AirForces Monthly Magazine Hornet! Special Issue

Although it lost out to the F-16 in the USAF Light Weight Fighter Competition of the 1970s, Northrop’s then YF-17 was redesigned to become the F/A-18 Hornet, first flying in 1978.

The aircraft entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1983 and the US Navy in 1984. It soon became the mount of the world-famous US Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team and continues to be operated by them.

The early F/A-18 models built a reputation for ruggedness and versatility, able to rapidly switch between ground attack and air defence roles. Export customers followed, and the aircraft has been supplied to Canada, Finland, Australia, Switzerland, Spain, Kuwait and Malaysia.

In 1995, production of a new generation of single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F ‘Super Hornets’ began. It was a major redesign with a 25% bigger airframe, more powerful engines, improved avionics and much greater range. Now, nearing the end of production, the latest version, the EA-18G ‘Growler,’ is a specialist and sophisticated electronic warfare version.

Hornet! explores all the variants of the F/A-18. It records their development, operators, and the aircraft’s achievements. It is thoroughly illustrated, including examples of the many special paint schemes worn by Hornets during their career.