End of Era | F/A-18A/B Classic Hornet raw footage (extended)

[@bc2champ]

I worked on the Legacy Hornet for almost 16 years in the US Navy. I was sad to see them go. I spent a few months at RAAF Tindal, I always enjoyed the chance to work with the Australians. Great video.

[@AusAirForce]

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time here Jason, and that you liked the video.

[@jasonotoole1822]

The RAAF F/A-18 has had a very special place in my heart ever since it entered service with the RAAF in late 1984. I am very sad to see them go and will never forget every moment I was lucky enough to get up close with this beautiful jet. Farewell Classic Hornet and thank you for all 37 years of your amazing service to Australia, our friends and allies.

[@skat5268]

My father retired from the Navy in 1979 and got a job with McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis. We immediately moved out there and soon after we went to some air base to where the parents could get their ID's switched as he was no longer active. I was 11 or 12 so it could have been 1980 by then and for some reason I was alone just outside the building, watching the runway nearby. Along comes an F4, took off like any normal aircraft not in any particular hurry, leaving a black smoky trail. A couple of minutes later, a pair of F18's side by side come barreling down the runway a bit faster than that F4. They got off the runway a bit and then---in a move that made me jump---one after the other they both flipped straight up and slammed their throttles. They were gone in the clouds in seconds. Most awesome thing I saw as a kid.

[@pastorrich7436]

Brilliant tribute! A fitting example of the professionalism of the RAAF. Farewell Classic Hornet. I pray they serve well in Canada.

[@alpearson9158]

when adjusted to Canadian needs they will likely do well for about 7 years, there are numerous adjustments required. Different environment, different missions

[@pastorrich7436]

@@alpearson9158, especially the role they will play within NATO as well as NORAD. Gainful employment for AMT’s!

[@pierreb5683]

We like in Canada the garbage of others: airplanes, submarine, boats

[@pastorrich7436]

Perhaps, but one man's trash can be another man's treasure. IIRC the USAF gifted F-15A/B from the 123FS/142FG to the Israeli's who in turn D-checked the lot into brand new front-line airframes completely tailored to the needs of the IAF. Not too shabby with what was considered worn-out garbage aircraft. Thus my comment (hope) that Ottawa would see to it that the legacy Hornets be rebuilt to serve well.

[@Fox2-Videos]

@@pierreb5683 F/A-18 is no garbage :)

[@tippo5341]

Thank you RAAF for bringing us this footage of what I believe is truly the best aircraft to have served with the RAAF's ranks...as it was with the retirement of the F-111's, it's a sad day to see the Hornet's finally be dispatched to the great hangar in the sky...they've served us well...they've served us strong...and to all those who flew and worked on these impressive machines, I'm sure they'll forever be carried in their hearts. Onwards, Upwards and Forwards...bless all whom serve so proudly with our RAAF!!!!!!

[@sidv4615]

Don’t be sad that they’re gone now. Be happy that it happened.

[@Citizen-Defender]

Thanks so much for not adding music to this video. A perfect send off.

[@elenadoljenco6279]

Rip hornets Thank you for protecting australia for over 25 years.you legacy will live on.

[@rtb7538]

I was only a young boy living in Nelson Bay (near Williamtown) when they came into service. It was so exciting catching a rare glimpse of them flying over Port Stephens. Very sad to see them go. A truly beautiful aircraft.

[@Aeronaut1975]

Thank you for leaving the original sound intact!!

[@charlesemerson6763]

Dear F/A-18A and B I thank you for your service. I hope the powers that be give at least one of you a fitting place to rest. I will miss the sounds of you taking off from Williamtown as I did the Mirage before you or the F-111 out of Amberley. At least I can still hear the sounds of your younger siblings as you play in the skies above my head at Millmerran. Thanks for the service and enjoy your new life in Canada.

[@alpearson9158]

only 18 such airframes and as Australia used them far less than Canada did hers we appreciate the short time airframes as we wait for our new aircraft decision in the spring

[@Buddy89538]

As a kid who grew up in Townsville in the late 90s/2000s watching these amazing aircraft was a weekly show & one I’ll never forget. My room was full of the Raaf hornet posters, then when I got my first computer my wallpapers were Raaf FA/18s. I watched your last ever show at the Illawarra air show a few days ago and it bought back all those childhood days staring up from the backyard…Thanks for your service Magpies & all those childhood memories.

