12
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 1:
Line 1: − + Line 5:
Line 5: − +
no edit summary
The '''F/A-18 Hornet''' is the [[United States Navy|Navy]]'s most versatile [[aircraft carrier|carrier]]-based [[aircraft]]. The official designation (F/A-18 Hornet, although often shortened to just F-18 Hornet), stands for fighter/attack. Other versions have been modified for air-to-air refueling, [[electronic countermeasures]], and anti-[[submarine]] warfare. It is now the Navy's primary fighter, after the retirement of the [[F-14 Tomcat]].
The '''F/A-18 Hornet''' is the US [[United States Navy|Navy]]'s most versatile [[aircraft carrier|carrier]]-based [[aircraft]]. The official designation (F/A-18 Hornet, although often shortened to just F-18 Hornet), stands for fighter/attack. Other versions have been modified for air-to-air refueling, [[electronic countermeasures]], and anti-[[submarine]] warfare. It is now the Navy's primary fighter, after the retirement of the [[F-14 Tomcat]].
[[Image:F-18_takeoff.jpg|thumb|right|An F-18 launches in afterburner.]]
[[Image:F-18_takeoff.jpg|thumb|right|An F-18 launches in afterburner.]]
==Design==
==Design==
In the 1970s, the Navy had an increasing need for a supersonic, lighter, fighter that was more maneuverable than the [[F-14]] and the old [[F-4]]s. There was also a need for an attack aircraft which could replace the aging, slow [[A-7]]. Both of these replacements had to be cheap, with [[military]] funds fairly low. In 1973, the contract was announced. By 1975, the contract had been awarded to [[McDonnell Douglas]]. The first production aircraft was rolled out in 1980.
In the 1970s, the Navy had an increasing need for a supersonic, lighter fighter that was more maneuverable than the [[F-14]] and the old [[F-4]]s. There was also a need for an attack aircraft which could replace the aging, slow [[A-7]]. Both of these replacements had to be cheap, with [[military]] funds fairly low. In 1973, the contract was announced. By 1975, the contract had been awarded to [[McDonnell Douglas]]. The first production aircraft was rolled out in 1980.
==Service==
==Service==