F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

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F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
A U.S. Navy F/A-18E launches from USS Abraham Lincoln in 2002.
Type	Multirole fighter, strike fighter
Manufacturer	McDonnell Douglas Boeing Integrated Defense Systems
Maiden flight	1995-11-29
Introduction	1999
Primary user	United States Navy
Produced	1995-present
Number built	300[1]
Unit cost	US$55.2 million (2008)[2]
Developed from	F/A-18 Hornet
Variants	EA-18 Growler

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a supersonic carrier-based fighter/attack aircraft. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a larger and more advanced derivative of the F/A-18C/D Hornet. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999 and will serve alongside the original Hornet. It has been ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force in 2007 to replace its aging F-111 fleet.

Contents 1 Development 1.1 Origins 1.2 Turning to the Super Hornet 2 Design 2.1 Airframe changes 2.2 Radar signature reduction measures 2.3 Avionics 2.4 Tanker role 2.5 Upgrades 2.6 Missions performed 3 Operational history 3.1 United States Navy 3.2 Royal Australian Air Force 4 Variants 4.1 F/A-18E/F 4.2 EA-18G 5 Operators 6 Specifications (F/A-18E/F) 6.1 General characteristics 6.2 Performance 6.3 Armament 7 Popular culture 8 References 9 See also 9.1 Related development 9.2 Comparable aircraft 9.3 Related lists 10 External links

[edit] Development

[edit] Origins

The Super Hornet is a larger and more advanced variant on the F/A-18C/D Hornet. An early version was marketed by McDonnell Douglas as Hornet 2000 in the 1980s. The Hornet 2000 concept was an advanced version of the F/A-18 with a larger wing, longer fuselage to carry more fuel and more powerful engines.^[3]

The early 1990s brought a number of problems for US naval aviation. The A-12 Avenger II program, intended to replace the obsolete A-6 Intruders and A-7 Corsair IIs, had run into serious problems and was canceled. The Gulf War revealed that the US Navy's strike capability lagged behind that of the U.S. Air Force in certain respects.

With no clean-sheet program likely to produce results before about 2020, updating an existing design became an attractive approach. As an alternative to the A-12, McDonnell Douglas proposed the "Super Hornet" (or, initially, "Hornet II"), originally put forward in the 1980s to improve early F/A-18 models,^[4] and serve as an alternate replacement for the A-6 Intruder which had a greater range / payload than the A-7 Corsair that the original Hornet was designed to replace. At the same time, the Navy needed a fleet defense fighter to replace the canceled NATF, which was a proposed navalized variant of the F-22 Raptor.

[edit] Turning to the Super Hornet

The Super Hornet was first ordered by the U.S. Navy in 1992. The Navy would also direct that this fighter replace the aging F-14D Tomcat, essentially basing all naval combat jets on Hornet variants until the introduction of the F-35C Lightning II.^[5] The Navy retained the F/A-18 designation to sell the program to Congress as a low-risk "derivative", though the Super Hornet is largely a new aircraft with little more than an aerodynamic resemblance to previous Hornets.^[3] The Super Hornet did retain most of the avionic systems from the F/A-18C/D's then current configuration.^[3]

The Super Hornet first flew on November 29, 1995.^[3] Initial production on the F/A-18E/F began in 1995. Flight testing started in 1996 with the F/A-18E/F's first carrier landing in 1997.^[3] Low-rate production began in March 1997^[6] with full production beginning in September 1997.^[7] Testing continued through 1999, finishing with sea trials and aerial refueling demonstrations. Testing involved 3,100 test flights covering 4,600 flight hours.^[4] The Super Hornet underwent U.S. Navy operational tests and evaluations in 1999,^[8] and was approved in February 2000.^[9] The Navy considers acquisition of the Super Hornet a success with it meeting cost, schedule and weight (400 lb, 181 kg below) requirements.^[10]

Despite the same general layout and systems, there are many differences from the original F/A-18 Hornet. The Super Hornet is informally referred to as the "Rhino" to distinguish it from earlier model "legacy" Hornets. The "Rhino" reference is important for safe aircraft carrier flight operations. For example, flight deck crew launching a "Rhino" set the dampening mechanisms anchoring the arrestor cables correctly for the Super Hornet's higher landing weight. Current versions include the F/A-18E single-seater and F/A-18F two-seater.

