McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet Aircraft Data
Photo ID 209784 by David F. Brown. USA Navy McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 162885
(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

Power:

2x General Electric F404-400 afterburning turbofans at 79.2 kN

Weapons:

1 x 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon (570 rds)
2 x AIM-7 Sparrow, 2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder
CVR7 Rockets
GBU-10/12/24/51 Paveway LGB's, GBU-15 EOGB's, Mk 82/83/84 General Purpose Bombs

Dimensions:

Length: 17.1 m.
Wing Span: 12.3 m.
Wing Area: 37.16 m²
Height: 4.66 m.
Empty Weight: 11,200 kg.
Max. Weight: 23,400 kg.
Max. Ordnance Load: 7,030 kg.
Max. Payload: 7,030 kg.
Internal Fuel: 4,925 kg.

Performance:

Max. Speed: 1,915 kph
Service Ceiling: 15,000 m.
Normal Range: 1,480 km
Max. Range: 3,335 km

Operators:

Australia (RAAF, 81), Canada (CAF, 103), Spain (Ejercito del Aire, 94), United States (Navy/Marine Corps/NASA, 651)

Random great photos of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18B Hornet:

Photo ID 182895 by Peter Boschert. USA Navy McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 162864
Photo ID 63892 by Jason Grant. USA Navy McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 162402
Photo ID 224160 by Brandon Thetford. USA Marines McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 163115
Photo ID 175394 by Peter Boschert. USA Marines McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 162419
Photo ID 220994 by Mark Munzel. USA Navy McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 161707
Photo ID 214947 by Paul Varner. USA Marines McDonnell Douglas F A 18B Hornet, 163115
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