F-18 from Hornet to Super Hornet | Part 2 Evolution of a fighter

In case you missed it, check out part 1 here: • F-18 from Cobra to Hor...
The Super Hornet is an evolution of the Hornet, and just like the Hornet the Super Hornet is a multirole, twin engine, supersonic carrier capable fighter AND attack aircraft. Also similar to the Hornet, the Super Hornet’s notable features include: twin tails, folding wings, a tail section that has vertical stabilizers forward of the elevators, a unique extended wing design, Leading Edge Extensions or LEX, reinforced landing gear for carrier operations, and wingtip missile racks. However unlike the Hornet, the Super Hornet has rectangular intake ramps, a larger “sawtooth” wing, and is about 20% larger than the Hornet.
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With its larger wing, more powerful engines, and extended combat radius, Super Hornets are used as fleet defenders, air superiority fighters, long range strike aircraf twith precision guided weapons, fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses,close air support, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control and even tanker missions. Essentially the Super Hornet is capable of performing every mission type in the tactical spectrum, making it the embodiment of a multirole fighter.
Specifications:
Length: 60 ft 1¼ in (18.31 m)
Height: 16 ft (4.88 m)
Wingspan: 44 ft 8½ in (13.62 m)
Maximum speed: Mach 1.8 (1,190 mph, 1,915 km/h) at 40,000 ft (12,190 m)
Empty weight: 32,081 lb (14,552 kg)
Loaded weight: 47,000 lb place under lbs (fighter configuration)
Max. takeoff weight: 66,000 lb (29,937 kg)
Powerplant: 2 × General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofans
Dry thrust: 13,000 lbf (62.3 kN) each
Thrust with afterburner: 22,000 lbf (97.9 kN) each
Thrust/weight: 0.93 (1.1 with loaded weight & 50% internal fuel)
Engine Thrust Class: 36,000 lbs total for 2 engines
Thrust/weight: 0.96 (1.13 with loaded weight at 50% internal fuel)
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Credits/Attributions:
"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
Music from filmmusic.io
"Hiding Your Reality" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
License: CC BY (creativecommons.org/licenses/b...)
AN/APG-79 Radar image courtesy of ratheon
All copyrighted works belong to their copyright holders.
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[@tbwpiper189]

Very well laid out and defined. Enjoyed it immensely and I'm in the aerospace business.

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you so much! That means a lot to me and I'd love to hear your opinion on the other videos I have done.

[@patator-df5ud]

I prefere rafales but yes it's beautifuls planes 😁👍

[@patrickcallahan9599]

@@PilotPhotog 6l

[@Floor773]

@@patator-df5ud ok :|

[@Aeronaut1975]

On US Navy carriers, the Super Hornets are referred to as "Rhinos". This is to distinguish them from the legacy version when doing carrier landings because they are bigger and heavier so the catapault and cable arresting system has to be set up differently for them. It is so that there is NO confusion about what type of Hornet is coming in to land.

[@PilotPhotog]

Aeronaut thanks for pointing that out! Today I learned 😎

[@Aeronaut1975]

@@PilotPhotog You're welcome. Cool vid :)

[@PilotPhotog]

Aeronaut thanks! Working on more. Is there an aircraft you’d like to see a bio on?

[@Aeronaut1975]

@@PilotPhotog All of them! but as a Brit, the English Electric Lightning, Blackburn Buccaneer or Panavia Tornado :) I have an affinity for Cold War jets...

[@Aeronaut1975]

One of my favourite quotes ever was from a guy who went up in a 2 seat Lightning for a familiarization flight, once they'd rocketed up to 40,000ft or so and levelled off, the officer turned to the student and said "As you can see, the only reason we have wings on the lightning is to keep the navigation light apart", ha ha!

[@pg6850]

One of the most beautifull planes on planet!!!

[@PilotPhotog]

Hard to argue against and thanks for commenting!

[@dillongibson3936]

Tomcat

[@sircommander27]

SU27 nicer

[@slashusr]

The best written, edited and presented combat aircraft video I've come across. Really well done. I've come away better informed about this magnificent aircraft than ever before. Subbed.

[@PilotPhotog]

Robert Ruork thank you so much! There are many more on the way - thanks for subscribing!

