The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet continues to provide versatility and reliability as the US Navy's primary strike and air superiority aircraft, with modern upgrades giving the twin-engine, multirole supersonic fighter an added edge.

Designed to handle air-to-air combat and air-to-ground strikes, the Super Hornet first entered operational service with the US Navy in 2001.

The F/A-18E is a single-seat variant, while the F/A-18F includes a second seat for a weapons system officer. Both variants are deployed aboard aircraft carriers.

Both support a broad array of missions, from conventional air superiority, close air support, fighter escort and aerial reconnaissance to precision strike.

The Super Hornet's advanced onboard technology drives its effectiveness.

The AN/APG-79, an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, provides high-resolution tracking and targeting, while its sensor fusion capabilities give pilots a clear operational picture.

The most recent Block III configuration offers upgrades to the aircraft, including an upgraded cockpit and avionics, a reduced radar signature, close-fitted conformal fuel tanks and an extended service life.

The first operational Block III Super Hornets were delivered to the US Navy in August 2021.

Further boosting the F/A-18's range is its compatibility with the MQ-25 Stingray, the US Navy’s first operational carrier-based unmanned refueling aircraft.

In a June 2021 test, the MQ-25 successfully refueled a Super Hornet in midair, marking a critical milestone for carrier air wing endurance.

Unmatched firepower

When it comes to firepower, the Super Hornet is unmatched.

It features 11 hardpoints and a maximum external payload capacity of 8,051kg. These hardpoints can be configured for a wide range of weapons, allowing planners to tailor loadouts based on operational requirements.

Air-to-air capabilities include the AIM-9 Sidewinder, AIM-7 Sparrow and AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM).

The Super Hornet is expected to carry the newest long-range AIM-260 Joint Advanced Tactical Missile (JATM), a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).

For precise air-to-ground attacks, the Super Hornet carries Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) and Paveway laser-guided bombs as well as a variety of air-to-ground missiles.

These include the AGM-65 Maverick, AGM-88 HARM, AGM-84 SLAM-ER, AGM-158 and the AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon.

It also can drop Mk 80 series general-purpose bombs.

The Super Hornet brings unmatched ordnance and advanced avionics to carrier air wings, serving as a cornerstone of the US Navy’s air power.

As threats evolve and technology advances, continuous upgrades ensure that the Super Hornet remains ready to meet any threat anywhere in the world.