[@AusAirForce]

Thanks for sharing. There's a lot of memories bound up with these aircraft.

[@deogratias7625]

Classic Hornet - you will be greatly missed! Thank you.

[@chasing_dragons]

Thank you so much for this video. It is amazing how the F-18 almost didn't happen when it was first the YF-17. Thank God the U.S. Navy, Northrop, and McDonnell Douglas were able to see the potential and redesign it into the Hornet.

[@rodgoddard5113]

I remember when the Hornets were introduced and the the Mirages were phased out, wow has time flown by, excuse the pun. Always love watching F18's at air shows, such a brilliant looking fighter. Sad to see the F18A's retiring, they have served our country well. Good to know we have the F18 F Super Hornets as well as the F35.

[@narcissus79]

The Mirage was an amazing jet in dogfighting too.. will be interesting to see how Fat Amy performs for the RAAF.

[@rodgoddard5113]

@@narcissus79 I can remember watching the Mirages fly past when they were in the RAAF, such a sleek looking fighter. They are still one of my favourite fighters and love seeing them when visiting air museums. Would be great to see a restored one or even a later model fly at an airshow.

[@alantoon5708]

You did an outstanding and safe job with the Classic Hornet. An excellent tribute by a very professional air force.

[@TheAslakVind]

Always hard to say goodbye to an old friend. Love this video, clearly a loved bird!

[@sixstringedthing]

Very glad that I was able to see the final airshow display of the A-model at WOI2021, and some great footage of Easty's final flight over Williamtown (thanks Avalon Airport Spotter!). It will remain in my memory alongside the four Pigs doing fast passes and a formation dump-and-burn at the 70th Anniversary airshow in Richmond. Respect to all the RAAF personnel who work hard to protect our airspace and coastal waters.

[@TomDuffy-Productions]

Due to my age, I was to young to ever see the pigs fly and that's very saddening because they are my all time favorite aircraft. I haven't seen the Classic Hornets that much because I live in Brisbane and RAAF Amberley bases the Super Hornets and the Growers. And there is a difference between the three. And i can say that the Classic hornets are much sexier then the Growlers and the super hornets. And even though its not as sad as seeing the Pigs go, its still a end to an era. So goodbye classics, you replaced our pigs and you served our country proud. Thank you, I hope Canada will take care like we did to you :)

[@AUmarcus]

Super Hornets put on a better show.

[@russellmiles2861]

The Mirages were nosier

[@TomDuffy-Productions]

@@AUmarcus agreed, they are much louder and more manoeuvrable

[@alinawaz1730]

Not much difference between the 2 physically. It's hard to tell the difference apart between the super and legacy hornet

[@NoName-ds5uq]

I agree about the Pigs, they are my all time favourite aircraft too, and I was sad to see them go, but they served our country extremely well! I’m old enough to have been an 11-12 year old when 3 Mirage IIIs and an F-111 flew low over my school in a diamond formation when we were out on the oval one day in 1982. I was already an aviation enthusiast so that is still a very special memory for me! I just need to point out though, that the classic Hornets replaced the Mirage III, and the Super Hornets replaced the Pigs.

[@gcm747]

My Dad was part of the RAAF team that brought the Hornet to Australia. We were posted to St Louis from '85 to '87. I'll miss the classic Hornet but thankful we have the Super Hornet. PS. The Hornets in close formation at the end were awesome! Anywhere we can see that full display?

[@stevewhitby3288]

My brother was 3Sqn elec fitter, part of the team that collected 101 & 102 from Pax River. God that was a long time ago🤔

[@sjcobra84]

R.I.P Hornets. You were amazing beasts. May a next gen version of you return someday.😭

[@imjustdubzzz2140]

The next gen of them is already in service with the RAAF, its called the super hornet.

[@mrkermit707]

@@imjustdubzzz2140 one thing bad about the super hornets is those in tanks they are so dam square

[@imjustdubzzz2140]

@@mrkermit707 The air intakes? They're not bad, they improve the RCS of the aircraft, efficiency and performance of the aircraft all while looking good.