[@knightlife98]

I loved that shot of the Hornet going vertical, with Afterburners lit! 😍😎💪💯

[@PilotPhotog]

As did I, thanks for commenting!

[@Psittac20]

Liked and subscribed. Thank you for this properly laid out narrated and paced video. Long time fan of the Super Hornet.

[@patriciosilvarobalino9832]

Thanks formula your work, Keep on

[@losferwords7830]

Excellent video bro! Thank You!

[@PilotPhotog]

Los ferwords thank you so much! More on the way and I appreciate you commenting.

[@1MoAndDashIt]

This was very well put together! Loved it! As I commented on another gentleman's post, we in engineering are currently expanding the safe flight hours (sfh) from 6k to 12k sfh. So far things are looking good.

[@PilotPhotog]

Tony Pacheco thank you for the comment! I often wonder about what the structural lifetime of an airframe is - especially military aircraft. I’ve been fortunate enough to fly in aircraft as old as a 1940 Cub and it amazes me that those airframes have lasted as long as they have.

[@brendanr.ogorman3586]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@gosborg]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@PilotPhotog]

Gosborg thank you! More videos on the way!

[@markhatch1267]

Always thought the F-5 was the most bang for the buck. Pleasant to see the wisdom of that design make it into the aircraft that's been doing most of the work for our navy for the last 20 years.

[@airprok8328]

You couldn’t be more right

[@hernandez-yanezboldvoyager2623]

Amazing plane and video!! You guys truly put it together, very well narrated throughout, and you made it so easy to exalt the greatness of this powerful and still evolving machine. Superb!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you and much appreciated, this is a one man show and your comment is very inspiring.

[@jamesk3415]

Nicely done video.

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you very much!

[@kaistraka7153]

I really love your videos man!! Keep it up 👍

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks, will do!

[@Kufstein7]

Geat info especially on the future. Those Block 3 modifications, avionics and loyal wingman are amazing! More on my plate to read up on. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@airprok8328]

The Block 111 is the beast of beasts! Although mostly classified, it’s supposed to be able to see stealth from 100 miles out, other countries stealth I should say. It’s like the Super Hornet with a 5 gen cockpit and the rest of the jet on steroids!

[@airprok8328]

Beautiful video!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you very much!

[@Kparris7]

This was really well done, shared with my friends

[@PilotPhotog]

Gnaeus Romanus thank you so much! Working on more videos - is there a topic/aircraft you’d like to see?

[@williamdrijver4141]

Excellent video, well made, informative, and you have a perfect voice-over / presentation voice!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you so much!

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

So well done

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you much appreciated!

[@catfood_03_4stray]

The F-18E block III would do with some additional modifications. Boeing could have removed the 20 mm cannon from the front cone and accomodate it in the wing-root. In turn they would squeeze the radar components backwards ( arranging them at height ) the fact that the radar antenna would be placed at a larger section of the radar-cone means that the radar antenna could become larger with more elements giving to the radar a better performance and the ablity to become pivotal and maintain the lock-on while the aircraft turns to an other direction. on the other wing root symmetrical to the cannon they could have placed an IRST. An air-force intended version is badly needed for foreign customers around the world. A version with lighter undercarriage and landing-gear, non-foldable wing-tips and a redesigned wing swept backwards a little ( like in case of Su-27/35 ) this would in turn imrove top-speed, acceleration, rate-of-climb and the sustained-turn-rate ( with some decrease of the instant-turn-rate ).

[@PilotPhotog]

Chris Snakeeyed305 thanks for commenting and these are very well thought out ideas! I’d love to see an export Hornet in the lighter and faster version you mention here.

[@Cobra-King3]

There is an issue, The wing is to thin, and the Leading Edge Extension blocks it from being placed in the Wing Root, so the Gun had to be placed at the nose, furthermore, to accomodate the Ammo drum in the center of the fuselage would detract the range, something made a primary requirement of the USN

[@invertedbat6546]

Your vids are awesome man!

[@PilotPhotog]

Inverted Bat thank you so much! Working on more so stay tuned!

[@invertedbat6546]

@@PilotPhotog Thank YOU, and will do!

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

ANOTHER AWESOME DISPLAY OF GREAT VIDEO INFORMATIVE EXCELLENCE, GREAT ACCURATE INFORMATION.

