The first of McDonnell Dauglas’s (Boeing from 1997) Hornet upgrade concepts to reach fruition is the F/A-18E Super Hornet. The first F/A-18E made its maiden flight in November 1995 and the first aircraft was formally accepted into service with VFA-122 on 15 January 1999. The avionics upgrade is centred on the Raytheon APG-73 radar as already fitted to late versions of the F/A-18C. The IDECM (Integrated Defensive Electronic Counter Measures) system has three major elements: an ALR-67(V)3 RWR, ALQ-214 radio-frequency counter measures system and ALE-55 fibre-optic towed decoy system.
The Super Hornet is larger and heavier than the original Hornet, allowing it to carry more fuel and weapons. It has an increased range and endurance, enabling it to operate at greater distances and stay on station for longer periods. The aircraft’s structure has been reinforced to handle the additional loads and stresses associated with increased payloads.
The Super Hornet also features advanced avionics and sensor systems, including improved radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and enhanced situational awareness systems. It has upgraded engines that provide more thrust, enabling improved performance in terms of speed and maneuverability.
Moreover, the Super Hornet has expanded mission capabilities, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strike missions, and electronic warfare. It can carry a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided munitions, and anti-ship missiles, making it a versatile and multi-role fighter aircraft.
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been in service with the United States Navy since the early 2000s and has also been exported to other countries. Its enhanced capabilities and versatility have made it a valuable asset for naval aviation, serving as a primary carrier-based fighter aircraft for multiple nations.
It’s important to note that my information is based on knowledge available up until September 2021, and there may have been further updates or developments since then. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, I recommend consulting official sources, Boeing statements, or reputable aviation publications.
The F/A-18E/F also features a new quadruplex digital fly-by-wire control system without the Hornet’s mechanical back-up system. The F/A-18F Super Hornet is the two-seat development of the F/A-18E, with the rear cockpit equipped with the same displays as the front cockpit and otherwise configured for alternative combat of training roles. The US Navy had originally planned to procure a total of 1 000 Super Hornets, but in 1997 the total was reduced to 548. Any delay in the service debut of the JSF to a time later than 2008-10, however, will see the number of Super Hornets rise to 748. An F/A-18F C²W electronic combat variant has been proposed as a replacement for the Grumman EA-6B Prowler. This will be capable of both active jamming as well as lethal suspension of enemy aid defense.
