• The F/A-18 Hornet broke all records for tactical aircraft in availability, reliability, and maintainability during Operation Desert Storm

The F/A-18 Hornet is an all-weather aircraft and is used as an attack aircraft, as well as a fighter. While in fighter mode, the F/A-18 Hornets are used mainly as fighter escorts and fleet air defense. While in attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support.

  The F/A-18 Hornet is derived from the YF-17 (Northrop) Cobra, which lost the LWF competition for the USAF against the Lockheed F-16 Falcon. The F/A-18 was designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft and soon took the place of the USN A-7 and the USMC F-4. The first of 11 pre-production aircraft made the type's maiden flight on November 18, 1978 and production followed of 371 F/A-18A. The F/A-18 introduced a genuine multi-role capability with a well designed cockpit which has three multi-function CRT type displays and true HOTAS controls enabling the pilot to easily switch from attack to fighter mode. The F/A-18 has remarkable dogfighting capabilities and excellent high-alpha capability.