The U.S. Navy's F-14 squadrons have converted to the Super Hornet, which is also taking on the missions of the retired A-6 Intruder, S-3 Viking, and KA-6D. An electronic warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler, will replace the aging EA-6B Prowler. The Navy calls this reduction in aircraft types a "neck-down". In the Vietnam War, the Super Hornet type missions were covered by no less than the A-1/A-4/A-7 (light attack), A-6 (medium attack), F-8/F-4 (fighter), RA-5C (recon), KA-3/KA-6 (tanker) and EA-6 (electronic warfare). It is anticipated that $1 billion in fleet wide annual savings will result from replacing other types with the Super Hornet.^[11] Only the turboprop and rotor-wing aircraft roles will not be covered by the Hornet.

On May 17, 2007, it was reported that engineers had uncovered a flaw in the Super Hornet's under wing pylons, which could reduce the aircraft's service life unless repaired. The problem has been corrected on new airplanes and existing airplanes will be repaired starting in 2009.^[12]

In early 2008, Boeing has had some discussion with the US and Australian militaries about creating a Super Hornet Block III, a generation 4.75 upgrade with extra forward stealth capabilities and extended range, to be succeeded in 2024 by a sixth-generation fighter.^[13]

[edit] Design

The design of the Super Hornet may have gone through a more extensive evolution than any other combat aircraft. The F-5 Freedom Fighter donated its basic wing platform, enlarged wing root extensions, and nose as the starting point for the Northrop YF-17 Cobra lightweight fighter.^[14] The YF-17 was then sized up to produce the middle-weight F/A-18 multi-role fighter, which roughly matched the Phantom in range/payload and missile armament. The Super Hornet is about 20% larger, 7000 lb (3000 kg) heavier empty, and 15,000 lb (6800 kg) heavier at maximum weight than the original Hornet. Although the original YF-17 was about the same weight as the small F-5, the Super Hornet carries 33% more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41% and endurance by 50% over the "Legacy" Hornet. The empty weight of the Super Hornet is about 11,000 lb (5000 kg) less than that of the F-14 Tomcat that it replaced.

[edit] Airframe changes

The wing, center and aft fuselage, tail surfaces and power plants are entirely new. The wing area of the Super Hornet is 25% larger. The fuselage was stretched to carry more fuel and room for future avionics upgrades. An engine with 35% more power, the General Electric F414, was developed from the Hornet's F404 to power this larger, heavier aircraft. The aircraft can carry five 480 US gallon (1,800 liter) external fuel tanks for long-distance ferry flights or four tanks plus an Aerial Refueling Store (ARS), or "buddy store", which allows the Super Hornet to refuel other aircraft.^[15] The Super Hornet can return to an aircraft carrier with a larger load of unspent fuel and munitions than the original Hornet. The term for this ability is known as "bringback". Bringback for the Super Hornet is in excess of 9,000 pounds (4,000 kg).^[16]

Other differences include angular intakes for the engines, a reduced radar cross section (RCS), two extra wing hard points for payload, and other aerodynamic changes.^[15] One of the most significant of which is the inclusion of significantly enlarged leading edge extensions (LEX) which provide improved vortex lifting characteristics in high angle of attack maneuver, and reduce the static stability margin to enhance pitching characteristics. This results in pitch rates in excess of 40 degrees per second.^[17] In the end, the Super Hornet shared little with earlier F/A-18s aft of the forward fuselage. The Super Hornet has 42% fewer structural parts than the original Hornet design.^[18] Flight characteristics include being highly departure resistant through its flight envelope, and having high angle-of-attack with care free flying qualities for combat and ease of training.^[19]

