Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet

 

Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is a twin-engine, carrier-capable, multirole fighter jet designed and manufactured by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. It is a larger and more advanced version of the original F/A-18 Hornet and is used by the United States Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force. The Super Hornet is capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions and has a top speed of Mach 1.8. It entered service with the US Navy in 1999 and has been used in operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Range

The range of the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet varies depending on the specific mission and configuration of the aircraft. With a typical combat load, the Super Hornet has an unrefueled combat radius of around 500 nautical miles (925 km). This means it can fly to a target, perform its mission, and return to base without needing to refuel. With external fuel tanks and in-flight refueling, the range can be extended significantly. The Super Hornet can also fly at a maximum altitude of 50,000 ft.

Power

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, each providing a maximum thrust of 22,000 pounds-force (98 kN). These engines give the Super Hornet the power to reach high speeds, perform supersonic maneuvers, and carry a large payload of weapons. The engines also feature an afterburner, which increases thrust during high-performance maneuvers such as takeoffs and dogfighting. The Super Hornet also includes an advanced fly-by-wire flight control system that allows the aircraft to fly at the edge of its performance envelope, providing the pilot with exceptional control and maneuverability.

Speed

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet has a maximum speed of around Mach 1.8, or 1,190 mph (1,915 km/h) at high altitude. This makes it one of the fastest fighter jets in service today. The Super Hornet is also capable of supersonic flight, meaning it can fly faster than the speed of sound, which is approximately 767 mph (1,234 km/h) at sea level. However, the speed of the aircraft is dependent on many factors, such as altitude, payload, and the specific mission. The Super Hornet also has a high rate of climb, which allows it to quickly reach high altitudes and evade enemy fire.

Properties

Some of its properties are:

-It has a maximum speed of around Mach 1.8, or 1,190 mph (1,915 km/h)

-It has a combat radius of around 500 nautical miles (925 km)

-It is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, each providing a maximum thrust of 22,000 pounds-force (98 kN)

-It has an avionics suite that includes radar, electronic warfare, and communication systems

-It is equipped with a wide range of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and bombs

-It has a two-seat cockpit, with the pilot sitting in the front seat and the weapons systems officer sitting in the rear seat.

Fuel capacity 

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet has a fuel capacity of approximately 11,450 pounds (5,180 kg), which is stored in internal fuel tanks located in the fuselage and wings. This allows the aircraft to fly for extended periods of time without needing to refuel. The Super Hornet also has the capability to carry external fuel tanks, which can be attached to the wing pylons. These tanks increase the aircraft's fuel capacity and allow it to fly longer distances without needing to refuel. In addition, the Super Hornet can also refuel in-flight using a probe-and-drogue system, which allows it to take on fuel from a tanker aircraft while in flight. This further increases its range and endurance.

 

Blocks

The Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet is produced in different blocks. The blocks are used to identify the specific model of the aircraft, and each block has its own unique features and capabilities.

-Block I: This was the first version of the Super Hornet and entered service with the US Navy in 1999. It had a basic avionics suite, and its primary mission was air-to-air combat.

-Block II: This version of the Super Hornet was introduced in 2006 and had an upgraded avionics suite. It also had improved electronic warfare capabilities and a more advanced radar system.

-Block II+: This version of the Super Hornet was introduced in 2009 and it has an advanced infra-red search and track system, and improved electronic warfare systems.

-Block III: This version of the Super Hornet is currently in development. It will have an advanced radar system, increased stealth capabilities, and a more fuel-efficient engine.

Each block of the Super Hornet is designed to meet the evolving needs of the US Navy and other customers.

Cost price

The cost price of the Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet can vary depending on the specific configuration and the number of aircraft being purchased. However, as a rough estimate, the unit cost of a new Super Hornet in 2020 was around $70 million. This cost includes the aircraft itself, as well as associated equipment and support.

It's worth noting that the cost of the aircraft can also vary depending on the specific customer and the terms of the contract. Additionally, the cost of the aircraft can also change over time due to inflation, changes in the cost of materials and labor, and other factors.

It's also important to note that the lifetime cost of an aircraft includes not only the purchase price, but also the cost of operating, maintaining, and upgrading the aircraft over its service life, which can be several decades.