The F-18 Super Hornet, often referred to as "Rhino", "F/A-18" or "Rhino", is a multi-purpose aircraft that has excelled in a variety mission. The Super Hornet is capable of performing air-to air and ground missions as well as aerial reconnaissance, close air support, and air defense missions. It also has conventional air to ground expendables like bombs and missiles.
The Super Hornet multi-mission tactical plane is capable of flying up to 66,000 lbs and has a range over 3,000 nautical miles. It features a powerful thrust-to-weight ratio and an active electronically scanned array radar. A 20 mm internal rotary cannon is also part of the Super Hornet. It can also carry airborne control pods for various missions. It is equipped with a quadruplex digital fly-by-wire system. Night-vision goggles are included in the Super Hornet's control panel.
The Super Hornet can also be used as a trainer aircraft. The F-18 Super Hornet Block III was specifically designed for carrier operations and meets all STOBAR performance requirements. It has fewer support equipment and RCS reductions that are better. It is capable of operating in hangars, and will also be able to operate on lifts. It will also be able to fly alongside F-35C fighters. The Super Hornet has proven itself to be a reliable, highly maneuverable aircraft. The Super Hornet's excellent payload capacity, high mission readiness and low crash rates make it an ideal aircraft to fly on carrier-borne operations.
The Super Hornet is available in both single-seat F and two-seat F variants. Both versions are capable of flying at high altitudes. The control panel of the Super Hornet has a quadruple digital fly-by wire and active electronically scanned radar. It can carry anti-ship missiles, air to-surface missiles, and glide bombs.
The Super Hornet is capable of carrying almost 5.5 tonnes of internal fuel. This fuel is not always included in the payload weight. The Super Hornet’s two-seat F variant features an internal 20mm rotary gun. Two-seat E variants of the Super Hornet can carry conventional air to-air expendables, such as bombs or air-to ground missiles. An AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned radar is also available to the Super Hornet. It has two wing-hard points on each side, and two intake hard points at the center wing. It has five 9,000-liter fuel containers.
In the past the Super Hornet fought against the targets on Tablain Islands in Libya. It has also been a part of the coalition fighting ISIS. It is the primary Naval aircraft for use in strike missions. Its primary mission consists of operating aircraft carriers. However, its secondary mission is to act as an aerial tanker from a carrier. It can be used in carrier operations as the largest Naval aircraft. Its versatility makes it an invaluable weapon system for both the U.S Navy (US Navy) and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The Super Hornet is also a great tool for naval aviation cooperation. It is used to perform air-to–air and ground operations, as well forward air control. It is also one of the most powerful naval aircrafts operated by the U.S. Navy or the Royal Air Force.