F/A-18D Hornet
Multirole fighter aircraftFielded 1987Pending verification
Air ForcesUSA
Length 17.07 m
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeMultirole fighter aircraft
Date of introduction1987
ProliferationAt least 6 countries
Dimensions and weight
Flight performance
Protection
Armament and payload
AAM ModeAIM-9M Sidewinder (two each can be mounted on the wingtip pylons), AIM-7 Sparrow, AIM-120 AMRAAM (max AAM armament is 10 AMRAAMs and 2 AIM-9M)Med[1]
Attack Mode4 x AGM-65 Maverick, 4 x AGM-84 Harpoon, AGM-84E SLAM, AGM-88 HARM, 4 x AGM-154 JSOW, AGM-158 JASSM, CBU-59, GBU-32 JDAM, many other guided and unguided dropped weaponsMed[1]
Fire control
Variants
F/A-18A and F/A-18BThe F/A-18A is the single-seat variant and the F/A-18B is the two-seat variant. The space for the two-seat cockpit is provided by a relocation of avionics equipment and a 6% reduction in internal fuel; two-seat Hornets are otherwise fully combat-capable.[1]
F/A-18C and F/A-18DThe F/A-18C is the single-seat variant and the F/A-18D is the two-seat variant. The D-model can be configured for training or as an all-weather strike craft.[1]
F/A-18E and F/A-18FThe single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F, both officially named Super Hornet, carry over the name and design concept of the original F/A-18 but have been extensively redesigned by McDonnell Douglas.[1]
Boeing EA-18G GrowlerThe EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the two-seat F/A-18F, which entered production in 2007. The Growler has replaced the Navy's EA-6B Prowler and carries a Naval Flight Officer as a second crewman in an Electronic Warfare Officer (EWO) role.[1]
F-18(R)This was a proposed reconnaissance version of the F/A-18A. It included a sensor package that replaced the 20 mm cannon. The first of two prototypes flew in August 1984. Small numbers were produced.[1]
RF-18DProposed two-seat reconnaissance version for the US Marine Corps in the mid-1980s. It was to carry a radar reconnaissance pod. The system was canceled after it was unfunded in 1988. This ability was later realized on the F/A-18D(RC).[1]
F-18 HARVSingle-seat High Alpha Research Vehicle for NASA. High angles of attack using thrust vectoring, modifications to the flight controls, and forebody strakes.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 3Confidence · Source
1 x M61A1 VulcanAutocannon
Med[1]- Quantity
- lineless feed from 1,020 to 1,200 round storage drum
- Type
- Autocannon
- Caliber
- 20 mmm
AIM-7 SparrowAir-to-Air Missile
Med[1]- Range
- 14 km9 mi · 8 nmi
- Type
- Air-to-Air Missile
- Warhead
- 1 x Mk 71 controlled fragmentation high-explosive
- Warhead weight
- 39 kg
- Speed
- Mach 2.5
- Length
- 3.66 m
AIM-120 AMRAAMMedium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
Med[1]- Range
- 50 km31 mi · 27 nmi
- Type
- Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile
- Guidance
- Hughes I/J-band pulse-Doppler active radar w/pulse compression and programmable waveforms
- Warhead
- conventional high-explosive
- Warhead weight
- 22 kg
- Speed
- Mach 4
- Length
- 3.66 m
The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the F/A designation).
Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
- F/A-18D Hornet American Multirole Fighter Aircraft, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
- 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import