[edit] Radar signature reduction measures

Survivability is an important feature of the Super Hornet design. The US Navy says that a "balanced approach" to survivability was built in to the design.^[20] This means that it does not rely on low-observable technology such as stealth systems-to the exclusion of other survivability factors. Instead, its design incorporates a combination of stealth, advanced electronic-warfare capabilities, reduced ballistic vulnerability, the use of standoff weapons, and innovative tactics that cumulatively and collectively enhance the safety of the fighter and crew.^[21]

The F/A-18E/F's radar cross section was reduced greatly from some aspects, mainly front and rear.^[3] The design of the engine inlets reduce the aircraft's forward sector radar cross section. The alignment of the leading edges of the engine inlets is designed to scatter radiation to the sides. Fixed fanlike reflecting structures in the inlet tunnel divert radar energy away from the rotating fan blades.^[15]

The Super Hornet also makes considerable use of panel join serration and edge alignment. Considerable attention has been paid to the removal or filling of unnecessary surface join gaps and resonant cavities. Where the F/A-18A-D used grilles to cover various accessory exhaust and inlet ducts, the F/A-18E/F uses perforated panels that appear opaque to radar waves at the frequencies used. Careful attention has been paid to the alignment of many panel boundaries and edges, to scatter traveling waves away from the aircraft.^[3]

It is claimed that the Super Hornet employs the most extensive radar cross section reduction measures of any contemporary fighter, other than the F-22 and planned F-35. While the F/A-18E/F is not a true stealth fighter like the F-22, it will have a frontal RCS an order of magnitude smaller than prior generation fighters.^[17][15]

[edit] Avionics

While there are some similar cockpit items of the original Hornet, the Super Hornet features a touch-sensitive, up-front control display; a larger, liquid crystal multipurpose color display; and a new engine fuel display.^[22] The Super Hornet has a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system,^[23] as well as a digital flight-control system that detects and corrects for battle damage.^[19] Super Hornet production started with the APG-73 radar. The APG-79 AESA radar was introduced later (see the upgrade section below).

The AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward Looking InfraRed), is the main electro-optical sensor and laser designator pod for the Super Hornet. Defensive systems are coordinated through the Integrated Defensive Countermeasures system (IDECM). The IDECM system includes the ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser, the ALE-50 towed decoy, the AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver, and the ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Protect Jammer (ASPJ). Aircrew have the ability to use night vision goggles (NVG) for Super Hornet operations which means the aircraft interior and exterior lighting are NVG compatible.

[edit] Tanker role

The Super Hornet, unlike the previous Hornet, can be equipped with an aerial refueling system (ARS) for the refueling of other aircraft,^[24] filling the tactical airborne tanker role the Navy had lost with the retirement of the KA-6D tankers. The ARS includes an external 330 US gallon tank with hose reel on the centerline along with four external 480 US gallon (1800 L) tanks and internal tanks for a total of 29,000 pounds (13 000 kg) of fuel on the aircraft.^[24]

The Super Hornet has a similar fuel payload capacity to the Tomcat, and is capable of flying the same high performance profiles as other strike aircraft. Critics such as Bob Kress, designer of the F-14 Tomcat, point out that both Hornets and Super Hornets will be more dependent on in-flight refueling than the longer range but retired Tomcat.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Upgrades

New build aircraft received the APG-79 AESA radar beginning in 2005. Earlier production Super Hornets will have their APG-73 replaced with the APG-79.^[25] As of January 2008, 135 earlier production aircraft are to receive AESA radar retrofits.^[26] VFA-213 "Black Lions" and VFA-106 "Gladiators" based at Oceana Naval Air Station were the first two squadrons to fly the AESA-equipped Super Hornets.^[27] VFA-213 flew F-14 aircraft prior to receiving the F/A-18.