[@PilotPhotog]

Atreyu Principalh thank you much appreciated!

[@leisryan]

Nice...!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@137bob3d]

in the mid 80's my 1'st job as a EE was to work at the st louis F-18 factory. the goal of the group was to bring the analog cockpit instruments up to the oncoming digital era. it opened my eyes to what an army of personnel it takes to support military aircraft. plus how even our new designs used CPU's that in a few years become obsolete . thus making upgrades necessary for a following group of college grad's. its a very profitable business for the companies that got these contracts.

[@PilotPhotog]

Indeed and there is always an upgrade around the corner. Thanks for commenting and for helping get the Hornets flying!

Excellent review! Well done! Long live to the Rhino!

[@PilotPhotog]

Antônio thank you very much and yes it’s a great airplane!

@@PilotPhotog definitely my favorite plane. You got one more subscriber! Keep up the good job. You rock!

[@danieldunlap4077]

Rhinos on the move.

[@kevinquinn7645]

The RAAF also operate 11 E/A-18G Growlers, in addition to 24 F/A-18F, with one being lost participating in Red Flag in 2018.

[@PilotPhotog]

Kevin Quinn excellent point and sorry to hear one was lost in RF 2018

[@ianrobinson8974]

Actually it was a Growler which was lost! I believe that the Oz 18A's have been upgraded but don't know to what extent, perhaps to Link 16 would be obvious. 18E's or F'? whats the difference?

[@kevinquinn7645]

@@ianrobinson8974 Sorry, Ididn't make it clear that it was a Growler that was lost. The F/A-18F is the two seater. The RAAF chose the dual seat version when replacing the F-111 to keep a fast jet position for career Navigators.

[@PilotPhotog]

Ian Robinson sorry for the loss of the Growler. The F-18E Is the single seat Super Hornet while the F-18F is the two seat Super Hornet

[@masterofpuppets7295]

Pilotphotog, it was virtually brand new but suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The cheap bastards at boeing won't replace it either!

[@stephanmariahitzel6102]

The presentation and content is very good standard - well done.

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you much appreciated!

[@edmundgerald9627]

Too nice clearly explained for changing hornet to super hornet...thanks 👍

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you glad you enjoyed it and thank you for commenting!

[@TheWizardGamez]

who else is royally pissed that we didn't get the f-22N, like DARPA, we wanted this

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

Nobody

[@goose5253]

^

[@jocax188723]

Kinda love the parallel between the F-18E/F and the Tu-22M - both completely new airframes snuck past budgetary bodies as ‘slight variants of an existing aircraft’.

[@mohammadsaida4603]

Wow too nice video about super hornet air craft ..

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you much appreciated!

[@williamarden5441]

Worked on these from 2004 till 2009. Miss them! Easy aircraft to work on and was badass

[@williamarden5441]

The super hornet also replaced the S-3 Viking

[@PilotPhotog]

Good point, ASW is often overlooked - even by myself in this case. Thanks for commenting and thank you for your service!

[@airprok8328]

That’s awesome! My dad worked on legacy hornets. Thank you for your service. Fly Navy

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Super Hornet, the striker Pokemon. The evolved form of Legacy Hornet

[@PilotPhotog]

pontiacGXPfan it’s Super Effective! 😎

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Its enhancement of the Hornets mission flexibility includes electronic jamming and mid air refueling

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Haha just like the pokedex

[@noobie9423]

Thanks alot for the information. I’m going to share this to my friends, keep the good work going👍

[@PilotPhotog]

Noobie thank you so much! Comments like yours keep me motivated to produce more!

[@FloridaManMatty]

It’s amazing to think that the current iteration of the F/A-18 is the latest in a long line of airplanes that started with the T-38 in the late 1950’s! Looking at modern planes and trying to ascertain their lineage is one of my favorite things about military aviation, especially when the aircraft are very dissimilar. The best example I can think of off the top of my head resides in Hangar IV at the USAF museum in Dayton, Ohio. You can stand near the back and follow the lines and contours on the BSAX/Tacit Blue (arguably one of the UGLIEST) airplanes ever built), then do an about face and see many of the same flowing lines and curves on the YF-23 (one of the most visually stunning, straight up beautiful airplanes in existence). The same exercise can be done with a T-38 parked next to an F-5, then the YF-17, a Hornet, and a Rhino at the end of the line. You can see the evolution as you go with little branches heading off toward the F-20 and a few other evolutionary dead ends in between.

