What Is The Difference Between F-18 Hornet And F-18 Super Hornet?

A Journey Through Time and Skies

Once upon a time in the rich history of aviation, a legendary aircraft graced the skies—the FA-18 Hornet. But the Navy, always yearning for more power and versatility, sought a worthy companion for the mighty F-14 Tomcat. And so, the stage was set for the arrival of the extraordinary Super Hornet.

The roots of the Super Hornet can be traced back to the Northrop prototype P530, a daring design that featured a larger wing, an elongated fuselage, and engines that roared with power. The journey of the Super Hornet, however, was not without its share of obstacles. The cancellation of the A12 Avenger 2 paved the way for the Super Hornet to be considered as a formidable replacement for the aging A6 Intruder.

Despite controversies, the Super Hornet soared, proving its mettle with cost savings and enhanced capabilities compared to its predecessor, the F-14. The 1990s witnessed the Super Hornet taking flight, becoming the Navy's modern answer to the evolving needs for a replacement for aging aircraft.

The Dance of Legacy and Evolution

Join us as we unravel the captivating dance between the legacy Hornet and its evolved counterpart, the Super Hornet. The comparison unveils a tapestry of advancements that redefine the capabilities of these multi-role aircraft.

The Evolutionary Leap

The Super Hornet, when compared to its predecessor, the Hornet, showcases a range of remarkable improvements. With a redesigned airframe that boasts 25% more size, enlarged rectangular air intakes, and upgraded General Electric F414 engines, the Super Hornet stands as a testament to innovation and progress.

Fueling its prowess, the Super Hornet boasts a 33% increase in internal fuel capacity, contributing to a staggering 50% augmentation in range compared to the original Hornet. Two extra weapon stations, radar cross-section reduction measures, and a meticulously designed FedEx system further set it apart.

Taking Flight: A Symphony of Power and Precision

The Super Hornet, despite its larger size and weight, manages to deliver superior performance with fewer parts and lower maintenance requirements. The distinctive design elements, from the enlarged Leading Edge extension to the Sawtooth outer wing, not only give it an awe-inspiring appearance but also contribute to its enhanced capabilities.

The Super Hornet's takeoff is a spectacle in itself, gracefully capturing significant amounts of air with its enlarged intakes. This seamless integration of power and intake capacity allows the Super Hornet to embark on a truly awe-inspiring takeoff, outshining its predecessor.

Landing: Where Precision Meets Innovation

When it comes to landing, the Super Hornet and the Hornet engage in a subtle dance of differences. The Super Hornet's Auto throttle system, considering stick movement rate, and its ability to Aero Break make it a marvel in precision landing. While the boat landing experience is less abrupt than the Hornet, it is a testament to the continual pursuit of perfection.

Range, Avionics, and Beyond: The Technological Ballet

Extending the Horizon

The Super Hornet's range capabilities surpass its predecessor, offering a combat range of 1458 miles. When utilized for ferry missions, it covers an even more substantial distance of 1898 miles, showcasing its extended range capabilities. This is a leap beyond the Hornet's performance, emphasizing the Super Hornet's dominance in the skies.

Avionics: A Symphony of Technological Mastery

The Hornet's avionic system features the Hughes APG-73 radar, providing situational awareness and aiding in navigation and weapon delivery. On the other hand, the Super Hornet, spearheaded by L3 Harris, incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including advanced processors, fiber optics, and conformal wideband antennas.

Leveraging state-of-the-art technologies, the Super Hornet ensures secure and efficient payload transportation through the innovative smart carriage and release technology by L3 Harris. Electronic warfare capabilities, such as the ALQ 214 integrated defensive electronic countermeasure system, provide formidable self-protection against evolving electronic threats.

The Grand Finale: Choose Your Champion

Which one do you think is superior? The legacy Hornet, a symbol of the past, or the Super Hornet, a beacon of innovation? Leave your comment below and join us in the next episode as we delve deeper into the world of aviation marvels.

[Foreign]

[Foreign]