Boeing-Mcdonnell Douglas Fa-18e/F Super Hornet

Twin Jet· 572 globally registered

The Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet is the two-seat strike fighter variant of the U.S. Navy's primary carrier-based multirole combat aircraft, representing a substantial evolution beyond the original Hornet family. Introduced in 1999 and entering fleet service in 2001, the Super Hornet features a 25-percent larger airframe, increased range, greater payload capacity, and significantly enhanced avionics compared to its C/D predecessors. The F model retains full combat capability in both seats, allowing the weapons system officer in back to manage sensors, targeting, and weapons employment while the pilot focuses on flying and tactics, a configuration that proves especially valuable in complex strike and electronic attack missions. Powered by two General Electric F414 turbofans producing 22,000 pounds of thrust each with afterburner, the Super Hornet can exceed Mach 1.8 and operate from carrier decks in all weather conditions. Its combat radius approaches 500 nautical miles on internal fuel, extendable significantly with external tanks and aerial refueling. The aircraft carries an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and can deploy a wide array of air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and anti-ship weapons across eleven hardpoints. Advanced systems include an AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar, sophisticated electronic warfare suite, and compatibility with the latest network-centric warfare systems that allow real-time data sharing across the carrier strike group. The Super Hornet has become the backbone of U.S. Navy carrier air wings, replacing the F-14 Tomcat in fleet defense and the A-6 Intruder's deep-strike role while complementing the newer F-35C Lightning II. Beyond American service, Australia operates the F model as its primary air superiority fighter from land bases, demonstrating the type's versatility beyond carrier operations. The aircraft has seen extensive combat in operations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, and Libya, proving its reliability and effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles. SkyMeter has tracked flights across airframes and operators, with distinct routes observed.