You are hereF/A-18F Super Hornet
F/A-18F Super Hornet
Aircraft of the Day
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
![A [[US Navy]] F/A-18F Super Hornet conducts a mission over the [[Persian Gulf]]](http://www.howitflies.com/files/photos/wikiexport/3/3e/FA-18_Hornet_VFA-41.jpg "A [[US Navy]] F/A-18F Super Hornet conducts a mission over the [[Persian Gulf]]")
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Claim to Fame
The F/A-18F is the two seat version of the Super Hornet. It is easily distinguished from other Super Hornets by its long canopy. The back seater is a weapons systems officer (WSO) who runs the radar and other systems. The FA-18F was initially designed as a trainer for the single seat FA-18E, with rear seat displays mirroring the front seat. When the Navy decided to replace the F-14, the FA-18F was enhanced to decouple the cockpits and allow a division of the duties between the the two occupants. A typical division would be the the pilot focusing on flying and the air threat while the WSO concentrates on ground targets.
Interesting F/A-18F Super Hornet Fact
The current fighter/strike composition of the carrier air wing is one squadron of F/A-18F's with three other squadrons (one usually Marine Corps) operating single seat F/A-18 variants.
Quick F/A-18F Super Hornet Specs
| Year Introduced | 1999 |
| Number Built | 400+ |
| Cruise Speed | |
| Useful Load | 35,400 lb |
| Wing Span | 44 ft 8½ in (13.62 m) |
| Seats | 2 |
| Range | 1,275 nmi (2,346 km) -- clean plus two AIM-9s |
| Rate of Climb | ; (; ) |