The new APG-79 AESA offers several advantages for the Super Hornet. The new radar gives the aircrew the ability to execute simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. The APG-79 also provides higher quality high-resolution ground mapping at long standoff ranges.^[28] The AESA radar also offers the ability to detect smaller targets, such as inbound missiles.^[29]

VFA-213 became "safe for flight" (independently fly and maintain the F/A-18F) on October 27, 2006 and is the first Super Hornet squadron to fly AESA-equipped Super Hornets.^[30] AN/ALE-55 Fiber-Optic Towed Decoy will replace the ALE-50.^[31]

The improved AN/ALQ-214 jammer was added on Super Hornet Block II.^[32]

The first Super Hornet upgraded with an aft cockpit Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) was delivered to VFA-213 squadron on May 18, 2007. VFA-213 is the first squadron to receive the Dual-Cockpit Cueing System for both pilot and Weapon systems officer.^[33] The JHMCS provides multi-purpose aircrew situational awareness including high-off-bore-sight cueing of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a high-resolution, digital tactical air reconnaissance system that features advanced day/night and all-weather capability.^[34]

In the future, air-to-air target detection using Infrared Search and Track (IRST) in the form of a passive, long range sensor that detects long wave IR emissions will be an option with a unique solution. This new device will be a sensor built into the front of a centerline external fuel tank. Operational capability of this device is expected in 2013.^[35]

[edit] Missions performed

• Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
• Anti-air warfare
• Fighter escort
• Close air support
• Suppression of enemy air defense
• Maritime strike
• Reconnaissance
• Forward Air Control (Airborne) (FAC(A))
• Air-to-Air Refueling
• Leaflet drops with Payload Delivery Unit 5 (PDU-5) containers^[36]

[edit] Operational history

[edit] United States Navy

The first unit to bring their F/A-18 Super Hornets to combat was VFA-115. On November 6, 2002, two F/A-18Es conducted a "Response Option" strike in support of Operation Southern Watch on two surface-to-air missile launchers at Al Kut and an air defense command and control bunker at Tallil air base. One of the pilots, Lieutenant John Turner, dropped 2,000 lb (900 kg) JDAM bombs for the first time from the F/A-18E in wartime.

In support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, VFA-14, VFA-41 and VFA-115 flew Close Air Support, strike, escort, SEAD and aerial refueling sorties. Two F/A-18Es from VFA-14 and two F/A-18Fs from VFA-41 were forward deployed to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The VFA-14 jets flew mostly as aerial refuelers and the VFA-41 jets as Forward Air Controller (Airborne) or FAC(A)s.

On April 6, 2005, VFA-154 and VFA-147 dropped two 500-pound laser-guided bombs on enemy insurgent location east of Baghdad^[37].

On September 8, 2006, VFA-211 F/A-18F Super Hornet expended GBU-12 and GBU-38 bombs against Taliban fighters and Taliban fortifications west and northwest of Kandahar. This was the first time the unit was in combat with the Super Hornet.^[38]

During the 2006-2007 cruise with USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, VFA-103 and VFA-143 supported Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and operations off the Somali coast, and alongside "Legacy Hornet" squadrons VFA-131 and VFA-83, they dropped 140 precision guided weapons and performed nearly 70 strafing runs.^[39]

On February 13, 2008, it was reported that several Russian Tu-95 bombers were intercepted over the Pacific by F/A-18s from USS Nimitz (CVN-68) while on a surge deployment in the region. One Tu-95 was escorted and flew directly over the carrier at 2000 feet. Subsequently, the US Navy released several pictures taken during the interception, and if looking closely one can see at least one F/A-18F (VFA-41) ^[40] and one other picture one can see the distinct fuselage of an F/A-18 Super Hornet^[41] (whether or not it’s an E or F model can’t be distinguished). The Chief of Naval Operations, Adm. Gary Roughead called the incident “benign” ^[42] and said: “they came out to look. We joined up (and) flew with them until they went home”. A total of four Russian bombers were involved, two remained about 500 miles east of the carrier strike group, and another orbited about 50 miles away as one Tu-95 did two low passes over the Nimitz carrier group.

