FA18B

The FA18B is the two-seat trainer-attack variant of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet. Developed for the United States Navy, it provides advanced flight training while retaining the combat capabilities of its single-seat counterpart. The type entered service in the early 1980s and served primarily as a flight trainer, carrier-capable lead-in platform, and light attack aircraft.

Design and capabilities: The FA18B features a tandem cockpit with dual controls mounted in a longer forward fuselage to accommodate an instructor in the second position. It shares the general airframe, engines, and avionics of the F/A-18A, including the tandem seating, fly-by-wire controls, and compatibility with the Hornet’s sensor and weapons suite. Powered by two F404 engines, it maintains similar performance characteristics to the single-seat model, allowing it to operate from aircraft carriers and to carry air-to-air and air-to-ground stores as required.

Operational history and role: The FA18B served primarily as a training platform for Navy and Marine Corps pilots, while also performing light attack and suppression of enemy air defense missions when needed. It equipped several allied air forces under various training programs, and many aircraft were later upgraded or retired as fleets transitioned to newer platforms. The FA18B’s legacy lies in its role as a versatile bridge between initial flight training and frontline Hornet operations, contributing to the maturation of pilots who would fly the F/A-18 family in combat scenarios.