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Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

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The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a carrier-based fighter/attack aircraft that entered service in 1999 with the United States Navy. The fighter has recently been ordered by the Royal Australian Air Force. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a larger and more advanced development of the F/A-18C/D Hornet.

Development

The Super Hornet is a larger and more advanced variant on the F/A-18C/D Hornet. The Super Hornet was ordered from McDonnell Douglas by the U.S. Navy in 1992, first flew in November 1995, made its first carrier landing in 1997 and entered service in 1999. Current versions include the F/A-18E single-seater and F/A-18F two-seater.

Despite the same general layout and systems, there are many differences from the original F/A-18 Hornet. The Super Hornet is informally referred to as the "Rhino" to distinguish it from earlier model "legacy" Hornets. The "Rhino" reference is important for safe aircraft carrier flight operations. For example; so that the dampening mechanisms anchoring the arrestor cables are set correctly for the higher landing weight of a Super Hornet.

Four F/A-18Fs assigned to the "Black Aces" of Strike Fighter Squadron Forty One (VFA-41) fly over the western Pacific in a stack formation in 2003. Note AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR pods on the first and third aircraft in the formation.

The early 1990s brought a number of problems for US naval aviation. The A-12 Avenger II program, intended to replace the obsolete A-6 Intruders and A-7 Corsair IIs, had run into serious problems and was canceled. The Gulf War revealed that the US Navy's strike capability lagged behind that of the US Air Force in certain respects. With no clean-sheet program likely to produce results before about 2020, updating an existing design became an attractive approach. As an alternative to the A-12, McDonnell Douglas proposed the "Super Hornet" (or, initially, "Hornet II"), originally put forward in the 1980s to improve early F/A-18 models,[1] and serve as an alternate replacement for the A-6 Intruder which had a greater range / payload than the A-7 Corsair that the original Hornet was designed to replace.

At the same time, the Navy needed a fleet defense fighter to replace the canceled NATF, which was a proposed navalized variant of the F-22 Raptor. The Navy would also direct that this plane replace the aging F-14D Tomcat, essentially basing all naval combat jets on Hornet variants until the introduction of the F-35C Lightning II.[2] The Navy retained the F/A-18 designation to sell the program to Congress as a low-risk "derivative", though the Super Hornet is essentially a new aircraft with little more than an aerodynamic resemblance to previous Hornets.[3]

Initial production on the F/A-18E/F began in 1995. Flight testing started in 1996 and ending with sea trials and aerial refueling demonstrations in 1999. Testing involved 3,100 test flights covering 4,600 flight hours.[1] Low-rate production began in March 1997[4] with full production beginning in September 1997.[5] The Super Hornet passed U.S. Navy operational tests and evaluations in February 2000.[6]

The U.S. Navy's F-14 squadrons have converted to the Super Hornet, which is also taking on the missions of the retired A-6 Intruder, S-3 Viking, and KA-6D. An electronic warfare variant, the EA-18G Growler, will replace the aging EA-6B Prowler. The Navy calls this reduction in aircraft types a "neck-down". In the Vietnam War, the Super Hornet type missions were covered by no less than the A-1/A-4/A-7 (light attack), A-6 (medium attack), F-8/F-4 (fighter), RA-5C (recon), KA-3/KA-6 (tanker) and EA-6 (electronic warfare). It is anticipated that $1 billion in fleet wide annual savings will result from replacing other types with the Super Hornet.[7] Only the turboprop and rotor-wing aircraft roles will not be covered by the Hornet.

On May 17, 2007, it was reported that engineers had uncovered a flaw in the Super Hornet's under wing pylons, which could reduce the aircraft's service life unless repaired. The problem has been corrected on new planes and existing planes will be repaired starting on 2009.[8]

Design

File:DSCF0399 A.jpg
F/A-18F at RIAT 2004.

The design of the Super Hornet may have gone through a more extensive evolution than any other combat aircraft. The F-5 Freedom Fighter donated its basic wing platform, enlarged wing root extensions, and nose as the starting point for the Northrop YF-17 Cobra lightweight fighter.[9] The YF-17 was then sized up to produce the middle-weight F/A-18 multi-role fighter, which roughly matched the Phantom in range/payload and missile armament. The Super Hornet is about 20% larger, 7,000 lb heavier empty, and 15,000 lb heavier at maximum weight than the original Hornet. Although the original YF-17 was about the same weight as the small F-5, the Super Hornet carries 33% more internal fuel, increasing mission range by 41% and endurance by 50% over the "Legacy" Hornet. The empty weight of the Super Hornet is about 11,000 lb less than that of the F-14 Tomcat that it replaced.