[edit] Royal Australian Air Force

On May 3, 2007 the Australian Government signed a contract to acquire 24 F/A-18Fs for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), at a cost of A$2.9 billion, as an interim replacement for the aging F-111s.^[43] The total cost with training and support over 10 years is A$6 billion (US$4.6 billion).^[44] The Super Hornet order has resulted from concern that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will not be operational by the time the F-111s are retired. RAAF pilots and air combat officers will begin training in the USA in 2009, with No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron planned to become fully operational with the F/A-18F in 2010.

The order has proved to be controversial, with the critics including some retired senior RAAF officers. Air Vice Marshal (ret.) Peter Criss, a former Air Commander Australia, said he was "absolutely astounded" that the Australian government would spend $6 billion on an interim aircraft.^[45] Criss has also cited evidence given before the US Senate Armed Services Committee that the F/A-18F is inferior to the MiG-29 and Su-30,^[46] which are already operated, or have been ordered, by air forces in South East Asia. Air Commodore (ret.) Ted Bushell stated that the F/A-18F could not perform the role that the Australian government had given it, and the F-111 airframe design would remain suitable for the strategic deterrent/strike role until at least 2020.^[45] Some critics have claimed that the decision to buy the F/A-18F merely serves to ease the sale of additional Super Hornets to Australia, should the F-35 program "encounter more problems".^[47]

The initial package offered to the RAAF will include:^[48]

• 48 installed engines and six spares
• APG-79 AESA radar in each plane
• Link 16 connectivity with the AN/USQ-140 Multifunctional Informational Distribution System (MIDS)
• LAU-127 guided missile launchers
• AN/PVS-9 night vision goggles
• 12 Joint Mission Planning Systems (JMPS)
• AN/ALE-55 fiber optic towed decoys

On the 31 December 2007, it was reported that the new Australian Labor government will review the purchase as part of a wider review of the RAAF's fighter procurement plans. This review may lead to the order for F/A-18Fs being either reduced or canceled. The main reasons given were concerns over operational suitability, the lack of a proper review process and internal beliefs that an interim fighter was not required.^[49]

[edit] Variants

[edit] F/A-18E/F

The F/A-18 Super Hornet has a single seat variant, F/A-18E and two-seat variant, F/A-18F.

[edit] EA-18G

Main article: EA-18 Growler

The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, slated to begin production in 2008, with fleet deployment in 2009. The EA-18G will replace the U.S. Navy's EA-6B Prowler.

[edit] Operators

 Australia

• Royal Australian Air Force (24 aircraft on order, none yet delivered)

 United States

• United States Navy
  • Pacific Fleet
    • VFA-2 "Bounty Hunters" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-14 "Tophatters" (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" (F/A-18F)^[50]
    • VFA-27 "Royal Maces" (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-41 "Black Aces" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-102 "Diamondbacks" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-115 "Eagles" (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-122 "Flying Eagles" (Fleet Replacement Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F)[1]
    • VFA-137 "Kestrels (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-147 "Argonauts" (will transition to the F/A-18E in 2008)
    • VFA-154 "Black Knights" (F/A-18F)
  • Atlantic Fleet
    • VFA-11 "Red Rippers" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-31 "Tomcatters" (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-32 "Swordsmen" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-81 "Sunliners" (slated to transition to F/A-18E in 2008)
    • VFA-103 "Jolly Rogers" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-105 "Gunslingers" (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-106 "Gladiators" (Fleet Replacement Squadron, operates F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F)
    • VFA-136 "Knighthawks" (will transition F/A-18E in 2008)
    • VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" (F/A-18E)
    • VFA-211 "Fighting Checkmates" (F/A-18F)
    • VFA-213 "Black Lions" (F/A-18F)
  • Test and Evaluation Squadrons
    • VX-9 Vampires (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
    • VX-23 Salty Dogs (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
    • VX-31 Dust Devils (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)

