 29 October 1984.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-6" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The fleet is expected to be retired by 2015, replaced by the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-35_Lightning_II" title="F-35 Lightning II">F-35 Lightning II</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-Nelson1_18-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Nelson1-18" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-Nelson2_19-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Nelson2-19" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p>Three options were considered for the replacement of the RAAF's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dassault_Mirage_III" title="Dassault Mirage III">Mirage IIIs</a>, options were the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-15A_Eagle" title="F-15A Eagle" class="mw-redirect">F-15A Eagle</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-16_Falcon" title="F-16 Falcon" class="mw-redirect">F-16 Falcon</a>, and the then brand new F/A-18 Hornet. The F-15 was discounted because the version offered did not have a ground-attack capability. The F-16 was deemed unsuitable largely on the basis of its having only one engine. Consequently, Australia signed a contract in October 1981. The first two aircraft were produced in the US, with the remainder being assembled in Australia at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_Aircraft_Factories" title="Government Aircraft Factories">GAF</a>. Deliveries took place between February 1985 and May 1990. Original differences between the Australian and US Navy's standard F/A-18 were:</p> <ul><li>the deletion of the nose wheel tie bar (used to engage the steam catapults on aircraft carriers)</li><li>the addition of a high frequency radio</li><li>an Australian fatigue data analysis system</li><li>an improved video and voice recorder</li><li>a different seat harness, and</li><li>the use of ILS/VOR (Instrument Landing System/Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range) instead of the carrier landing system.<sup id="cite_ref-20" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-20" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></li></ul> <p>In 2001, Australia <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Slipper#Diego_Garcia" title="Operation Slipper">deployed four aircraft</a> to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diego_Garcia" title="Diego Garcia">Diego Garcia</a>, in an air defense role, during coalition operations against the Taliban in Afghanistan. In 2003, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._75_Squadron_RAAF" title="No. 75 Squadron RAAF">75 Squadron</a> deployed 14 F/A-18s to Qatar as part of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australian_contribution_to_the_2003_invasion_of_Iraq" title="Australian contribution to the 2003 invasion of Iraq">Operation Falconer</a> and these aircraft saw action during the invasion of Iraq.<sup id="cite_ref-Holmes38_21-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Holmes38-21" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p><a name="Canada" id="Canada"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Canada</span></h4> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canadian_CF-18.jpg" class="image" title="Canadian CF-18A Hornet off the coast of Hawaii. Note the 'false cockpit' painted on the underside of the aircraft, intended to confuse enemy pilots during dogfights."><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bf/Canadian_CF-18.jpg/180px-Canadian_CF-18.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="120" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Canadian_CF-18.jpg" class="internal" title="Enlarge"><br /></a></div> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian" title="Canadian" class="mw-redirect">Canadian</a> CF-18A Hornet off the coast of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii" title="Hawaii">Hawaii</a>. Note the 'false cockpit' painted on the underside of the aircraft, intended to confuse enemy pilots during <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dogfight" title="Dogfight">dogfights</a>.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div> <p>Canada was the first export customer for the Hornet, replacing the CF-104 Starfighter (air reconnasissance & strike), the CF-101 Voodoo (air interception) and the CF-116 Freedom Fighter (ground attack). The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Forces_Air_Command" title="Canadian Forces Air Command">Canadian Forces Air Command</a> ordered 98 A-models (Canadian designation <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CF-18_Hornet" title="CF-18 Hornet">CF-188A/CF-18A</a>) and 40 B models (designation CF-188B/CF-18B).</p> <p>In 1991, Canada committed 26 CF-18s to the Gulf War, based in Qatar. In June 1999, with 18 CF-18s were deployed to Aviano AB, Italy, and they participated in both the air-to-ground and air-to-air roles in the former Yugoslavia.