F-18 Question...

[bigD]

I was watching some TV show about the Blue Angels, and began thinking that I've never really seen or heard anything about the F-18 other than in air shows.

So pardon the dumb civilian question, but what military role does the F-18 serve? It seems like I always hear about the other fighters, F-15, F-16, and so on...but never anything about the Hornet.

I'm just thinking out loud, and figured you guys would be the ones to ask!

 

[Chunk]

So pardon the dumb civilian question, but what military role does the F-18 serve?

1. It's role is to be perpetually in the basket, gettin gas! Seriously, it has limited range.

2. My old skipper always said that the Hornet program (Super Hornet in particular) was a shark in the water, waiting to grab any dollar that hits the surface.


All kiddin aside, it's a multi-role aircraft. Air-to-mud and air-to-air all wrapped up in one package.

Chunk <--not a pointy noser

 

[Ragansundowner]

Hornets

I remember reading a bunch of stuff on the hornet and its mission at www.airwarriors.com. A lot of it was really interesting for me to read. Hope this helps you out a little.

-R.S.

 

[bigD]

Thanks guys! I appreciate it.

 

[bigD]

I get the impression that while it was intended to do quite a few different things - it doesn't do any one thing incredibly well. I mean, does the F-18 play just as big a role as the other fighters and I just don't hear about it?

 

[Pintarski]

Perhaps

I think you just don't hear about the Hornet as much as some other aircraft. The AF has a very good PR department. The F-18 is an excellent weapons platform. It delivers a great variety of air to ground weapons in the latest strikes across the globe, both in large strikes and CAS (close air support). As far as air to air goes, not much of that happening these days, but the F-18 is quite capable. Some folks say that its range is limited - yes and no. Plenty of tankers out there for the As, Cs and Ds. The E/F folks don't need nearly as much as the earlier models.

 

[Craven Morehead]

The Hornet is a fantastic jet to fly. It handles well and cockpit ergonomics are top notch. It's also one of the best attack aircraft ever produced--as long as you're within sight of the aircraft carrier. The E/F has an 11-foot greater combat radius.

 

[talondriver]

Well...it may have short legs but it's a killer. Anyone remember the two hornets that bagged two Iraqi MiGs during Desert Storm with face shots...and both carrying MKxxs since they were still target inbound?

 

[AH64driver]

Hey T driver, where are you flying the B-52, Barksdale?

 

[talondriver]

AH64driver-
It's been awhile since I've flown the mighty BUFF I currently fly the T-38.