FA18

The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole fighter aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It was designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with a single airframe, offering versatility in carrier operations and survivability in contested environments. The program originated from the Navy’s need for a flexible, survivable aircraft to replace older types such as the F-4 Phantom II.

Development and design began with the YF-17/YF-18 demonstrators, leading to a production version that first flew in 1978 and entered service in the early 1980s. The aircraft features a rugged airframe, twin engines, and leading-edge extensions for enhanced maneuverability. Over time, the design incorporated advanced avionics, radar, and weapons capabilities, improving range, payload, and situational awareness.

Variants in the F/A-18 family include the original F/A-18A/B Hornet and the improved F/A-18C/D Hornet, which introduced upgraded radar and engines. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a larger, more capable derivative with greater range, avionics, and payload. The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare variant based on the same airframe. Export versions include the CF-18 used by Canada, among others.

Operational use centers on U.S. Navy and Marine Corps carrier air wings, with widespread service among allied navies and air forces. The F/A-18's multirole capability supports air superiority, interdiction, close air support, and maritime strike. It has been updated with modern radars, sensor suites, and weapons, and continues to perform in many roles as newer platforms such as the F-35C begin to supplement carrier air power.