[@mrkermit707]

@@imjustdubzzz2140 I like the round ones better but I still think it’s a nice plane

[@russellmiles2861]

You can visit them in Canada

[@Eclipzify]

A wonderful aircraft that will always have a special place in my heart. Thanks for uploading such spectacular footage!

[@Deano084]

Beautiful!

[@XCimenaticGaming]

Amazing!! Can't wait to have them in canada i've been to australia once only i plan on joining the air force pretty soon with the RCAF so glad to see these classic hornets coming to canada hope when i join the RCAF i'il be able to fly one of these classic hornets from australia, pilots must have a blast flying these classic hornets. Thank-you for your time and service to the men and women in the armed forces of australia :)

[@megjohnson9227]

My hero, Ross Fox picked up the first FA18 along with Bryce Mowattfrom Geel😮one in 1985. What a man killed on,training 02.08 1990. Age 39. At Hornet Hill, Tindal, NT. STILL GREATLY MISSED ❤❤

[@rrocketman]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing. End of an era indeed. These guys made Williamtown the most interesting airport in Australia 👍

[@kierenOCE]

Thanks for the video. There's a snippet of my late father Glen Lally cracking jokes with a pilot at 4:14 . It's awesome to learn about the aircraft he worked on when he was alive

[@librandancer]

Nice. Thank you RAAF. You do brilliant work.

[@Quadrant14]

Wonderful. Simply glorius , old timers updated , combat proven and now for something very new

[@matk4731]

Love the Hornet will miss it in out sky’s 😢 I did see a scary moment one day when a Hornets nearly went in Darwin harbour. Crickey it was close. Thanks for sharing 👍🏻👍🏻🙃🙃

[@allgood6760]

Awesome stuff.. gone but not forgotten.

[@GroundZer0_0]

My memories of visiting Oakvale farm with my very young niece and nephew was completely complimented before we got there by a "swarm of Super Hornets" out for training and maneuvers. Something I'd never seen happen before. traffic along Nelson bay road just slowed down to a stop and then people pulled over / parked then got out and watched F/A18 Super Hornets just give us an an absolute show, low, fast and just amazing to see on approach for low passes over RAAF Williamtown base very very closeby. Nobody wanted to drive up the road, there were hundreds of people parked on the kerb / grass / verge out of the car just looking at the sky in awe of the display of sound, speed and control the pilots had of these beautiful machines. Perhaps expensive as a "interim plane" but still worthy of awe up close and under 500 feet, soaring by for a speed pass over base. Trust me. I barely remember what happened at the animal park afterwards but it was 2nd best item of the day.

[@marksita76]

Brilliant!! A much loved jet and and it won't quite be the same without them. I miss them already 👍🇦🇺

[@brodricj3023]

That was an Air Commodore driving the first jet, I don't suppose pilots of that rank get to do much fast jet flying.

[@jockojockoson9995]

Probably Tim Alsop. He’s an absolute legend. I remember talking to him at the Avalon air show in 96 I think it was when he was a flying officer.

[@deanbowell7501]

The retired F-111 will always remain one of the best send off's i've ever seen. The "Dump and Burn" at Amberley RAAF base. I so miss those pigs at Riverfire!

[@Strandjutter]

Great tribute to this beautiful plane!!

[@christopherbrett]

Such a beautiful graceful lady of the air… Lovely too see the the heir apparent Super Hornet taking on fuel! It’s sad too see this lovely lady retired. I was born in 1970; and fell in love with the Mirage..a love affair; I’ll always have; but a 15yrs old in 1985…the Hornet was so futuristic and glamorous; as she still is! Alas, my eyesight let me down; to become a pilot in the RAAF…but one can still dream! Goodbye, old girl..you’re still as glamorous too me; the first time I saw you! You’ll forever live in my heart; as the one that got away! Less we forget…

[@AviationSports1978]

Great to see I could see the flights you added in and around Newcastle

[@radioactive4388]

Have a mate who won a flight in 1988 from Sydney to Melbourne and back , what a ride it would be . My ex girlfriends brother is a pilot for one of these , not sure if he still flying , what an experience for anybody, just to go faster an faster

[@daxkedgx8698]

I always hate retirements but what a great service life. great fighter!

