The F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet are both multirole fighter aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) for the United States Navy. Here are the key differences between the two:
Size: The Super Hornet is larger than the original Hornet. It has a longer fuselage and larger wings, resulting in increased payload capacity and fuel capacity.
Engine: The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414 engines, providing more thrust compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's General Electric F404 engines. This gives the Super Hornet improved performance, including better acceleration and higher maximum speed.
Avionics and Systems: The Super Hornet features more advanced avionics and electronic systems compared to the Hornet. It includes upgraded radar systems, enhanced displays, and improved mission systems, enabling advanced situational awareness and capability for modern warfare scenarios.
Payload and Range: The Super Hornet has a higher payload capacity and longer range compared to the Hornet. It can carry a larger assortment of weapons and fuel, allowing for extended missions and greater flexibility in mission profiles.
The one-seater and two-seater variants exist for both the Hornet and Super Hornet models. The two-seater variants are designed for training purposes, allowing for a student pilot or weapons systems officer to be seated alongside an instructor pilot. The two-seater configuration enables real-time instruction, monitoring, and evaluation during training missions.
In terms of which is better, it depends on the specific mission requirements and objectives. The Super Hornet is generally considered more advanced and capable due to its larger size, increased payload, improved avionics, and greater range. However, the Hornet remains in service and is still an effective and reliable platform for various missions.
It's important to note that the operational effectiveness of an aircraft is determined by a combination of factors, including training, tactics, maintenance, and overall mission strategy. The decision to utilize one aircraft over the other will depend on a range of factors specific to the operational needs and budget considerations of the user.