(F/A-18B): Two-seat, multirole fighter and conversion trainer.
The 'B-model' F/A-18 is the two-place variant, originally designated TF-18A. Every U.S. 'teen series' fighter has a two-seat variant. Aside from small reduction in internal fuel, The F/A-18B retains the A-model's APG-65 RADAR and is fully combat-capable. Every operator of the single seat F/A-18A has some examples of the F/A-18B in service. With the predominance of the E/F-model F/A-18's in U.S. Navy service, the earlier versions of the Hornet are called "Legacy Hornets".
The F/A-18A/B's are being replaced by the F/A-18D and F/A-18F "Super Hornet" in U.S. Navy service. The U.S. Marine Corps has replaced all but a few examples with the F/A-18C/D. The last F/A-18D was delivered to the USMC in 2000. Spain is set to replace their fleet of F/A-18A/B's with the Eurofighter Typhoon, Australia and Canada with the Joint Strike Fighter.
- Country of Origin:
United States
- First Flight:
18 Nov 1978
- Initial Service Date:
1/7/83
- No. Built:
1,480
- No. In Service:
0 (approx.)
- No. of Hardpoints:
9
- Crew:
2
Operators:
Australia (RAAF, 81), Canada (CAF, 103), Spain (Ejercito del Aire, 94), United States (Navy/Marine Corps/NASA, 651)