The twin-engine F/A-18 "Hornet", built by McDonnell Douglas, is a Multi-role attack and fighter aircraft.
In it's fighter mode, the F/A-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense; in it's attack
mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support. The F/A-18 was designed
to replace the Vought A-7 Corsair II and the McDonnell F-4 Phantom II in Navy service, and to augment the
more costly Grumman F-14 Tomcat. The F/A-18 demonstrated
it's capabilities and versatility during Operation Desert Storm,
shooting down enemy fighters and subsequently bombing enemy targets with the same aircraft on the
same mission.
The Navy's Blue Angels flight demonstration team converted from Douglas A-4F's to F/A-18A's
in 1986. The single seat F/A-18A's are early versions which
are no longer considered capable of carrier operation. The Hornet is still operated by the team today.
The Marine Corps has completely replaced it's fleet of A-6 Intruders and RF-4B Phantoms with
F/A-18D's.
Source and Links:
Navy Fact File
Joe Baugher's Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft
Aircraft Images by PHOTOVAULT
Chris' Aircraft Images
Jay's Aircraft Images
Fully assembled, Handcrafted Wooden Model Aircraft with Removable
Wood Desk Stand.
length: 8.5", wingspan: 6"
)