[@VBHB83]

Beautiful planes. Lovely footage.

[@Cdog79]

I miss seeing this stunning jet.

[@MartintheTinman]

I thought I watched this yesterday but I see it's been extended

[@CallsignEskimo-l3o]

I do like that 77 SQN livery.

[@pauldehart744]

It is time for their retirement. But it is always sad to see good equipment end their service.

[@LeadingEdgeFitness1]

Can't believe I got offered a shot at these midway through my RAAF career and knocked it back.

[@lingsley5892]

So sad to see these old birds go 😢

[@cesaryamilcanals4832]

Me encanto ,casi mi vida por que yo nací en el 82 , ✌️😻🌎🙏🇵🇷

[@jimmyrecard6021]

How much longer will the super hornet continue service?

[@davesherry5384]

what a crazy decision. Australia is going to need those Hornets in the nort too distant future.

[@wattlebough]

An Air Commodore (at least) piloting the aircraft. There’s something we don’t see every day.

[@james_l4337]

Goodness I remember the plane was still brand new, it's 36yrs... Like the plane our generation will also be passing

[@susmaryusep1497]

Australia please sell this brilliant machine to the philippines

[@majorcarlton137]

Reliable as Santa on Christmas eve. Great old girl! 👍

[@llamathrust8646]

If you're not using them anymore, I'll take one.

[@Pirie_Aviation]

Sad to see them go.

[@M0zZd]

goodbye you legend

[@wantdatcadpat44]

Keep bringing them over to Canada I wanna fly one

[@kevinwilliams287]

do you think they'll keep a flying example in Australia?

[@oceanvibesphotography8395]

Hornet for life that’s a sick looking jet would love two be a hornet pilot 🐝 🇦🇺🦘

[@rickosetiadi4097]

Some of the hornets have their launch bars completely removed 😮

[@fredfungalspore]

Any Hornets still based at Edn..?

[@ninjamoves3642]

Maclaren of the sky

[@LeadingEdgeFitness1]

Who's the fat stripe at the beginning - TVH? Robbo, Chipper?

[@JCTHEKEEWEE]

Is that a AVM flying that?

[@timcucanicful]

Or Air Commodore?

[@JCTHEKEEWEE]

@@timcucanicful you can see another stripe above it.

[@Ironwulf2000]

@6m43s Swirvin Irvine! a face from the past ;)

[@Meatzabros]

Rest In Peace the classic hornet we will miss you Personally not me because the worimi hornet will always be at fighter world 👍

[@caseyhutch4640]

Why are they not going to use them anymore?

[@sixstringedthing]

The F/A-18 design is nearly forty years old, the airframe hours on the RAAF fleet were getting high which leads to increased maintenance costs/hours, and they can't integrate all the new 5th gen and 6th gen combat/comms/data systems without further upgrades. At some point you have to make the decision to stop throwing money at keeping the old car running and make room in the garage for a new model.

[@caseyhutch4640]

@@sixstringedthing Thanks for that explanation! Would they be moving to f/35s?

[@thefonz585]

*salute to all that serve. I just play DCS. Thank you

[@mrkermit707]

I wish they didn’t end. Would Love to still see them flying but that’s not going to happen sadly

[@troyjollimore4100]

Take a trip to Canada…

[@mrkermit707]

@@troyjollimore4100 I don’t think any Body would go there just to see none rare planes

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@mrkermit707 Come for the jets… Stay for the bears! 😄

[@mrkermit707]

@@troyjollimore4100 Lol

[@TheDesertraptor]

Could have done a good bye lap of the cities

[@ralphwatt8752]

Are heading to Canada to start a new life ?

[@alpearson9158]

@@tinto278 yes 18 servicable airframes to Canada and 7 for parts to get Canada to the new aircraft in about 7 years

[@execute2626]

Love from India 🇮🇳

[@blessingpaulo6614]

Why don't they give it to nz

[@Annimaxdh]

I would keep them on reserve on case that situation with china escalates hot.

[@dazmac159]

New Zealand: can we buy them, be good to be back in the fight!