</p> <p>The fighters are undergoing an avionics and structural upgrade program to extend service to 2020,<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_13-4" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Jenkins-13" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> upgrading F-18A and F-18B to F/A-18C and D standard. A total of 80 CF-18s, consisting of 62 single-seat and 18 dual-seat models were selected from the fleet for the upgrade program. As of 2003, Canada has 123 in service with 15 losses.<sup id="cite_ref-Senior_22-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Senior-22" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p><a name="Finland" id="Finland"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Finland</span></h4> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DSCF078.jpg" class="image" title="A Finnish Air Force F-18C at RIAT 2005"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/7f/DSCF078.jpg/180px-DSCF078.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="120" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:DSCF078.jpg" class="internal" title="Enlarge"><br /></a></div> A <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Air_Force" title="Finnish Air Force">Finnish Air Force</a> F-18C at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RIAT" title="RIAT" class="mw-redirect">RIAT</a> 2005</div> </div> </div> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnish_Air_Force" title="Finnish Air Force">Finnish Air Force</a> (<i>Suomen Ilmavoimat</i>) ordered 64 F-18C/Ds. Delivery started on 7 June 1995. The Hornet replaced the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan-Gurevich_MiG-21" title="Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21">MiG-21bis</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saab_35_Draken" title="Saab 35 Draken">Saab 35 Draken</a> in Finnish service. One fighter was destroyed in a mid-air collision in 2001.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-7" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Another damaged F-18C has been rebuilt into a F-18D. In order to do so, a forward section of a Canadian CF-18B was purchased and incorporated into the jet.<sup class="noprint Template-Fact"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources since November 2008" style="white-space: nowrap;"><i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed" title="Wikipedia:Citation needed"><br /></a></i></span></sup></p> <p>The Finnish F-18C includes the ASPJ (Airborne-Self-Protection-Jammer) jamming pod ALQ-165 that was canceled on original US Navy orders. The US Navy later included the ALQ-165 on their Super Hornet (F-18E/F) procurement. The Finnish Hornets were initially to be used only for air defense, hence the designation F-18.</p> <p>Finland is upgrading its fleet of F-18s with new avionics, including helmet mounted sights (HMS), new cockpit displays, sensors and standard <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NATO" title="NATO">NATO</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_link" title="Data link">data link</a>. A number of the 63 Hornets remaining are going to be fitted to carry air-to-ground ordnance such as the AGM-154C JSOW, in effect returning to the original F/A-18 multi-role configuration. The upgrade includes also the procurement and integration of new AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120C-7 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. This Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) is estimated to cost between €1-1.6 billion and work is scheduled to be finished by 2015. After the upgrades the planes are to remain in active service until 2020-2025.<sup id="cite_ref-23" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-23" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup><sup id="cite_ref-24" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-24" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p><a name="Kuwait" id="Kuwait"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span> <span class="mw-headline">Kuwait</span></h4> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kuwait_Air_Force" title="Kuwait Air Force">Kuwait Air Force</a> (<i>Al Quwwat Aj Jawwaiya Al Kuwaitiya</i>)] has 39 F/A-18C and F/A-18D Hornets as of 2008.<sup id="cite_ref-25" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-25" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> These aircraft were pre-ordered before the Iraqi invasion of August 1990. Delivery of the fighters started on 8 October 1991.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-8" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The F/A-18C/Ds replaced A-4KU Skyhawk.</p> <p><a name="Malaysia" id="Malaysia"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Malaysia</span></h4> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Malaysian_Air_Force" title="Royal Malaysian Air Force">Royal Malaysian Air Force</a> (<i>Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia</i>) has eight F/A-18Ds.