The Navy directed that the YF-17 be redesigned into the larger F/A-18 Hornet to meet a requirement for a multi-role fighter to complement the larger and more expensive Grumman F-14 Tomcat serving in fleet defense interceptor and air superiority roles. (Left to right) Northrop YF-17, McDonnell Douglas F/A-18, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Later flying as the Northrop YF-17 "Cobra", it competed in the United States Air Force's Lightweight Fighter (LWF) program to produce a smaller and simpler fighter to complement the larger McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle the YF-17 lost the competition to the YF-16. 1965, which began as a rework of the lightweight Northrop F-5E (with a larger wing, twin tail fins and a distinctive leading edge root extension, or LERX). The wing and tail configuration trace its origin to a Northrop prototype aircraft, the P-530, c. The Super Hornet is a redesign of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. In February 2023, Boeing announced plans to end production of the Super Hornet in 2025.ĭevelopment Origins VFA-143 "Pukin Dogs" F-14B and F/A-18E in 2005 RAAF Super Hornets entered service in December 2010. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), which has operated the F/A-18A as its main fighter since 1984, ordered the F/A-18F in 2007 to replace its aging General Dynamics F-111C fleet. The Super Hornet entered fleet service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat, which was retired in 2006 the Super Hornet has served alongside the original Hornet. ![]() Low-rate production began in early 1997 with full-rate production starting in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. Additional fuel can be carried in up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air-to-air refueling system.ĭesigned and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. The Super Hornet has an internal 20mm M61A2 rotary cannon and can carry air-to-air missiles, air-to-surface and a variety of other weapons. ![]() The F/A-18E single-seat and F/A-18F tandem-seat variants are larger and more advanced versions of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Boeing F/A-18E and F/A-18F Super Hornet are supersonic twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter aircraft variants derived from the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet series. Boeing Defense, Space & Security (1997–present)
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