F/A-18E/F, how does it stack up?

I was just wondering what you guys thought of the new F-18. It sounds like a good jet but I want imput from you guys.

Diagram of upgrades

I heard this are now going to the navy.

They are I heard being upgraded to be used on carriers.

(if they are not already)

Yes the F/A-18 E/F is and upgrade of the earlier F/A-18.

they are replacing F-14?

Yes pretty much. Since the F-14 is so old and there are no replacement parts the F/A-18 E/F and the Naval F-35 are replacing the F-14.

The f-18 are alright, thats the RAAF main fighter. We
have only got 75 f-18's and about 15-20 f-111's. Also
how do you think a hornet would go up against a f-16 or f-15

Its alot prettier now, Ohhhh look more missiles too. More room, leather interior am/fm/xm radio, heated seats, nice.

With the expecting upgrades to the F/A-18E-G Super Hornet, such as:

* AESA or APG-79 Active Electronically Scanned Array radar.....this is expected to be delivered to the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fleet by 2006, following the flight testing and operational evaluation phases.
ALso, the installation of APG-79 (AESA) will enhance stealth (reduced RCS, LPI) and provides radar greater capability due to multi-tasking. This new capability, along with a few others, will give the Super Hornet a small step ahead of Rafale and Typhoon....IMHO.
If I am not mistaken, the UK has already recieved some Super Hornets with APG-79 already.

* Will be fitted with AIM-9x's and the latest AIM-120's AMRAAM.

* The F/A-18E-G Super Hornet is going to get the 29,000 LB class thrust engines (ie: PW-F119's or GE-F120's) in 2008 that might put the F-15 to shame due to the fact that its lighter and already has a wing high-alpha handling/ high AOA ability. On top that you have a light, fast, and maneuverable aircraft.

Here's a link to some decent information on the Super Hornet:
www.sci.fi...



regards
seekerof

I think the F/A-18E/F is a major improvement over the Original Hornet. It had three main areas of imprvement: Range, Payload, and survivability. I got these fact from an artical in Flight Journal a few months back(it may have been March or April).

Tim

Being a carrier veteran, I love the Hornet. Any improvements would be a greatly appreciated welcome.

(And unlike the F-16/best light fighter thread, at least the Hornet doesn't change its appearence)

Is best NAVY fighter at the moment..

Maybe best operational US combat aircraft also..

thats how it stacks up..

Originally posted by SectorGaza
they are replacing F-14?

Yep,

That right..

In the future Navy will only have F-35s and F/A-18 E/F/X..