Airframe changes

Angular vs oval air intakes.

The wing, center and aft fuselage, tail surfaces and power plants are entirely new. The wing area of the Super Hornet is 25% larger. The fuselage was stretched to carry more fuel and room for future avionics upgrades. An engine with 35% more power, the General Electric F414, was developed from the Hornet's F404 to power this larger, heavier aircraft. The aircraft can carry five 440 US gallon (1,700 liter) external fuel tanks for long-distance ferry flights or four tanks plus an Aerial Refueling Store (ARS), or "buddy store", which allows the Super Hornet to refuel other aircraft. The Super Hornet can return to an aircraft carrier with a larger load of unspent fuel and munitions than the original Hornet. The term for this ability is known as "bringback". Bringback for the Super Hornet is in excess of 9,000 pounds.[10]

Other differences include angular intakes for the engines, a smaller radar cross section (RCS),[11] two extra wing hardpoints for payload, and other aerodynamic changes. In the end, the Super Hornet shared little with earlier F/A-18s aft of the forward fuselage. The Super Hornet has 42% fewer structural parts than the original Hornet design.[12] Flight characteristics include being highly departure resistant through its flight envelope, high angle-of-attack and care free flying qualities for combat and ease of training.[13]

Avionics

While there are some similar cockpit items of the original Hornet, the Super Hornet features a touch-sensitive, up-front control display; a larger, liquid crystal multipurpose color display; and a new engine fuel display.[14] The Super Hornet has a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system,[15] as well as a digital flight-control system that detects and corrects for battle damage.[13] Super Hornet production started with the APG-73 radar. The APG-79 AESA radar was introduced later (see the upgrade section below).

The AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR (Advanced Targeting Forward Looking InfraRed), is the main electro-optical sensor and laser designator pod for the Super Hornet. Defensive systems are coordinated through the Integrated Defensive Countermeasures system (IDECM). The IDECM system includes the ALE-47 countermeasures dispenser, the ALE-50 towed decoy, the AN/ALR-67(V)3 radar warning receiver, and the ALQ-165 Airborne Self-Protect Jammer (ASPJ). Aircrew have the ability to use night vision goggles (NVG) for Super Hornet operations which means the aircraft interior and exterior lighting are NVG compatible.

F/A-18F at Paris Air Show 2007.

Tanker role

The Super Hornet, unlike the previous Hornet, can be equipped with an aerial refueling system (ARS) for the refueling of other aircraft,[16] filling the tactical airborne tanker role the Navy had lost with the retirement of the KA-6D tankers. The ARS includes an external 330 gallon tank with hose reel on the centerline along with four external 480 gallon tanks and internal tanks for a total of 29,000 pounds of fuel on the aircraft.[16]

The Super Hornet has a similar fuel payload capacity to the Tomcat, and is capable of flying the same high performance profiles as other strike aircraft. Critics such as Bob Kress, designer of the F-14 Tomcat, point out that the wing, however, is not as efficient as the subsonic KA-6, and that both Hornets and Super Hornets will be more dependent on in-flight refueling than the longer range but retired Tomcat.

Upgrades

The APG-79 radar: New build aircraft will receive the APG-79. Earlier production Super Hornets will have their APG-73 replaced with the APG-79.[17] The new APG-79 AESA offers several advantages for the Super Hornet. The new radar gives the aircrew the ability to execute simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground attacks. The APG-79 also provides higher quality high-resolution ground mapping at long standoff ranges.[18] The AESA radar also offers the ability to detect smaller targets, such as inbound missiles.[19]

VFA-213 became "safe for flight" (independently fly and maintain the F/A-18F) on October 27, 2006 and is the first Super Hornet squadron to fly AESA-equipped Super Hornets.[20] AN/ALE-55 Fiber-Optic Towed Decoy will replace the ALE-50.[21]

The improved AN/ALQ-214 jammer was added on Super Hornet Block II.[22]

The first Super Hornet upgraded with an aft cockpit Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) was delivered to VFA-213 squadron on May 18, 2007. VFA-213 is the first squadron to receive the Dual-Cockpit Cueing System for both pilot and Weapon systems officer.[23] The JHMCS provides multi-purpose aircrew situational awareness including high-off-bore-sight cueing of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile. Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP) is a high-resolution, digital tactical air reconnaissance system that features advanced day/night and all-weather capability.[24]

In the future, air-to-air target detection using Infrared Search and Track (IRST) in the form of a passive, long range sensor that detects long wave IR emissions will be an option with a unique solution. This new device will be a sensor built into the front of a centerline external fuel tank. Operational capability of this device is expected in 2013.[25]

Missions performed

File:F-18 F Super Hornet 03.jpg
F/A-18F landing.
  • Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
  • Anti-air warfare
  • Fighter escort
  • Close air support
  • Suppression of enemy air defense
  • Maritime strike
  • Reconnaissance
  • Forward Air Control (Airborne) (FAC(A))
  • Air-to-Air Refueling
  • Leaflet drops with Payload Delivery Unit 5 (PDU-5) containers[26]

Operational history

United States Navy

Super Hornet parked on the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower, as the ship operates in the Arabian Sea, December 2006.

