SUPER HORNETT

A US Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet, conducts a mission over the Persian Gulf.
Role Multirole fighter
National origin United States
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
First flight 29 November 1995
Introduction 1999
Primary users United States Navy
Royal Australian Air Force
Produced 1995-present
Number built 400 as of 2009[1]
Unit cost US$54.7 million (2009 flyaway cost)[2]
Developed from F/A-18 Hornet
Variants EA-18G Growler


The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a 4.5+ generation[3] carrier-based Multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet has an internal 20 mm gun and can carry air-to-air missiles and air-to-surface weapons. Additional fuel can be carried with up to five external fuel tanks and the aircraft can be configured as an airborne tanker by adding an external air refueling system.

Designed and initially produced by McDonnell Douglas, the Super Hornet first flew in 1995. Full-rate production began in September 1997, after the merger of McDonnell Douglas and Boeing the previous month. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the F-14 Tomcat since 2006, and serves alongside the original Hornet. In 2007, the Royal Australian Air Force ordered Super Hornets to replace its aging F-111 fleet.

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