<sup id="cite_ref-Boeing1997_26-0" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Boeing1997-26" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> The air force split their order between the F/A-18 and the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikoyan_MiG-29" title="Mikoyan MiG-29">Mikoyan MiG-29</a>.<sup id="cite_ref-27" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-27" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p><a name="Spain" id="Spain"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span> <span class="mw-headline">Spain</span></h4> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spanish_Air_Force_EF-18_DD-SD-00-02833.JPEG" class="image" title="Spanish EF-18."><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/89/Spanish_Air_Force_EF-18_DD-SD-00-02833.JPEG/180px-Spanish_Air_Force_EF-18_DD-SD-00-02833.JPEG" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="144" /></a> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spanish_Air_Force_EF-18_DD-SD-00-02833.JPEG" class="internal" title="Enlarge"><br /></a></div> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain" title="Spain">Spanish</a> EF-18.</div> </div> </div> <p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Air_Force" title="Spanish Air Force">Spanish Air Force</a> (<i>Ejército del Aire</i>) ordered 60 EF-18A model and 12 EF-18B model Hornets (the "E" standing for "España", Spain), named respectively as C.15 and CE.15 by Spanish AF.<sup id="cite_ref-Senior_22-1" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Senior-22" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Delivery of the Spanish version started on 22 November 1985.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-9" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Currently all of these planes have been upgraded to F-18A+/B+ standard, close to F/A-18C/D (plus version includes later mission and armament computers, databuses, data-storage set, new wiring, pylon modifications and software, new capabilities as AN/AAS-38B NITE Hawk targeting FLIR pods).</p> <p>In 1995 Spain obtained 24 ex-USN F/A-18A Hornets, with six more on option. The first six were delivered in December 1995. Prior to delivery, they were modified with F404 engines and other Spanish-specified modifications. This was the first sale of USN surplus Hornets.</p> <p>Spanish Hornets operate as an all-weather interceptor 60% of the time and as an all-weather day/night attack airplane for the remainder. In case of war, each of the front-line squadrons would take a primary role: 121 is tasked with tactical air support and maritime operations; 151 and 122 are assigned to all-weather interception and air combat roles; and 152 is assigned the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SEAD" title="SEAD">SEAD</a> mission. Air refueling is provided by KC-130Hs and Boeing 707TTs. Pilot conversion to EF-18 is centralized in 153 Squadron (Ala 15). Squadron 462's role is air defense of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canary_Island" title="Canary Island" class="mw-redirect">Canary Island</a>, being responsible for fighter and attack missions from Gando AB.</p> <p>Six of the Spanish Hornets have been lost. Spanish Air Force EF-18s Hornet have flown Ground Attack, SEAD, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAP" title="CAP" class="mw-redirect">CAP</a> combat missions in Bosnia and Kosovo, under NATO command, in Aviano detachment (Italy). They shared the base with Canadian and USMC F/A-18s.</p> <p><a name="Switzerland" id="Switzerland"></a></p> <h4><span class="editsection"></span> <span class="mw-headline">Switzerland</span></h4> <p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Switzerland" title="Switzerland">Switzerland</a>'s <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swiss_Air_Force" title="Swiss Air Force"><i>Luftwaffe</i></a> purchased 26 C models and 8 D models. One D model was lost in a crash.<sup id="cite_ref-Senior_22-2" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-Senior-22" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup> Delivery of the aircraft started on 25 January 1996.<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-10" class="reference"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-18_Hornet#cite_note-BoeingMilestones-10" title=""><span></span><span></span></a></sup></p> <p>In late 2007 Switzerland requested to be included in F/A-18C/D Upgrade 25 Program, in order to extend the useful life of its F/A-18C/Ds. The program includes significant upgrades to the avionics and mission computer, 20 ATFLIR surveillance and targeting pods, and 44 sets of AN/ALR-67v3 ECM equipment. Switzerland is interested in acquiring 8-11 more F/A-18 Hornets to replace retired Mirages.<sup class="noprint Template-Fact"><span title="This claim needs references to reliable sources since April 2008" style="white-space: nowrap;"></span></sup> In October 2008 the Swiss Hornet fleet reached the 50,000 flight hour milestone.