McDonnell Douglas F-18 Super Hornet - Capacity and Fuel Consumption

Modern fighter jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet serve as a cornerstone in multirole military aviation. Developed to provide both air superiority and ground-attack capabilities, the Super Hornet offers an ideal combination of speed, power, and flexibility. In this blog, we will explore the F/A-18’s fuel capacity, engine performance, weapon systems, and operational history, all of which are critical aspects that define its role in the defense sector.

An Introduction to the F/A-18 Super Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable multirole combat aircraft used primarily by the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. It was initially introduced as a larger and more advanced derivative of the original F/A-18 Hornet to replace the aging F-14 Tomcat.

Key Design Features

• Multirole Flexibility: The aircraft is capable of executing both fighter and attack missions.
• Carrier Compatibility: The model features reinforced landing gear, a tail hook, and folding wings for naval operations.
• Stealth Improvements: The Super Hornet offers a reduced radar cross-section when compared to earlier models.

Engine Specifications and Performance

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines, each delivering 22,000 pounds of thrust. These engines provide the aircraft with the agility and speed needed for complex aerial operations.

Performance Highlights

The engines also incorporate advanced materials and design features to reduce maintenance needs while increasing operational lifespan.

Fuel Capacity and Consumption

Internal and External Fuel Capacity

• Internal Fuel Capacity: 4,467 gallons.
• External Fuel Tanks: Up to five external tanks can be mounted for added range.
• Aerial Refueling Capability: This aircraft is equipped with an external air refueling system for tanker roles.

Fuel Efficiency

• Fuel Economy: The aircraft has a fuel economy of approximately 0.4 nautical miles per gallon, with exact levels depending on mission profile and configuration.

The Super Hornet’s ability to carry external fuel tanks and act as an aerial refueling platform gives it extended mission endurance and logistical flexibility, which is particularly beneficial in carrier-based operations where in-air refueling may be an essential need.

Weapons and Avionics Systems

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is designed to be compatible with a wide variety of weapons, offering built-in adaptability for various mission types.

Armament

• Internal Cannon: The Super Hornet is equipped with a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan Rotary Cannon.
• External Hardpoints: 11 total external hardpoints are featured, those of which are compatible with air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions like the:
  • AIM-9 Sidewinder
  • AIM-120 AMRAAM
  • AGM-88 HARM
  • JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition)

Avionics Packages

Depending on the specific variant, the Super Hornet will feature one of two radar systems.

• The Hughes APG-73 Radar System
  • Common on earlier models
• The Raytheon AN/APG-79 AESA Radar System
  • Greater target detection range
  • Enhanced resistance to electronic jamming
  • Simultaneous air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting

McDonnell Douglas’ Role in the Development of the Super Hornet

McDonnell Douglas was a prominent American aerospace manufacturer during its operational days, first created by the 1967 merger of McDonnell Aircraft and Douglas Aircraft Company. The company was instrumental in the development of various commercial and military platforms, including:

• The DC-10 Wide-Body Airliner
• The F-15 Eagle Air Superiority Fighter
• The F-15E Strike Eagle Multirole Fighter

In 1997, McDonnell Douglas merged with Boeing, bringing its aircraft programs under the Boeing Defense, Space & Security umbrella. This led to Boeing releasing the Super Hornet, deriving the design from McDonnell Douglas’ F-14 Tomcat. Today, Boeing continues to produce and upgrade the Super Hornet platform, including the Block III variant with improved avionics and stealth features.

Operational History and Deployment

The F/A-18 Super Hornet first entered fleet service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the older F-14 Tomcat. It has since become the Navy’s primary strike fighter, even spreading in use across the globe.

International Use

• Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF): The RAAF currently operates 24 Super Hornets.
• Export Potential: As of the present, the model continues to attract interest from U.S. allies due to its proven combat performance and upgrade potential.

Current Standing

The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet remains a critical asset in the fleets of modern air forces, where its high thrust-to-weight ratio, extended range, aerial refueling capability, and multirole versatility make it a standout platform in today’s defense landscape. Its legacy is not only technical but strategic, aiding modern militaries maintain air dominance through superior design and adaptability.

ASAP Aerospace: Your Sourcing Solution for Super Hornet Parts

Here at ASAP Semiconductor, we are proud to offer customers access to a wide range of high-quality military aircraft components through our website, ASAP Aerospace, with options including parts for the F/A-18 Super Hornet. To ensure quality and reliability, every listing on our website is strictly sourced from leading manufacturers and suppliers. With a plethora of options available for purchase today and hands-on service provided by our staff, ASAP Aerospace reduces the complexity of sourcing and fulfillment. This ensures that customers can meet all needs on one website, so do not hesitate to get in touch.