7nRflDatPyJrwKXQl5cANk0qfBak3Mh6SWYED4Dx

Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet | Attack aircraft

Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet
Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet
Militarymedia.net | Development of the two-seat version of the F/A-18A Hornet was carried out simultaneously with that of the single-seat. Two examples of the TF-18A, later renamed the F/A-18B, were featured in the original contract. Fundamentally similar to the single-seater, the F/A-18B has identical equipment and nearly identical combat capabilities. Procurement of the F/A-18B for the US Navy and USMC ended with the 40th instance, and this version was never used by frontline forces.

The second two-seat version is the F/A-18D, which is generally similar to the single-seat F/A-18C. The F/A-18B/Ds serve with the US Navy's two main Hornet training units, the VFA-106 and VFA-125. The F/A-18B also equips two reserve units, one of which (VFC-12) is an aggressor squadron. Some 31 basic F/A-18Ds built prior to production were converted to F/A-18Ds replacing the Grumman A-6 Intruder used by the USMC all-weather attack squadron; it equips six frontline units and a training squadron. Originally dubbed the F/A-18D+, the aircraft has an unpaired cockpit, usually without a control column in the rear cockpit (although this item can be refitted) but two sidestick weapon controllers.

Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet
Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet
The Marine Corps F/A-18D has served with distinction during combat operations, including Desert Storm in 1991 and Kosovo in 1999. Production of the two-seat Hornet has also been carried out for the export market, and all customers to date have ordered samples. Equipment and designations vary according to local requirements, but these machines are essentially the same as service equivalents in the US. Deliveries were made to Australia (18 ATF-18A, basically F/A-18B), Canada (40 CF-18B for service with the local designation CF-188B), Kuwait (eight KAF-18D) and Spain (12 EF-18B, operated under the local designation CE.15).
Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet
Boeing F/A-18B/D Hornet
The F/A-18D variant has been ordered by F/A-18C operators consisting of Finland (seven) and Switzerland (eight). Uniquely, Malaysia only ordered a two-seat variant in the form of eight F/A-18Ds. Thailand contracted eight F/A-18C/D but later canceled the order. Among the options the customer can specify are the APG-73 radar, the -402 EPE power plant and the AIM-120 AMRAAM armament.
Related Posts

Related Posts

Posting Komentar