The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a combat-proven strike fighter with built-in versatility. The Super Hornet's suite of integrated and networked systems provides enhanced interoperability, total force support for the combatant commander and for the troops on the ground.
Both the single seat E and two-seat F models convert quickly from one mission type to the next with the flip of a switch to provide consistent air dominance:
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Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
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Anti-air warfare
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Fighter escort
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Close air support
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Suppression of enemy air defense
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Maritime strike
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Reconnaissance
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Forward air control
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Tanker
Payload Flexibility
The Super Hornet's versatility applies to its weapon stations and payload types:
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11 weapon stations
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Supports a full complement of smart weapons, including laser-guided bombs
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Carries a full spectrum mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance
Power and Flight Characteristics
The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines:
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Distinctive caret-shaped inlet to provide increased airflow and reduced radar signature
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22,000 pounds (98 Kn) of thrust per engine, 44,000 pounds (196 Kn) per aircraft
Flight qualities:
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Highly departure resistant through its operational flight envelope.
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Unlimited angle-of-attack and carefree flying qualities for highly effective combat capability and ease of training.
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Reconfigurable digital flight-control system detects and corrects for battle damage.
Upgradeability
Long-term designed in versatility ensures the Super Hornet's investment value. Current upgrades delivered in the Block Two configuration include:
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Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
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Advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) system
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Joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS)
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Multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS)
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Advanced aft crew station
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Fibre channel switch for increased data processing capability
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Fully integrated weapons systems and sensors for reduced crew workload and increased capability.
Production
The Super Hornet is built by a team that includes Boeing,
Northrop Grumman,
GE Aviation, and
Raytheon. For more information, read the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
overview (PDF) or
Product card (PDF). If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader for reading PDF files, it is available for
free from Adobe.