[@damolux3388]

NZ couldn't afford to run them.

[@damolux3388]

Plus Xicinda wouldn't want to upset her masters in China

[@dazmac159]

@@damolux3388 the We do have the money, it's misappropriated to minority groups!

[@damolux3388]

@@dazmac159 I've been an NZDF member..........there is very little money for anything.

[@dazmac159]

@@damolux3388 I'm 'blue collar' worker. I drive my V8 to work every day. I can afford to do this by NOT wasting money on crap I don't need. Translate this national scale, yes we can afford F18s. Yeah I know it won't happen under this or even a National government, maybe down the road it will? I was Army during 1980s and saw massive diminishment in supplies when NZ went nuclear free. We live in hope!

[@90AlmostFamous]

fk seems just like yesterday that the hornets were replacing tomcats

[@Calendyr]

What are they being replaced with?

[@cyka6156]

Super hornet F18 F

[@AusAirForce]

We're transitioning to the F-35A Lightning II, but we do continue to operate F/A-18F Super Hornets as well.

[@xpxp2839]

Taiwan may be interested to buy it 2nd hand

[@EAFSQ9]

Send them to UA please

[@Lordoftheflamesissketchy]

whats the problem with them why cant you just keep them in the reserves

[@troyjollimore4100]

Old. Maintenance costs rise. Not as capable as the new stuff. Plus, Canada is sucker enough to still buy them! Will probably fly them for the next twenty years… 🙄

[@Lordoftheflamesissketchy]

@@troyjollimore4100 I know right because they are so polite lol

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@Lordoftheflamesissketchy ...and CHEAP! ;)

[@erictsagiannidis4051]

The RAAF does not have any reserves aircraft.

[@Lordoftheflamesissketchy]

@@erictsagiannidis4051 true

[@stuartandrews7563]

Mothball them for later use, with what China and Russia are now producing, we may need then at a later date.

[@rainey06au]

Called it. Definitely keep these Hornets on ice. We're gonna need them.

[@MosmMAli]

adios truck bomb you served with distinction

[@maestro51st]

LET NEW ZEALAND BUY THEM PLEASE!

[@damolux3388]

They couldn't afford the training, spares, weapons or fuel.

[@MrAizatazmi]

Pls donate it to the Philippines

[@evanf111og]

again, ditch the water mark

[@jimbrown5268]

❤❤

[@questioneverythingalways820]

Let’s make a wager - if I can turn it on, take off and land…I can keep it?

[@halo6142]

This is called no rank on gdp but no doubt and scared of anything I remember when f 18 (a/b) fly over east Timor sky then hawk 200 came from Indonesian air force Oh fortunately mate,there is no missile launch Just lay ground waiting the referendum while spectating soldier on combat pew pew brrt(rifle and light mg sound) bantuan/backup!! Sniper om the hill IM scared of this plane because i cant imagine if henfly over my head and dropping bomb 😂😂😂😂😂 IM gonna admit Australia is enormous and strong,no joke mate From Indonesia and God bless

[@norizammastor9072]

Australia is a wealthy nation.. While Msia is trying hard to get Kuwaiti Hornets but still no progress on that.. As the boss of FPDA can Australia give all yours to them.??

[@matthewcreelman2736]

The F35 is Under performing liability. We should keep the Fa18s in service. Look at the recent report of Fight tests being out performed by an F16.

[@Reactordrone]

"recent"

[@spectator3349]

This is an outrage!!! They saved the world from an alien an invasion and godzilla!!!

[@perverse-person]

I want 100 aircraft to introduce the latest model in Japan!

[@briancooper2112]

I thought it was 1984.

[@อนุวัฒน์ภัทรกิจโกมล]

good

[@rayw3294]

Time to get sensible again and Fairey Swordfish is the only winner.

[@heritageimaging7768]

Canada will fly yours for 50 years. And we'll be back shopping for old C-17s when the time comes.

[@phil20_20]

👍👍

[@viperdriver82]

@1:35 that was so Greasy

[@paulscotchsmychannelyourch9940]

sad

[@YaMomsOyster]

Well we got our moneys worth.. bring back the F111, I miss them Sky Shows dumping fuel.