</p><br /></div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-47109093270388695822009-01-07T02:00:00.000-08:002009-01-08T02:10:17.301-08:00Intro Production<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span class="mw-headline">Into Production</span></h3><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8d/FA-18-NAVY-Blue-Diamond.jpg/180px-FA-18-NAVY-Blue-Diamond.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="135" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> A US Navy F/A-18 in flight<br /><br /></div> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">During flight testing, the snag on the leading edge of the stabilators was filled in, and the gap between the Leading edge extensions (LEX) and the fuselage mostly filled in. The gap, called the boundary layer air discharge (BLAD) slots, controlled the vortices generated by the LEX and presented clean air to the vertical stabilizers at high angles of attack. However, they also generated a great deal of parasitic drag, worsening the problem of the F/A-18's inadequate range. McDonnell filled in 80% of the gap, leaving a small slot to bleed air from the engine intake. This may have contributed to early problems with fatigue cracks appearing on the vertical stabilizers due to extreme aerodynamic loads, resulting in a momentary grounding in 1984 until the stabilizers were strengthened. Starting in May 1988, a small vertical fence was added to the top of each LEX to broaden the vortices and direct them away from the vertical stabilizers. This also provided a minor increase in controllability as a side effect.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p35_9-0" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">The first production F/A-18A flew on 12 April 1980. After a production run of 380 F/A-18As<sup id="cite_ref-BoeingMilestones_10-0" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> (including the nine assigned to flight systems development), manufacture shifted to the F/A-18C in September 1987.<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-3" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;"><a name="Design" id="Design"></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Design</span></h2><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/83/Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image-of-Hornet-at-PCAM-Airshow.jpg/180px-Airshowfan-dot-com--by-Bernardo-Malfitano--Image-of-Hornet-at-PCAM-Airshow.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="163" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> A Hornet doing a high-g pull-up during an air show. The high angle of attack causes powerful vortices to form at the leading edge extensions.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">The F/A-18 is a twin engine, mid-wing, multi-mission tactical aircraft. It is superbly maneuverable, owing to its good thrust to weight ratio, digital <span class="mw-redirect">fly-by-wire</span> control system, and leading edge extensions (LEX). The LEX allow the Hornet to remain controllable at high angles of attack. This is because the LEX produce powerful vortices over the wings, creating turbulent airflow over the wings and thus delaying or eliminating the aerodynamic separation responsible for stall, allowing the Hornet's wings to generate lift several times the aircraft's weight, despite high angles of attack. The Hornet is therefore capable of extremely tight turns over a large range of speeds.</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Canted vertical stabilizers are another distinguishing design element, and among the other design characteristics that enable the Hornet's excellent high angle-of-attack capability include oversized horizontal stabilators, oversized trailing edge flaps that operate as <span class="mw-redirect">flaperons</span>, large full-length leading-edge flaps, and flight control computer programming that multiplies the movement of each control surface at low speeds and moves the vertical rudders inboard instead of simply left and right. The Hornet's normally high angle-of-attack performance envelope was put to rigorous testing and enhanced in the NASA F-18 High Alpha Research Vehicle (HARV). NASA used the F-18 HARV to demonstrate flight handling characteristics at high angle-of-attack (alpha) of 65-70 degrees using thrust vectoring vanes.<sup id="cite_ref-11" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> F/A-18 stabilators were also used as canards on NASA's <span class="mw-redirect">F-15S/MTD</span>.</p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">The Hornet was among the first aircraft to heavily utilize multi-function displays, which at the switch of a button allow the pilot to perform either fighter or attack roles or both. This "force multiplier" capability gives the operational commander more flexibility in employing tactical aircraft in a rapidly changing battle scenario. It was the first Navy aircraft to incorporate a digital multiplex avionics bus, enabling easy upgrades.