It packs a powerful sting but is one of the most flexible fighters anywhere in the world.

During the 1991 Gulf War, F/A 18s routinely performed fighter and strike missions on the same sortie, including fighter escort, hitting enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close air support, and day and night strike missions.

The easy manoeuvrability from fighter to strike mode is a major reason for the Hornet's popularity with pilots and why the F/A 18 is in service with the US Navy, Marine Corps and the air forces of Canada, Australia, Spain, Kuwait, Finland, Switzerland, and Malaysia.

It was the first tactical aircraft designed from its inception to carry out both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

The F/A 18, which can fly at the speed of Mach 1.7, uses a range of and technologies to increase its likelihood of reaching the target undetected, of escaping unhurt if detected, and of returning its crew safely if it is hit.

The plane, whose combat range can reach 2,346 kilometers (1,275 miles) depending of modification, carries a large arsenal of weapons, including AIM 9 Sidewinder, AIM 7 Sparrow and AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, anti-ship Harpoon missiles, armor-piercing Maverick missiles and laser-guided bombs.

These systems and technologies have been significantly enhanced in the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to further improve survivability.

The fighter, manufactured jointly by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop Corporations, can cost from 29 million to 57 million dollars each, depending on modification.

SPACE.WIRE