[@joshuaespinoza8325]

one year ago today, this was made. and today im recommended it.

[@PilotPhotog]

I'm glad you found it!

[@Anderson_Hwang]

The F414-EPE engine is only a proposed upgrade, and is still under development. At least for now, the new Block III Rhinos ordered by the US Navy will still use the older F414-GE-400 engines. Block IIIs don't carry enclosed weapons pods, that is only for the Advanced Super Hornet, which is already a dead project. (Block IIIs stem from the ASH, but they are not the same aircraft) Block IIIs have TTNT/DTPN, while the ASHs don't. And TTNT is crucial for future networked aerial warfare.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

2:42 The AIM-9X is the latest version of AIM-9 Sidewinder. .. They're the same missile.

[@glenndwyer5786]

Love that jet

[@benjamincarter8850]

Nice video, looking forward to more. Kinda ironic you mentioned Kuwaits order of SuperBugs, I'll be over there in the not too distant future helping them.

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks for commenting again and very cool that you’ll be helping our allies with the SuperBug! I’m working on the A-10 next, let me know a video you’d like to see and I’ll put it on my list!

[@Aeronaut1975]

How is that ironic?

[@chrismaggio7879]

Another fine video with great information. Thank you for the clear and understandable explanations as well as NOT using that damned computer voice that some "military" videos use. I was a green shirt on the flight deck of carriers back in the Tomcat days, and I helped transition the F-18s into use. I wasn't so sure about them then, but what an aircraft they have become.

[@advforops]

Love that fast mover!

[@PilotPhotog]

Indeed and thanks for commenting!

[@masterbait6184]

Surprised that you never made a video on the Rafale

[@NGC7000]

This’s a bad ass aircraft...

[@andreasleonardo6793]

Changing F-18 ...Hornet to super hornet means more progressive characters and higher abilities too.nice video with clear explaining

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you

[@knightlife98]

The Super Hornet is an exceptional jet fighter, one of the best in the world!

[@PilotPhotog]

Agreed and thanks for commenting!

[@airprok8328]

Well said

[@commanderneyo6152]

God I love the hornet/super hornet 🐝 🦏

[@PilotPhotog]

Likewise and thanks for commenting!

[@danieldunlap4077]

I was an aviation structural mechanic on one of the first operational Super Hornet squadrons, VFA-102, right after the transition from Tomcats

[@PilotPhotog]

Daniel Dunlap thank you for your service and keeping these jets flying! What did everyone think as they transitioned from the ‘cat to the Super Hornet?

[@danieldunlap4077]

@@PilotPhotog they found the maintenance easier. I had come from a legacy Hornet Squadron and was flown out to the ship after I had gone to school to transition to the new platform. I found the new aircraft to be less maintenance intensive at the time.

[@PilotPhotog]

Daniel Dunlap great to know and thanks for sharing your experience. Fly Navy!

[@scallen3841]

I was an AD on fa-18c's from 1988 till 1992 , vf -102 was on our carrier .

[@chelious1973]

Smart move to still use the F18 designation for a completely new plane to get it approved.

[@jeffdennis6077]

This plane has to be better than what they tell us. F22s and 35s are nice but it’s these Hornets on aircraft carriers ready to take the first strikes and fight others off in air to air.

[@hansstopfer878]

My favorite model in my collection of airplane models was a model of the F 18 Hornet scale 1:48 in the 70s. Because the landing gear was a bit unstable for its weight, I supported it with small brake wedges that I had placed on a runway pad. Bye Hans.

[@juanarce6900]

It's like having a mad pitbull, but then a presa canario is given to you, impressive!!!

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you and much appreciated!

[@byronjeremiah]

Will there be a videos about other jets like Gripen, Rafale & etc?

[@PilotPhotog]

byron jeremiah thanks for commenting! While I do mention the Advanced Super Hornet near the end of the video, you make a great point: it deserves it’s own video. I plan on doing videos on all jet fighters, and love the Gripen and Rafale so yes!