<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-4" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">The Hornet is also notable for having been designed with maintenance in mind, and as a result has required far less downtime than its heavier counterparts, the F-14 Tomcat and the A-6 Intruder. Its mean time between failure is three times greater than any other Navy strike aircraft, and requires half the maintenance time.<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-5" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> For example, whereas replacing the engine on the A-4 Skyhawk required removing the aircraft's tail, the engine on the Hornet is attached at only three points and can be directly removed without excessive disassembly. An experienced maintenance crew can remove and replace an F/A-18 engine in only a couple of hours.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d0/FA-18_Hornet_breaking_sound_barrier_%287_July_1999%29.jpg/180px-FA-18_Hornet_breaking_sound_barrier_%287_July_1999%29.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="129" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> F/A-18 Hornet in transonic flight (Note <span class="mw-redirect">Prandtl-Glauert</span> condensation).<br /><br /></div> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><br /><p>The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Electric" title="General Electric">General Electric</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Electric_F404" title="General Electric F404">F404-GE-400</a> or F404-GE-402 engines powering the Hornet were also innovative in that they were designed with operability, reliability, and maintainability first. The result is an engine that, while unexceptional on paper in terms of rated performance, demonstrates exceptional robustness under a variety of conditions and is resistant to stall and flameout. By contrast, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pratt_%26_Whitney_TF30" title="Pratt & Whitney TF30">Pratt & Whitney TF30</a> engines that originally powered the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-14_Tomcat" title="F-14 Tomcat">F-14A</a> were notoriously prone to compressor stall and flameout under certain flight conditions.</p> <p>The engine air inlets of the Hornet, like that of the F-16, are "fixed", while those of the F-4, F-14, and F-15 have variable geometry or variable ramp engine air inlets. The variable geometry enables high-speed aircraft to keep the velocity of the air reaching the engine below supersonic. This is one speed limiting factor in the Hornet design. Instead, the Hornet uses bleed air vents on the inboard surface of the engine air intake ducts to slow and reduce the amount of air reaching the engine. While not as effective as variable geometry, the bleed air technique functions well enough to achieve near Mach 2 speeds, which is within the designed mission requirements. The less sophisticated design is also more robust.</p> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"> <div id="ogg_player_1" style="width: 180px;"> <div><span class="image"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/FA-18_Automated_Aerial_Refueling.ogg/mid-FA-18_Automated_Aerial_Refueling.ogg.jpg" alt="FA-18 Automated Aerial Refueling.ogg" width="180" height="135" /></span></div> <div><button onclick="if (typeof(wgOggPlayer) != 'undefined') wgOggPlayer.init(false, {"id": "ogg_player_1", "videoUrl": "http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/00/FA-18_Automated_Aerial_Refueling.ogg", "width": 180, "height": 135, "length": 53, "linkUrl": "/wiki/File:FA-18_Automated_Aerial_Refueling.ogg", "isVideo": true});" style="width: 180px; text-align: center;" title="Play video"><br /></button></div></div> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> NASA video of a F/A-18A aerial refueling operation, documenting behavior of the drogue basket.</div> </div> </div> <p>Because it was designed as a light multirole aircraft to complement the specialized F-14 and A-6 airframes, it had a relatively low internal fuel fraction. That is, its internal fuel capacity is small relative to its take-off weight, at around 23%, a fuel fraction of .23. Most aircraft of its class have a fuel fraction between .30 to .35. This situation was exacerbated by the addition of new avionics over its lifespan, further reducing the fuel fraction. This led to 330-gallon external tanks being a common sight on F/A-18s, with the centerline and inner wings stations (numbered 3, 5 and 7) being plumbed to transfer fuel.</p> <p><a name="Design_evolution" id="Design_evolution"></a></p> <h3><span class="editsection"></span><span class="mw-headline">Design evolution</span></h3> <p>In the 1990s, the US Navy faced the need to replace its aging A-6 Intruders, <span class="mw-redirect">EA-6 Prowlers</span>, A-7 Corsair IIs and F-14 Tomcats without proper replacements in development. To answer this deficiency, the Navy had the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet developed. Despite its designation, it is not an upgrade of the F/A-18 Hornet, but rather, a new, larger airframe utilizing the design concepts of the Hornet. Hornets and Super Hornets will serve complementary roles in the US Navy carrier arsenal, until the deployment of the F-35C Lightning II, which will primarily replace F/A-18A-D Hornets.