The single seat F/A-18A Hornet is an all-‐weather fighter and attack aircraft. Hornet holds the distinction of being our nation's first strike-‐fighter. According to the United States Navy, "it was designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support without compromising its fighter capabilities. With its excellent fighter and self-‐defense capabilities, the F/A-18A at the same time increases strike mission survivability and replaces the F-14 Tomcat in fleet air defense. F/A-18A Hornets are currently operating in 37 tactical squadrons from air stations world-‐wide, and from 10 aircraft carriers." America's premier flight demonstration team, the Navy's Blue Angels Squadron, currently flies the F/A-18 Hornet.
| Type | Multi-role Attack and Fighter Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Bureau Number | 162435 |
| NMNA ID | 2007.046.001 |
| Manufacturer | McDonnell Douglas |
| Powerplant | Two 71.2-kN (16,020-lb-thrust) after-burning General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofans |
| Maximum speed | Mach 1.8 or 1915 km/h (1190 mph) at 12,190 m (40,000 ft) |
| Combat radius | 1060 km (659 miles) |
| Initial climb rate | 305 m/sec (1000 fps) |
| Service ceiling | 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
| Weights | Empty 10,455 kg (23,049 lb) Loaded 22,328 kg (49,225 lb) |
| Armament | One Martin Marietta M61A1 Vulcan 20-mm cannon; Two AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles; 7000 kg of ordinance |
| Dimensions | Span: 11.43 m (37 ft 6 in) Length: 17.07 m (56 ft) Height: 4.66 m (15 ft 3 in) Wing area: 37.16m2 (400 sq ft) |