The first unit to bring their F/A-18 Super Hornets to combat was VFA-115. On November 6, 2002, two F/A-18Es conducted a "Response Option" strike in support of Operation Southern Watch on two surface-to-air missile launchers at Al Kut and an air defense command and control bunker at Tallil air base. One of the pilots, Lieutenant John Turner, dropped 2,000 lb JDAM bombs for the first time from the F/A-18E in wartime.

In Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, VFA-14, VFA-41 and VFA-115 flew Close Air Support, strike, escort SEAD and aerial refueling. Two F/A-18Es from VFA-14 and two F/A-18Fs from VFA-41 were forward deployed to the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). The VFA-14 jets flew mostly as aerial refuelers and the VFA-41 jets as Forward Air Controllers.

On September 8, 2006, VFA-211 F/A-18F Super Hornet expended GBU-12 and GBU-38 bombs against Taliban fighters and Taliban fortifications west and northwest of Kandahar. This was the first time the unit was in combat with the Super Hornet.[27]

Royal Australian Air Force

On May 3, 2007 the Australian Government signed a contract to acquire 24 F/A-18Fs for the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), at a cost of A$2.9 billion, as an interim replacement for the aging F-111s.[28] The total cost with training and support over 10 years is A$6 billion (US$4.6 billion).[29] The Super Hornet order has resulted from concern that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) will not be operational by the time the F-111s are retired. RAAF pilots and air combat officers will begin training in the USA in 2009, with No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron planned to become fully operational with the F/A-18F in 2010.

The order has proved to be controversial, with the critics including some retired senior RAAF officers. Air Vice Marshal (ret.) Peter Criss, a former Air Commander Australia, said he was "absolutely astounded" that the Australian government would spend $6 billion on an interim aircraft.[30] Criss has also cited evidence given before the US Senate Armed Services Committee that the F/A-18F is inferior to the MiG-29 and Su-30,[31] which are already operated, or have been ordered, by air forces in South East Asia. Air Commodore (ret.) Ted Bushell stated that the F/A-18F could not perform the role that the Australian government had given it, and the F-111 airframe design would remain suitable for the strategic deterrent/strike role until at least 2020.[30] Some critics have claimed that the decision to buy the F/A-18F merely serves to ease the sale of additional Super Hornets to Australia, should the F-35 program "encounter more problems".[32]

The initial package offered to the RAAF will include:[33]

Variants

EA-18G

Main article: EA-18 Growler

The EA-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, slated to begin production in 2008, with fleet deployment in 2009. The EA-18G will replace the U.S. Navy's EA-6B Prowler.

Operators

A VFA-11 F/A-18F Super Hornet performing evasive maneuvers during an air power demonstration.
 Australia
 United States
  • United States Navy
    • Pacific Fleet
      • VFA-2 "Bounty Hunters" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-14 "Tophatters" (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-22 "Fighting Redcocks" (currently on deployment with a mixed squadron of F/A-18Es and F/A-18Fs)[34]
      • VFA-27 "Royal Maces" (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-41 "Black Aces" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-102 "Diamondbacks" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-115 "Eagles" (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-122 "Flying Eagles" (Fleet Replacement Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F)[1]
      • VFA-137 "Kestrels (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-146 "Blue Diamonds" (will transition to the F/A-18E in 2008)
      • VFA-154 "Black Knights" (F/A-18F)
    • Atlantic Fleet
      • VFA-11 "Red Rippers" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-31 "Tomcatters" (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-32 "Swordsmen" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-86 "Sidewinders" (will transition to the F/A-18E in 2007)
      • VFA-103 "Jolly Rogers" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-105 "Gunslingers" (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-106 "Gladiators" (Fleet Replacement Squadron, operates F/A-18A/B/C/D/E/F)
      • VFA-136 "Knighthawks" (will transition F/A-18E in 2008)
      • VFA-143 "Pukin' Dogs" (F/A-18E)
      • VFA-211 "Fighting Checkmates" (F/A-18F)
      • VFA-213 "Black Lions" (F/A-18F)
    • Test and Evaluation Squadrons
      • VX-9 Vampires (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
      • VX-23 Salty Dogs (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)
      • VX-31 Dust Devils (Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, operates F/A-18E/F and other aircraft)