</p></div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-29091165971322604412009-01-07T01:58:00.000-08:002009-01-08T02:00:06.414-08:00Northrop's F-18L<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><br /><h3><span class="mw-headline">Northrop's F-18L</span></h3> <p>Northrop developed the F-18L as a potential export aircraft. Since it did not have to be strengthened for carrier service, it was expected to be lighter and better performing<sup id="cite_ref-7" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup>, and a strong competitor to the F-16 Fighting Falcon then being offered to American allies. The F-18L was 7,700 pounds (3,493 kg) (approximately 30%) lighter than the F/A-18A, due to a lighter landing gear, removal of the wing folding mechanism, and reduced part thickness in areas. Though the aircraft retained a lightened arresting hook, the most obvious external difference was the removal of the "snags" on the leading edge of the wings and stabilators. It still retained 71% commonality with the F/A-18 by parts weight, and 90% of the high-value systems, including the avionics, radar, and ECM suite, though alternatives were offered. Unlike the F/A-18, the F-18L carried no fuel in its wings and lacked weapons stations on the intakes. It had three underwing pylons on each side instead.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p26_8-0" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p> <p>The partnership between the McDonnell Douglas and Northrop soured over competition for foreign sales for the two models. Northrop felt that McDonnell Douglas would put the F/A-18 in direct competition with the F-18L. In October 1979, Northrop filed a series of lawsuits charging that McDonnell was using Northrop technology developed for the F-18L for foreign sales in violation of their agreement, and asked for a moratorium on foreign sales of the Hornet via McDonnell Douglas. The case was resolved in 1985 when McDonnell agreed to pay Northrop $50 million for complete rights to the design, without any admission of wrongdoing. By then Northrop had ceased work on the F-18L, and most export orders were captured by the F-16 or the F/A-18.</p><br /></div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-55154105112902317562009-01-07T01:53:00.000-08:002009-01-08T01:56:25.507-08:00Redesigning the YF-17<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><p>Though the YF-16 won the LWF competition, the Navy was skeptical that an aircraft with one engine and narrow landing gear could be easily or economically adapted to carrier service, and refused to adopt an F-16 derivative. The Navy fought for and won permission to develop an aircraft based on the YF-17. Since the LWF did not share the design requirements of the VFAX, the Navy asked McDonnell Douglas and Northrop to design a new aircraft around the configuration and design principles of the YF-17. The new aircraft, designated the F-18, shared not a single essential dimension or primary structure with the YF-17. Secretary of the Navy W. Graham Claytor announced on 1 March 1977 that the name of the aircraft would be "Hornet".<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p19_4-2" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p> <div class="thumb tleft"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/F18-on_catapult.jpg/180px-F18-on_catapult.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="135" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> F/A-18 attached to catapult on the flight deck of USS <i>Abraham Lincoln</i>.</div> </div> </div> <p>Northrop had enlisted the aid of McDonnell Douglas as a secondary contractor on the NACF proposal to capitalize on the latter's extensive experience in building carrier aircraft, including the highly successful F-4 Phantom II. On the F-18, the two companies agreed to split the parts manufacture evenly, with McDonnell Douglas completing the final assembly, representing ~20% of the work. McDonnell Douglas built the wings, stabilators, and forward fuselage; Northrop built the center and aft fuselage and vertical stabilizers. McDonnell Douglas was the prime contractor for the naval versions.<sup id="cite_ref-NavyHistoryHornet_5-2" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> Northrop would become the prime contractor and take over final assembly for the F-18L land-based version which Northrop hoped to sell on the export market.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p19_4-3" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p> <p>The F-18, initially known as McDonnell Douglas Model 267, was drastically modified from the YF-17 while retaining the same basic configuration. For carrier operations, the airframe, undercarriage, and arrestor hook were strengthened, folding wings and catapult attachments were added, and the landing gear widened.