F/A-18F Super Hornet

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been designed to provide improved air-to-air and air-to-surface capability as well as greater survivability, range and weapons load. The new aircraft will be supplied to the US Navy for the replacement of the F-14 Tomcat and early production F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, while late production F/A-18C/D will be replaced by the F-35B aircraft. The Super Hornet features stealthy airframe and state-of-the-art electronic countermeasures for improved survivability. In addition, the Super Hornet could be able to deliver a wide range of standoff weapons developed and under development increasing its attack capability. The Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) and the AIM-9X missile will be the key of short range air-to-air engagements bringing the victory to the Super Hornet aircraft. The F/A-18E/F aircraft features two F414 engines, 2 additional weapon stations, an advanced multi-purpose targeting pod called ATFLIR, the AN/APG-79 AESA radar (the APG-73 for early production models), compatibility with advanced weapons, and the advanced AN/ALQ-214 electronic countermeasures system. The F/A-18F Super Hornet is the carrier-based two seat variant. The F model can be employed for reconnaissance missions through the SHARP pod. In June 2005 the US Navy reported that the F/A-18E/F program including 462 aircraft total cost was $43.9 billion. In early 2010 the program scope increased from 493 to 515 aircraft at $48 billion. As of September 2010, the program's scope was for 533 aircraft through 2015. As of early 2014s, the Super Hornet program is aimed at approximately 600 aircraft by 2016/2017 when production may end.

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