Each squadron has a standard unit establishment of 12 aircraft. As of early 2007, F/A-18E transition is still in progress. Some changes in the transition plan are possible, especially when bearing in mind the fact that F-35C Lightning II production might be delayed, and some proposals to add F/A-18E/F orders for US Navy have been floated.[35]

Specifications

Data from Aerospaceweb[2]

General characteristics

  • Crew: F/A-18E (1), F/A-18F (2)
  • Internal fuel capacity: F-18E: 14,400 lb (6,530 kg), F-18F: 13,550 lb (6,145 kg)
  • External fuel capacity: 5× 480 gal tanks, totaling 16,380 lb (7,430 kg)

Performance Armament

References

  1. ^ a b F/A-18E/F Super Hornet program mile stones
  2. ^ Young, J., Anderson, R., Yurkovich, R., AIAA-98-4701, "A Description of the F/A-18E/F Design and Design Process", 7th AIAA/USAF/NASA/ISSMO Symposium on Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization, St. Louis, Missouri, 2-4 September 1998. (F-18E intended to replace A-6 and F-14D)
  3. ^ Jenkins, Dennis R. (2000). F/A-18 Hornet: A Navy Success Story. New York: McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-134696-1.
  4. ^ F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Approved For Low-Rate Production
  5. ^ F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Enters Production
  6. ^ DoD Special Briefing on "Super Hornet" Operation Evaluation Results
  7. ^ "The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet: Tomorrow's Air Power Today" (PPT). National Defense Industrial Association. Retrieved 2006-12-12.
  8. ^ Cavas, Christopher P. (2007-05-18). "Navy, Boeing downplay alleged F/A-18 problems". Navy Times.
  9. ^ Aviation Week article on YF-17 design, 1974
  10. ^ Navy League,June 2002, Ready On Arrival: Super Hornet Joins The Fleet
  11. ^ Donald, David (2004). Warplanes of the Fleet. AIRtime Publishing Inc. ISBN 1-880588-81-1. {{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ F/A-18E/F Super Hornet - maritime strike attack aircraft
  13. ^ a b F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Boeing page
  14. ^ FAS.org F/A-18 page
  15. ^ "The Encyclopedia of Modern Aircraft", p. 166
  16. ^ a b "Boeing Super Hornet Demonstrates Aerial Refueling Capability" Boeing Global Strike Systems, April 14, 1999
  17. ^ Boeing Frontiers: F/A-18E/F Block II upgrades add to Super Hornet's potent arsenal (June 2005)
  18. ^ Defense Industry Daily: New APG-79 AESA Radars for Super Hornets (April 26, 2005)
  19. ^ "New U.S. Navy Radar Detects Cruise Missiles". Aviation Week and Space Technology. Apr. 30, 2007. {{cite news}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ Boeing F/A-18E/F Block 2 Super Hornets Flying at Naval Air Station Oceana
  21. ^ Globalsecurity.org AN/ALE-55 Fiber Optic Towed Decoy
  22. ^ Navy Details New Super Hornet Capabilities, Aviation Week and Space Technology, February 25, 2007
  23. ^ Boeing Dual-Cockpit Cueing System Introduced to U.S. Navy Squadron
  24. ^ Raytheon Awarded Navy Contract to Increase SHARP System Capability Oct 4,2006
  25. ^ Boeing Selects Supplier for Super Hornet Block II Infrared Search and Track Capability, July 02, 2007
  26. ^ U.S.N. photo of PDU-5 leaflet drop
  27. ^ Strikes Continue; ISAF Air Component Commander Visits Big E
  28. ^ Super Hornet Acquisition Contract Signed
  29. ^ Australia to Acquire 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets
  30. ^ a b Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), The 7.30 Report, "Nelson stands by fighter jet decision" (Transcript, broadcast March 15, 2007) Access date: April 13, 2007.
  31. ^ Peter Criss, "There is nothing super about this Hornet" (Sydney Morning Herald, March 15, 2007) Access date: May 9, 2007.
  32. ^ Richard Baker "The Hornet's nest" The Age, July 9, 2007
  33. ^ Reuters-Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency informs congress of possible foreign military sale February 6, 2007
  34. ^ Plane captain Aviation Machinist's Mate Airman Rodney Hunter, from Cleveland, Ohio, cleans the canopy and prepares an F/A-18F Super Hornet.
  35. ^ Boeing Offers Additional F/A-18 Sale to U.S. Navy, DefenseNews.com, April 16, 2007
  36. ^ F/A-18E/F Super Hornet Backgrounder (PDF file)

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