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FA-18E 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
In the early 1990's the US Navy was looking to replace its aging A-6 Intruder attack aircraft with the A-12, a stealthy flying wing. When the program was abruptly canceled the Navy was left scrambling for a replacement. The first stop gap answer was attaching bombs the the F-14, or the so called "BombCat". Longer term the Navy was looking for a low risk way to maintain an attack capability. The winner was McDonnell Douglas with its idea to develop a follow on version of the Hornet. Though the Super Hornet looks very much like the original F/A-18, it is in many respects a different aircraft. It is 15,000 lb heavier at gross weight and carries 33% more internal fuel. It also has more powerful engines and more modern avionics. It can be recognized by the square air intakes, vs. oval ones on the Hornet.
Interesting FA-18E Super Hornet Fact
Acquisition of the Super Hornet has greatly reduced the number of different aircraft types on board the carrier. Versions of the F/A-18 replace missions in the '90's filled by the F-14, A-6, KA-6, S-3, KS-3, and A-7.
Quick FA-18E 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 | ; (; ) |