Each squadron has a standard unit establishment of 12 aircraft. As of early 2007, F/A-18E transition is still in progress. Some changes in the transition plan are possible, especially when bearing in mind the fact that F-35C Lightning II production might be delayed, and some proposals to add F/A-18E/F orders for US Navy have been floated.^[51] On March 5, 2008, it was reported that the Navy was considering buying 69 additional F/A-18 Super Hornets to bridge a "strike-fighter" gap.^[52]

[edit] Specifications (F/A-18E/F)

Data from U.S. Navy fact file,^[10] Aerospaceweb^[53]

General characteristics

• Crew: F/A-18E: 1, F/A-18F: 2
• Length: 60 ft 1¼ in (18.31 m)
• Wingspan: 44 ft 8½ in (13.62 m)
• Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
• Wing area: 500 ft² (46 m²)
• Empty weight: 30,564 lb (13,864 kg)
• Loaded weight: 47,000 lb (21,320 kg) (in fighter configuration)
• Max takeoff weight: 66,000 lb (29,900 kg)
• Powerplant: 2× General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
  • Dry thrust: 14,000 lbf (62 kN) each
  • Thrust with afterburner: 22,000 lbf (98 kN) each
• Internal fuel capacity: F/A-18E: 14,400 lb (6,530 kg), F/A-18F: 13,550 lb (6,145 kg)
• External fuel capacity: 5× 480 gal tanks, totaling 16,380 lb (7,430 kg)

Performance

• Maximum speed: Mach 1.8+^[10] (1,190 mph, 1,900 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
• Range: 1,275 nmi (2,346 km) clean plus two AIM-9s^[10]
• Combat radius: 150 nmi (173 mi, 278 km) 135 min maritime air superiority mission with 6 AAMs and 3 drop tanks
• Ferry range: 1,800 nmi (2,070 mi, 3,330 km) (range without ordnance)
• Service ceiling >50,000 ft (15,000 m)
• Wing loading: 92.8 lb/ft² (453 kg/m²)
• Thrust/weight: 0.93

Armament

• Guns: 1× 20 mm (0.787 in) M61A1/A2 Vulcan cannon
• Hardpoints: 11 with a capacity of 17,750 lb (8,050 kg),with provisions to carry combinations of:
  • Missiles:
    
    • 2× AIM-9 Sidewinder on wingtips
    • AIM-120 AMRAAM
    • AIM-7 Sparrow
    • AGM-84 Harpoon
    • AGM-88 HARM
    • AGM-65 Maverick missiles
  • Bombs:
    
    • AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon
    • Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)
    • Paveway laser guided bombs
    • Mk 80 series general-purpose bombs
    • Mk-20 Rockeye II and CBU-series cluster bombs

[edit] Popular culture

Jane's Combat Simulations released a simulator based on the F/A-18E Super Hornet titled "Jane's F/A-18" in 2000. The Super Hornet is the main carrier jet in the film Behind Enemy Lines. An F/A-18F is shot down in the movie.

[edit] References

[edit] See also

Related development

• YF-17 Cobra
• F/A-18 Hornet
• EA-18 Growler
  

Comparable aircraft

• F-14 Tomcat
• Mikoyan MiG-35
• Dassault Rafale
• Sukhoi Su-33
  

Related lists

• List of fighter aircraft
• List of active United States military aircraft
  

[edit] External links

• F/A-18 U.S. Navy fact file, and F/A-18 Navy history page
• F/A-18E/F Super Hornet on Boeing.com
• F/A-18E/F Super Hornet on NorthropGrumman.com
• F/A-18E/F Super Hornet page and F/A-18 Schematics on GlobalSecurity.org
• F/A-18E/F Super Hornet pages on Vectorsite.net
• F/A-18E/F page on Ausairpower.net
• Aerial Refueling Systems Network home page
• 'USS Enterprise aircraft deliver lethal sting of bombs to enemy in Afghanistan' Stars and Stripes October 13, 2006
• Boeing Press Release January 8, 2007

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