7 Reasons the Super Hornet Remains a Key U.S. Navy Fighter

The F/A-18 Hornet and its Super Hornet successor have been the U.S. Navy’s go-to fighters for nearly 40 years. But with Boeing announcing the end of Super Hornet production by 2025, this era is closing fast. Yet, the Hornet’s legacy is far from over—thanks to cutting-edge Block III upgrades that ensure its dominance into the future.

From improved radar and enhanced stealth features to a massive boost in computing power, these 7 upgrades reveal why the Super Hornet remains an unmatched force in naval aviation.

1. Birth of the Hornet: F/A-18A/B

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The F/A-18 Hornet completed its first flight in 1978 and entered operational service with the Marine Corps in 1983 and the U.S. Navy in 1984. This multirole fighter was designed to replace both the F-4 Phantom and the A-7 Corsair, combining the roles of fighter and attack aircraft into a single platform.

The Hornet quickly proved its worth, demonstrating versatility and effectiveness during Operation Desert Storm. In this conflict, F/A-18s showcased their ability to shoot down enemy fighters and bomb ground targets within the same mission, cementing their reputation as lethal strike fighters.

2. Improved Capabilities: F/A-18C/D

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Building on the success of the original Hornet, the C and D variants introduced enhanced avionics and weapons systems. These upgrades allowed the aircraft to carry more advanced munitions and improved its overall combat effectiveness.

The F/A-18C/D models continued to serve as the workhorse of Marine Corps tactical aviation, supporting operational deployments around the globe.

Their robust design and survivability were demonstrated when Hornets took direct hits from surface-to-air missiles, yet were able to recover successfully, undergo quick repairs, and fly again the next day.

3. Super Hornet Takes Flight: F/A-18E/F

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In 1995, McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) rolled out the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a significantly larger and more capable version of the original Hornet. The Super Hornet is approximately 20% larger and weighs nearly 7,000 lbs more than its predecessor, offering increased range and payload capacity.

The first operational cruise of the Super Hornet took place in July 2002 aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. Just a few months later, in November 2002, Super Hornets saw their first combat action, participating in strikes on hostile targets in the “no-fly” zone in Iraq.

4. Block II Enhancements

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Image Credit: U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Jonathan Chandler, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The Block II Super Hornet, introduced in 2005, incorporated several significant upgrades. These included an improved active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, larger displays, and the joint helmet-mounted cueing system.

One of the most notable additions to the Block II was the AN/APG-79 AESA radar. This advanced system provided enhanced detection and tracking capabilities, allowing the Super Hornet to identify and engage targets more effectively than ever before.

5. Conformal Fuel Tanks

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As part of ongoing efforts to extend the Super Hornet’s range, Boeing developed conformal fuel tanks for the aircraft.

The addition of conformal fuel tanks is particularly crucial for operations in contested regions like the South China Sea. With the increased fuel capacity, it allowed U.S. carriers to operate beyond the range of China’s land-based hypersonic anti-ship missiles, enhancing both the aircraft’s and the carrier’s survivability.

6. Advanced Cockpit Systems

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The latest Block III Super Hornets (ref) feature a significantly upgraded cockpit. A large 10×19-inch customizable touchscreen display replaces the previous array of smaller screens, providing pilots with improved situational awareness and easier access to critical information.

This new cockpit layout is complemented by the Advanced Cockpit System, which integrates cutting-edge technologies that allow pilots to access vast amounts of data in real-time. 

7. Enhanced Computing Power

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At the heart of the Block III Super Hornet’s upgrades is a massive increase in computing power. The new Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N) mission computer offers more than 17 times the processing power of its predecessor.

The open architecture of the DTP-N means that future software updates can be implemented without requiring hardware changes, ensuring the aircraft can adapt to evolving threats.

8. Stealth & Survivability Improvements

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While not a full stealth aircraft like the F-35, the Block III Super Hornet incorporates several features to reduce its radar cross-section. These classified enhancements make the aircraft harder to detect and track, improving its survivability in contested airspace.

The Block III upgrades also extend the Super Hornet’s service life from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. This 66% increase in lifespan ensures that these advanced fighters will continue to serve as the backbone of the U.S. Navy’s carrier air wings for decades to come.

Source:
1. Reuters

Nancy Maffia » nancy
Nancy Maffia
Author & Editor | + posts

Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.