Manufacturer: Boeing
First flight: November 1978
Operational: - October 1983 (A/B models); September 1987 (C/D models)

Classification: Multi-Mission Fighter/Attack Aircraft

SPECIFICATIONS: F/A-18 Hornet
Length: 56 ft (17.1 m)
Height: 15.3 ft (4.7 m)
Wing Span: 40.4 ft (12.3 m)

Propulsion: Enhanced Performance Engine (EPE): Two F404-GE-402 engines, each in the 18,000 pound / 8,164 kg thrust class. Combat thrust-to-weight ratio greater than one-to-one

Combat Radius: 500+ nm (900+ km)
Combat Range: 1,089 nautical miles (1252.4 miles/2,003 km)
Ferry Range: 1,546 nautical miles (1777.9 miles/2,844 km)
Combat Ceiling: Approximately 50,000 ft (15,250 m)

Top Speed
Mach 1.7+ (Mach 1+ at intermediate power)

Armament: Up to 13,700 pounds (6,227 kg) external ordnance. Nine weapon stations; two wingtip stations for Sidewinders, two outboard wing stations for air-to-air or air-to-ground weapons, two inboard wing stations for fuel tanks, air-to-air or air-to-ground weapons, two nacelle fuselage stations for AMRAAMs, Sparrows or sensor pods, and one centreline station for fuel or air-to-ground weapons. M61A1 20-mm gun internally mounted in the nose.

Crew:
F/A-18 A, C and E models- One pilot
F/A-18 B, D and F models - Two: One pilot, One weapons and sensors officer (WSO)

Cost: $39.5 million
The E/F model $60 million

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