[@rickmaldoo4205]

Love love love Hornets

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks! Plenty of Hornet videos on this channel - check them out when you can

[@norwingmartinez4683]

Awesome love this plane f 18 all day

[@PilotPhotog]

Same here! I have several videos on the F18 and working on a new video about the time NASA put thrust vectoring on the F18...the things that airplane could do was incredible! Stay tuned the video will be out in a few days. Thanks for commenting!

[@helpdeskjnp]

Man it looks like a hornet or a wasp too, especially from the front!

[@PilotPhotog]

helpdeskjnp yeah it’s does!

[@HEYBERT1984]

How the horney became the super horney lol sorry i had to. Great vid

[@TheWizardGamez]

6:14 I like that they pulled a beurocratic fast one on CONGRESS

[@PilotPhotog]

It’s just an upgrade 😎

[@ChairmanMo]

It keep Congress from trying to pork barrel the project to death and keeps the areospace companies on their toes.

[@kdrapertrucker]

@@PilotPhotog not really, it has very little commonality with legacy hornets. The navy really did snowball congress.

[@PilotPhotog]

Kenneth Draper it worked and we all benefited! Thanks for commenting!

[@deeptruthchanneldtc6770]

Coool. Conformal tanks, better engine. Ultimate.

[@Audfile]

It must be so fun to fly the Hornet since they do everything and are now kind of right there with the f16 in terms of turn.

[@PilotPhotog]

Audfile it really is an all around airplane and yes it can now give the F-16 a run for its money!

[@pandabanana2593]

Hornets already out performed vipers in one circle. The viper has to go two circle against a hornet.

[@xris5697]

One pilot I know he never lost against the F16 in a simulated dogfight

[@mimimimeow]

fun fact, some export legacy Hornets are far more agile than the Super Hornet, uses Super Hornet avionics with specific F404 upgrades close to F414 in performance. It's kinda ironic because usually export ones are less powerful than US military ones. Notable users of these upgrades are Kuwait and Malaysia.

[@PilotPhotog]

mimim that’s interesting and similar to what’s happened with the F-16: export customers get better avionics and conformal fuel tanks than the USAF legacy versions. Only recently did the US agree to start upgrading its F-16 fleet to the latest block version. Thanks for commenting!

[@barrywest4114]

I guess it depends on the contracts between that Nation and Manufacturer. They could have asked for some "addons" from Boeing for their fighers depending on what their Navy needs. If they can pay for it and Boeing can make it so why the hell not. US Navy fighters are what US Navy needs or wants..other Navies does not have to follow.

[@PilotPhotog]

Barry West agreed!

[@John_Redcorn_]

Is the Block 3 in service yet? It looks badass

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks for commenting, I think they are starting to phase them in. If you like the Block 3 Super Hornet, you may also like the new F-15EX: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bITIgXedrbOngtk

[@monicabernardino2881]

That's a very beautiful fighter aircraft but the E/A-18G looks very similar like F-18. I just saw that while watching the airshow.

[@PilotPhotog]

Monica Bernardino thanks for commenting and yes the E/A-18G “Growler” was built from the Super Hornet and they share many common parts.

[@bigjuliedive]

Excellent but for the distracting music... silence is golden.

[@MrDino1953]

Why are the external pods and fuel tanks splayed outwards? Does this not create more drag than if they were all parallel to the fuselage?

[@russellmz]

if they were parallel there would be a small chance they'd hit the plane when dropped/fired.

[@davidhamilton1446]

Super or Sukhoi? The inlets reminded me of the latter.

[@bryanst.martin7134]

Anyone notice the splayed orientation of the underlying mounts?

[@Tetemovies4]

My favorite modern plane with the Rafale

[@gikaradi8793]

beauty !!but the speed and climb rate in the 250s are a little behind the competition

[@richardmollohan954]

Originally the Super Hornet was the replacement to the park Superior F-14 Tomcat. It was a two-seater and it was to carry the great Phoenix missile the aim 54 aurate extended-range aim-120 amram and the only reason that was going to happen with the airframes on the F-14 were wearing out. Start doing the super hornets and single-seaters and they'll eventually replace the earlier Hornets. But the guy that did this video still did a wonderful job

[@PilotPhotog]

Thank you much appreciated!

[@dumdumbinks274]

Super Hornet was developed primarily to address the Hornet's notable lack of range. It originated from a privately funded design project that MDD started in 1986 and was supposed to supersede the Hornet in production, which it eventually did. It "competed" against the ASF-14 for funding, but not role. Unfortunately MDD and Boeing knew how to manipulate politicians and given the end of the Cold war and budget cuts they opted to keep the F/A-18 designation and call it the Super Hornet in order to disguise it as a mere upgrade, when it was actually a completely new aircraft just like the ASF-14. Additional factors were the early retirement of the A-6 and A-7 (Super Hornet would be available sooner than ASF-14), and politicians realising they forced the Navy to buy an inadequate fighter (Hornet) that they now had to make up for and hopefully hide their mistake from the general public.

[@airprok8328]

The Block 111 report paces all that and then some. The Navy will have over 600 Block 111’s, a 4.5 gen that will hold its own against 5th gen! Fly Navy!

[@davidewhite69]

Australia also had 12 Growlers, now down to 11 after a catastrophic engine failure

[@PilotPhotog]

david white sorry to hear about the loss of a Growler. Hopefully the pilots were ok.

[@davidewhite69]

@@PilotPhotog both crew got out without harm www.abc.net.au/news/2018-08-19/warplanes-engine-destroyed-itself-during-attempted-take-off/10129180

[@aaronseet2738]

Waiting for the *Hyper Hornet* upgrade.

[@PilotPhotog]

Aaron Seet that comes after the Deluxe upgrade 😎 thanks for commenting!

[@monicabernardino2881]

Hyper Hornet? Interesting. Well, I like the picture of Stratosphere Hornet at DeviantArt. This fighter aircraft looks awesome but kinda very interesting tho.

[@PilotPhotog]

Monica Bernardino there is an Advanced Super Hornet that I’m working on a video for, stay tuned and thanks for the comments!

[@al3jandr038]

The rhino also carrier JDAMs, cluster munitions and agm 158s

[@PilotPhotog]

Yes indeed! I could make an entire video on all of the F/A-18 weapon options - and I just might...thanks for commenting!

[@pontiacGXPfan]

Basically everything the Legacy can carry

[@orangutan1157]

Then , advanced super hornet

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks for commenting and I’m working on that video!

[@PilotPhotog]

Love the Super Hornet? Check out this T-shirt: teespring.com/super-hornet-pilotphotog?tsmac=store&tsmic=pilotphotog&pid=369&cid=6525

[@LOLONO666]

Germany plans to buy a few of those soon

[@PilotPhotog]

Indeed! Not sure if you saw my video on Germany's plan to get the Super Hornet and Growler: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iXS5mmiml7JgqrM

[@marknelson463]

Germany will only buy them if their politics allow. Many German politicians would rather new aircraft be purchased from Germany even if it’s inferior to the F18

[@knot3d_]

I wonder how these will portrayed in the upcoming Top Gun movie...as near-obsolete or stop-gap solution or still future proof...

[@Artty-fl8ul]

Cool. Why is it slower than the F-14? Damn it!

[@valko022]

Probably because of the different wing design, that Super Hornets = Rhinos wings are not Swept, but only Folding! Also I believe / think, that F 14 had lot / way more thrust, than the Rhinos! And also I think, that the F/A 18 Super Hornets are heavier compared to Its' size vs. engines performances, than the F 14 compared to Its' own size vs. engines performances! And also, It can carry lot less internal fuel, than the F 14, so It have to carry Drop Tanks and because of the design, those Drop Tanks and Missiles are angled so it can fly, but it is more draggy, than the Straight Line Carrying like of the Hornet or the Typhoon Etc! ; /

[@Condor1970]

They just stopped all funding to build more Hornets, in order to expedite development of the F/A-XX stealth air dominance aircraft for the Navy.

[@carlrest6553]

Condor1970 Unaware. What is your source?

[@spreadeagled5654]

Why are the Super Hornet’s underwing hardpoint pylons angled outward? Just wondering. ❓❓❓

[@PilotPhotog]

Great question, here is a good answer: www.quora.com/Why-does-the-F-A-18E-F-Super-Hornet-have-canted-pylons-Doesnt-that-increase-aerodynamic-drag-making-its-already-poor-range-and-top-speed-worse

[@dingbial9796]

Perfect name! Don't stir this Hornests nest. You will get stung!

