![]() The intent behind the streamlining of these screens isn’t to reduce the data available to pilots, but rather, to help manage it more effectively. “The advanced cockpit system (ACS) takes the legacy displays of the Block II and puts them all into one big touchscreen piece of glass that’s almost like an iPad interface for the pilot,” Jennifer Tebo, Boeing director of development for F/A-18 and EA-18G programs, explained. The Super Hornet cockpit has undergone a serious overhaul for Block III, incorporating a single touchscreen design in place of a litany of gauges and readouts. The Block III Hornet is flying straight into the 21st centuryĬockpit Block II Super Hornet cockpit (Left), Block III Super Hornet cockpit (Right) The legacy Hornet was still a capable fighter, however, and Marine Hornets remained aboard America’s flattops all the way until February of this year. In order to support this improved air-to-air capability, additional weapons stations for weapons like the AIM-120 were added, alongside improved radar warning receivers, a ALQ-214 jammer, and more chaff and flares than the Hornet could manage. ![]() Other avionics tucked inside the fuselage were upgraded, including onboard radar (the Super Hornet was equipped with a APG-79 radar system that could keep track of more enemy aircraft and spot them from much further distances). ![]() Those displays and others throughout the cockpit also went to full color, instead of the previous monochrome. The old physical keyboard was swapped out in favor of a touchscreen display, as well as the addition of an Engine Fuel Display (EFD) and Reference Standby Display (RSD). The changes inside the cockpit were dramatic too. Those changes granted the Super Hornet 33% more internal fuel storage and 15,000 more pounds in maximum weight, allowing for a 41% increase in operational range. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chase Hawley/Released) In truth, this new Super Hornet was a largely new aircraft that simply carried over the F/A-18 designation, in part, to convince Congress that the program was a cost-effective derivative effort, rather than a pricey clean-sheet design.į/A-18 Hornet (top) and F/A-18 Super Hornet (bottom) (U.S. Navy was ready to double down on the Hornet, but in order to keep up with the changing times, the aircraft needed a significant facelift. Indeed, it’s F/A prefix is indicative of this multi-role skillset, with F standing for Fighter and A standing for Attack.īy 1992, the U.S. The Hornet’s broad capability set and impressive performance made it a standout platform for both the Navy and Marine Corps, thanks in no small part to its multi-role focus. ![]() The Hornet design was intended to serve as a replacement for a variety of carrier aircraft, including the A-4 Skyhawk and F-4 Phantom IIs, while complimenting the dogfighting dynamo of the era, the famed F-14 Tomcat. Originally designed and built by McDonnell Douglas, the first F/A-18 Hornet took to the skies in 1978 and made its way into service as the U.S. Related: THE NAVY’S PLAN TO REPLACE THE SUPER HORNET BY THE 2030S From Hornet to Super Hornet Two of these test jets will head to the where they’ll help pilots familiarize themselves with the updated jets and be used in carrier flight tests. The first #FA18 Block III #SuperHornet test jet has rolled out of final assembly.
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