BuNo. 162435

The F/A-18 Hornet has become the workhorse of

the US Navy and Marine Corps aviation. This

carrier-based all weather strike/fighter has served

a multitude of roles since entering service in

1983. The Hornet's first combat missions were

strikes against Libya in 1986, and Operation

Desert Storm in 1991. Technological upgrades

(and introduction of the two-seat Super Hornet)

have allowed the Hornet to replace many legendary

aircraft; such as the F-4 Phantom II, A-7 Corsair II,

A-6 Intruder, F-14 Tomcat, and S-3 Viking. One basic

aircraft type performing multi-missions allows

the Navy to streamline maintenance and training.

The Blue Angels have flown Hornets since 1986.

Manufacturer : McDonnell- Douglas (later Boing)

Type: carrier-based strike fighter

Crew : pilot

Powerplant: two 16,000 lb (7,257.5 kg) static thrust

General Electric F404-GE- 400 turbofans

Wingspan: 37ft 6 in (11.43 m)

Length: 56 ft (17.06 m)

Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.66 m)

Weight: 23,000 lbs (10,433 kg) empty; 52,000 lbs

(23,587 kg) maximum

Armament: one 20mm Vulcan multi-barrel cannon,

two Sidewinder (short range), air-to-air missles,

(wingtips); up to 15,000 lbs (6,818 kg) external

ordnance

Maximum speed: 1,127 mph (1,814 km/h)

Combat radius: 460 miles (740 kilometers)

fighter; 660 miles (1,062 kilometers ) attack

Service ceiling: 50,000 ft (15,240 m)

This aircraft on loan from the National Museum

of Naval Aviation at Pensacola, Florida

Marker can be reached from Patriots Point Road.

Courtesy hmdb.org

Credits and Sources: