F 18 Super Hornet Fighter is a very successful military carrier aircraft. Its most prominent feature is balance, which can also be called universality. To put it simply: fighting can be done, and so can over-the-horizon air combat. Strong ability to land and sea, not far from the range. Moreover, the engine is fuel-efficient, the radar is extremely advanced, but not the most advanced, and the control system is not the best, but it is also better.
Most importantly, the types of weapons mounted cover almost all airborne weapons in the United States, making this aircraft capable of any task. You can take your hand out at any time.
Extended data
The latest F/A- 18I "Silent Bumblebee";
Advanced Super Hornet. The basic structure remains the Super Hornet International Fighter based on F/A- 18E/F, which Boeing called F/A- 18I or "Silent Hornet" when bidding for the MMRCA multi-role fighter plan in India.
The main improvements are as follows: two conformal fuel tanks with a total capacity of 1590 kg are installed on the back of the aircraft to increase the range; Replace F4 14 booster engine to increase air firepower and speed; The rear of the aircraft is equipped with spherical missiles and laser defense early warning system to increase protection;
The fuselage is coated with invisible paint, and the capsule weapon cabin with invisible design can be installed on the midline and wing to increase stealth ability;
The lower part of the nose is equipped with the same multifunctional infrared aiming and tracking system as the F-35; Replacing the new generation cockpit and helmet display system makes it easier to attack and control.
F/A- 18 "Advanced Super Hornet" jointly developed by Boeing Company and Nogo Company. After a three-week flight test, it is proved that the "Super Hornet" is more difficult to be detected by radar after improvement, and a larger combat radius has been obtained. F/A- 18I started on August 5, 20 13, with 2 flights/time. The team tested the conformal fuel tank, closed the weapon bay and improved the radar signal characteristics.
These equipment can be used to renovate existing aircraft or produce new aircraft at affordable cost. By using stealth measures including closed pods, the stealth index of this model is 50% higher than that of the navy's "Super Hornet" version.
The test also proves that the operational range of the aircraft is increased by 24 1km after the conformal fuel tank is adopted, and the total range has exceeded 3500km. Mike wallace, the test pilot of the project, said that by adding airborne equipment, stealth and low-drag design will improve the combat capability and survivability of the aircraft, which can take off and land on the aircraft carrier.
Baidu Encyclopedia -F 18 Combat Attack Aircraft