How to Identify the F/A-18 Hornet

The McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 serves a dual role for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The nimble workhorse can protect the fleet in air-to-air combat or carry munitions to support ground forces.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Film
• Cameras
• Cameras
• Binoculars
• Binoculars
• Computers
• Camcorders
• Videocassettes
• Digital Cameras
• Camera Lenses
• SLR Camera
• Camera Accessories
• Camera Tripod
• Aircraft Band Scanner
• Air & Space Subscriptions
• Aviation Illustrated Magazine
• Flying Magazines
• Telescopes
• Aviation History Subscription
• Pioneers Of Aviation Videos
• Polaroid Cameras
• Polaroid Film
• Desert Storm: Original Air Footage Videos

1. Look for a relatively small jet aircraft. The Hornet is just over 56 feet long and has a wingspan of 40 feet.
2. Note that the nose is long and seems to arc downward slightly.
3. Remember the Hornet's wings are unique. The wings extend from the fuselage at a 90-degree angle at their rear, but their leading edges are swept sharply backward.
4. Note also the long, narrow, tapering extension of the wing from its forward edge to the front of the cockpit area.
5. Note that the cockpit is the familiar Plexiglas bubble, allowing the best visibility for the Hornet's pilot.
6. Remember that because the F/A-18D model Hornet carries two crew members, its cockpit is significantly longer than other military aircraft.
7. Remember also that the Hornet seems to sit atop its engines, like many other modern jet fighters.
8. Note how the engines, with their afterburner assembly, extend well beyond the vertical stabilizers. The Hornet has twin vertical stabilizers.
9. Check the position of the two vertical stabilizers. They seem to be mounted between the wing and the horizontal stabilizer.
10. Note also that the two vertical stabilizers angle outward. They are not perpendicular to the fuselage.
11. Look closely at the vertical stabilizers. Note several ribs near the top.
12. Check to see how the horizontal stabilizers are swept back like the leading edges of the wings.
13. Note the hard points beneath the wings for mounting weapons and service pods. The Hornet can carry over 6 tons of ordnance to a combat radius of 500 miles.

Tips & Warnings

• Millions of people worldwide catch a glimpse of the Hornet in aerobatic action when they view a U.S. Navy Blue Angels' exhibition.
• The Hornet played a vital part in Operation Desert Storm and has been used in peacekeeping efforts in the former Yugoslavia.
• The F/A-18 also serves in the defense forces of Canada, Australia, Spain, Kuwait, Finland, Switzerland and Malaysia.
• A Hornet's updated jet engines deliver 36,000 pounds of thrust each and can power the F/A-18 to Mach 1.8 and altitudes higher than 50,000 feet.
• The McDonnell-Douglas Company has produced a Super Hornet - the F/A-18 E and F models. You can easily differentiate the two Hornets because the Super Hornet has square engine inlets.
• Remember that Hornets are military aircraft. Expect them to be surrounded by tight security.