Intro
Uncover the differences between the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and the F/A-18 Hornet. Discover the 5 key distinctions between these two multirole fighter jets, including design upgrades, advanced avionics, and enhanced combat capabilities. Learn how the Super Hornets improved features set it apart from its predecessor in this in-depth comparison of these iconic aircraft.
The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet and its upgraded variant, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, are both multirole fighter jets used by the United States Navy. While they share some similarities, there are significant differences between the two aircraft. In this article, we'll explore the 5 key differences between the Super Hornet and the Hornet.
1. Design and Development
The F/A-18 Hornet was first introduced in the 1980s, with the first production aircraft delivered to the US Navy in 1980. The Hornet was designed to replace the F-4 Phantom II and the A-7 Corsair II. In contrast, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet was developed in the 1990s as an upgraded variant of the Hornet. The Super Hornet was designed to address the limitations of the Hornet, including its range and payload capacity.
Upgrades and Improvements
The Super Hornet features several upgrades and improvements over the Hornet, including:
- A new, more powerful engine (General Electric F414-GE-400)
- Increased range and payload capacity
- Improved radar and avionics systems
- Enhanced survivability features, such as radar-absorbent materials and improved electronic countermeasures
2. Performance and Capabilities
The Super Hornet has several performance and capability improvements over the Hornet, including:
- Increased speed and maneuverability
- Improved range and endurance
- Enhanced payload capacity (up to 17,750 pounds)
- Improved radar and avionics systems, including the APG-73 radar and the ALQ-214 jamming system
Operational Roles
Both the Hornet and the Super Hornet are multirole aircraft, capable of performing a variety of missions, including:
- Air-to-air combat
- Air-to-ground strike
- Reconnaissance
- Suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD)
However, the Super Hornet has demonstrated improved performance and capabilities in these roles, making it a more effective and versatile aircraft.
3. Radar and Avionics Systems
The Super Hornet features several improvements over the Hornet in terms of radar and avionics systems, including:
- The APG-73 radar system, which provides improved range and resolution
- The ALQ-214 jamming system, which provides improved electronic countermeasures
- Improved data link systems, including the Link-16 system
Radar and Avionics Upgrades
The Super Hornet has also undergone several upgrades and improvements to its radar and avionics systems, including:
- The Radar Modernization Program (RMP), which upgraded the APG-73 radar system
- The Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR) system, which provides improved targeting capabilities
4. Armament and Payload
The Super Hornet has several improvements over the Hornet in terms of armament and payload, including:
- Increased payload capacity (up to 17,750 pounds)
- Improved carriage and release systems, including the BRU-41/A bomb rack
Weapons and Payload Options
The Super Hornet is capable of carrying a variety of weapons and payloads, including:
- AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles
- AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles
- GBU-31 and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM)
- AGM-158 Joint Air-to-Ground Missile (JASSM)
5. Service Life and Upgrades
The Super Hornet has undergone several upgrades and improvements to extend its service life, including:
- The Service Life Extension Program (SLEP), which upgraded the aircraft's structure and systems
- The Aircraft Avionics Upgrade Program (AAUP), which upgraded the aircraft's avionics systems
Future Upgrades and Improvements
The Super Hornet is expected to continue to receive upgrades and improvements, including:
- The Advanced Targeting FLIR (ATFLIR) system, which provides improved targeting capabilities
- The Radar Modernization Program (RMP), which upgrades the APG-73 radar system
Super Hornet and Hornet Image Gallery
We hope this article has provided a comprehensive comparison of the Super Hornet and the Hornet. While both aircraft share some similarities, the Super Hornet has several key differences and improvements that make it a more effective and versatile aircraft. Do you have any questions or comments about the Super Hornet or the Hornet? Share them with us in the comments below!