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p22_6-0" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> To meet Navy range and reserves requirements, McDonnell increased fuel capacity by 4,460 pounds (2,020 kg), with the enlargement of the dorsal spine and the addition of a 96 gallon fuel cell to each wing (the YF-17 had dry wings). Most visibly, a "snag" was added to the leading edge of the wings and stabilators to prevent a flutter discovered in the F-15 stabilator. The wings and stabilators were enlarged, the aft fuselage widened by 4 inches (102 mm), and the engines canted outward at the front. These changes added 10,000 lb (4,540 kg) to the gross weight, bringing it to 37,000 lb (16,800 kg). The computer-assisted control system of the YF-17 was replaced with a wholly digital fly-by-wire system with quadruple-redundancy, the first to be installed in a production fighter.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p22_6-1" class="reference"><span></span></sup></p><p><br /><sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p22_6-1" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup></p> <div class="thumb tright"> <div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/HUD_view.jpg/180px-HUD_view.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="135" /></span> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> Heads up display (HUD) in an F/A-18 Hornet<br /><br /><br /></div> </div> </div> The original plan specified acquiring 780 total of three closely related models: the single seat F-18A fighter and A-18A attack aircraft, differing only in avionics, and the dual-seat TF-18A, which retained full mission capability of the F-18,<sup id="cite_ref-FedAmSci_1-1" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> except with a reduced fuel load. With redesign of the stores stations and improvements in avionics and multifunction displays, it became possible to combine the A-18A and F-18A into one aircraft.<sup id="cite_ref-Jenkins_p19_4-4" class="reference"><span></span><span></span></sup> Starting in 1980, the aircraft began being referred to as the F/A-18A, and the designation was officially announced on 1 April 1984. The TF-18A was redesignated F/A-18B.<br /></div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7737591608699502874.post-72877545535442337742009-01-07T01:43:00.000-08:002009-01-08T01:52:35.988-08:00Development<div style="text-align: center;"><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span class="mw-headline">Origins</span></h3><div> </div><p style="text-align: center;">Development of the F/A-18 came as a result of the U.S. Navy's Naval Fighter-Attack, Experimental (VFAX) program to procure a multirole aircraft to replace the A-4 Skyhawk, the A-7 Corsair II, remaining F-4 Phantom IIs and to complement the F-14 Tomcat. Vice Admiral Kent Lee, then head of Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), was the lead advocate for the VFAX against strong opposition from many Navy officers, including Vice Admiral William D. Houser, deputy chief of naval operations for air warfare - the highest ranking naval aviator.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;" class="thumb tright"><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div class="thumbinner" style="width: 182px;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="image"><img alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b9/Northrop_YF-17_Cobra_-_in_flight.jpg/180px-Northrop_YF-17_Cobra_-_in_flight.jpg" class="thumbimage" width="180" border="0" height="100" /></span></div> <div class="thumbcaption"> <div class="magnify"><span class="internal"><br /></span></div> The <span class="mw-redirect">YF-17 Cobra</span> was navalized and developed into the F/A-18.<br /><br /></div> </div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p style="text-align: center;">In August 1973, Congress mandated that the Navy pursue a lower-cost alternative to the F-14. Grumman proposed a stripped F-14 designated the F-14X, while McDonnell Douglas proposed a navalized F-15, but both were nearly as expensive as the F-14. That summer, <span class="mw-redirect">Secretary of Defense</span> Schlesinger ordered the Navy to evaluate the competitors in the Air Force's Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program, the General Dynamics YF-16 and Northrop YF-17. The Air Force competition specified a day fighter with no strike capability. In May 1974, the House Armed Services Committee redirected $34 million from the VFAX to a new program, the Navy Air Combat Fighter (NACF), intended to make maximum use of the technology developed for the LWF program.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></div>MyNuclearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15379651050289841088noreply@blogger.com