Boeing

F/A-18 Super Hornet

Boeing has developed the Block III Super Hornet to complement existing and future air wing capabilities. The upgrades have evolved to complement other U.S. Navy aircraft to effectively operate together in the air wing for decades to come.

Built for Air Superiority

The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet is the newest highly capable, affordable and available tactical aircraft in U.S. Navy inventory. The Super Hornet is the backbone of the U.S. Navy carrier air wing now and for decades to come.

The combat-proven Super Hornet delivers cutting-edge, next-generation multi-role strike fighter capability, outdistancing current and emerging threats well into the future. The Super Hornet has the capability, flexibility and performance necessary to modernize the air or naval aviation forces of any country. Two versions of the Super Hornet – the single-seat E model and the two-seat F model – are able to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum, including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and tanker missions.

Super Hornet Stories

Feature Stories

Boeing Delivers the First F/A-18 Service Life Modification Jet to U.S. Navy

Boeing Delivers the First F/A-18 Service Life Modification Jet to U.S. Navy

February 6, 2020 in Defense

Boeing has given an F/A-18 a new lease on life after delivering the first Super Hornet under Service Life Modification to the U.S. Navy. The second SLM jet will deliver by the end of the month, and Boeing will deliver the third F/A-18 in April.

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Large and In Charge

Large and In Charge

February 14, 2019 in Defense

Take an up-close look at the new Advanced Cockpit System going into Block III Super Hornets.

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Super Hornet: Stories from the Deck

Super Hornet: Stories from the Deck

November 29, 2018 in Defense

Hear from U.S. Navy pilots and crew aboard the USS George H.W. Bush discuss the power the F/A-18 Super Hornet provides the carrier air wing, and why it excels in both air-to-air and air-to-surface missions.

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A Super Hornet Returns to its Nest

A Super Hornet Returns to its Nest

May 7, 2018 in Defense

Boeing welcomed back the first F/A-18 Super Hornet to enter the Service Life Modification program to St. Louis.

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Hornet Homecoming for F/A-18 Squadron in St. Louis

Hornet Homecoming

April 23, 2018 in Defense

Hornet Homecoming for F/A-18 Squadron in St. Louis

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Back to the Fleet Future

Back to the Fleet Future

February 20, 2018 in Defense

The first Super Hornet off the Boeing St. Louis production line in nearly two years entered the U.S. Navy fleet. Several more Super Hornets will follow.

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'Scrolling' the Battle Space

'Scrolling' the Battle Space

January 17, 2018 in Defense, Technology

F/A-18 pilots demo Boeing's Advanced Cockpit System, highlighted by an interactive touch screen.

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Split in Two

Split in Two

September 27, 2017 in Defense

Boeing crews split two retired Super Hornets in two to study how heavy usage impacts the aircraft.

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10 Million Flight-Hours and Soaring

10 Million Flight-Hours and Soaring

September 6, 2017 in Defense

Tuesday Sept. 5, 2017 the global fleet of F/A-18 Hornets, Super Hornets and EA-18 Growlers reached 10 million flight-hours.

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Home Away From Home

Home Away From Home

June 7, 2017 in Defense, Community

The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, visited the Boeing Saint Louis site. The pilots met with Boeing employees and toured the factory where Boeing builds F/A-18 aircraft.

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F/A-18 Super Hornet

More stealth, range ... fighter

May 7, 2014 in Defense, Technology

Boeing test pilots showcase the Advanced Super Hornet and what its new capabilities mean for potential customers—and for military fighter pilots.

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F/A-18 Super Hornet

All hands on deck

January 28, 2014 in Defense

Meet the crew of the USS George H.W. Bush at sea to get a feel for what life is like aboard an aircraft carrier, and to see F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets in action.

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F/A-18 Super Hornet

Super Hornets on a supercarrier

December 13, 2013 in Defense

Hear from U.S. Navy pilots aboard the USS George H.W. Bush about the newest and most advanced tactical aircraft in the Navy fleet.

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F/A-18 Super Hornet

A Super Hornet's first flight

July 15, 2013 in Defense

Join Steve “Bull” Schmidt, a veteran Boeing test pilot, for the first production flight of an F/A-18 jet. He says he has the best job in the company.

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IRST

You can't run -- and you can't hide

April 9, 2013 in Defense, Technology

In a continuously evolving battle environment, the heat is always on. And the Infrared Search and Track (IRST) capability is taking full advantage.

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Super Hornet Technical Specifications

Empty Weight F/A-18E: 32,100 lb (14,552 kg) Max Takeoff Weight 66,000 lb (29,937 kg)
Thrust Each engine up to 17,000 lbs Carrier Bringback Payload F/A-18E: 9,900 lb (4,491 kg)
F/A-18F: 9,000 lb (4,082 kg)
Field Landing Weight Field Landing Weight Speed Mach 1.6

F/A-18 Super Hornet Customers

The first operational F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet squadron formed in June 2001 and deployed into combat aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) in July 2002. In April 2005, Boeing delivered the first Block II Super Hornet, complete with the world’s first tactical multi-mode AESA radar, and it became fully operational at the end of 2007. In August, 2021 Boeing delivered the first of 78 contracted Block III F/A-18 Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy. Block III gives the Navy the most networked and survivable F/A-18 built with a technology insertion plan that will outpace future threats.

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