[@THE-BUNKEN-DRUM]

HA he said "growler" :-P

[@maxguida3070]

Is there a different designation for single seat and 2 seat aircraft?

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks for commenting and yes, single seat is the E model and dual set is the F model.

[@maxguida3070]

@@PilotPhotog Ok good to know

[@Maverickf22flyer]

Sorry to correct your air to air combat loadout thrust to weight ratio, but ideally (not real), 44000/(47000-10500/2) = 1.05 at sea level static thrust! 10500 is it's max internal fuel. On the other hand, the combat ready engines on most of the modern fighters are usually reaching just around 85% of their bench testing max thrust at full AB that is given in the documents. After mounting them on the real jet, the engines always prove a reduced performance and like I've said, it drops to about 85%. With that said, the F-18E can only have a max T/W with the same loadout of only 0.85*44000/(47000-10500/2) = 0.89 at sea level static thrust. Great and interesting video on the other hand;).

[@PilotPhotog]

Thanks for pointing this out and your reasoning and numbers are correct. I was using an average or advertised TTW ratio that is supplied by Boeing, your numbers are more real world - again thank you and thanks for commenting!

[@enriquelorenzo1225]

F5,transform into f18. I love it, twin jets, forever. a philippino...

[@rubenbueno3926]

Cuestión de números , resulta más económico modernizar un modelo ya existente , que planificar desarrollar y construir un nuevo avión .

[@exposingthedarknesswiththe9190]

*THE SUPER HORNET IS A VERY MUCH NEEDED PLATFORM WITH ITS VAST ARAY OF ARMAMENTS THAT WILL PROVE TO BE A STELLER ADDITION FOR ANY ASSIGNMENT!!*

[@PilotPhotog]

I agree and thanks for commenting!

[@sumrandumguy7177]

Fa18* (fighter/attacker) not just f18 (fighter)

[@craigkdillon]

So, the F-35 will not replace all the f-18Es on carriers. Right?? Since the Growler version will be there. And the tanker capability sounds great. Can all Super Hornets act as tankers?? Or, is that a special capacity only for some??

[@PilotPhotog]

F-35s will compliment F-18s so the Super Hornet will be around for a long time. As far as tankers, while the F-18 can serve in that role, the Navy is deploying carrier based drones that serve as tankers. If you haven't yet, you can see the video on the Block III upgrades for the F-18 here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIq8Y5unpKZmbKM

[@craigkdillon]

@@PilotPhotog I forgot about the drones. The F-35 needs tankers, since its basic range is not that great. AND, being at sea, long range is important. In WW2, the Zero had a range of 1,000 miles while our planes had only 200 to 300 at the start.

[@FuentesPaolo]

If it wasn't for the Blackjacks, Backfires and Fencers you don't need the the Tomcat. But they're still there lurking waiting for the perfect time to strike and there's nothing this Bug's short legs can do.

[@chiken6559]

Except Russia has no way of launching invasion on USA if it's not all-out nuclear war, and even F-14 would be useless against ICBMs

[@knightlife98]

I'd worry quite a bit, if I knew I was going to have to face a Super Hornet, as my opposition! With all the changes, it might as well, be a completely new Aircraft!

[@PilotPhotog]

Scott Crabtree agree 💯

[@airprok8328]

It is, especially the Block 111. It’s a 5 gen equalizer in a 4 gen platform.

[@goodputin4324]

Boeing should have called it the F-19 Wasp or some other insect

[@PilotPhotog]

Good Point, it really is a different airplane

[@goodputin4324]

@@PilotPhotog yup I know... it's not like the Viper or the Eagle where it just gets upgraded in blocks.

[@alski200]

That's actually pretty dope

[@rangganuganu3115]

The most famous US Navy fighter jet

[@glenndwyer5786]

America makes beutiful jets.Also very intimidating

[@funkytownjedi]

😎🔥🔥

[@sarcasmo57]

Wait till you see the super dooper hornet.

[@erichvonmanstein6876]

Rather folding wingtips than folding wings

[@larrysweetser4198]

YF-17 Enough Said!

[@PilotPhotog]

Another awesome Northrup design

[@miltonzhang947]

But the navy aren't going to buy the enclosed weapon door.