1. F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet is a single- and two-seat, twin-engined multimission tactical aircraft. The Hornet replaced the A-7 light-attack jet and the F-4 Phantom II fighter in the U.S. Navy and the F-4 and the A-6E Intruder in the U.S. Marine Corps.

2. F/A-18 Hornet
The F/A-18's advanced radar and avionics systems allow Hornet pilots to convert their aircraft from fighter to strike mode and back with the flip of a single switch. In Operation Desert Storm, F/A-18s performed fighter and strike missions on the same sortie, fighting their way to a target by defeating opposing aircraft, then destroying their ground targets and returning home safely. Today's Hornets have a laser target designator/ranger, housed within the targeting forward-looking infrared sensor, that enables the F/A-18s to deliver precision laser-guided bombs with pinpoint accuracy. Since May 1994, the Navy has been taking delivery of F/A-18s equipped with the upgraded APO-73 radar. This upgrade substantially increases the speed and memory capacity of the radar's processors.

3. F/A-18 Hornet
Since 1991, F/A-18s have been delivered with F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engines that produce up to 20 percent more thrust than previous F404 engines. The two engines deliver about 36,000 pounds combined thrust and a top speed of more than Mach 1.8. The F/A-18C/D can carry up to 13,700 pounds of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons on nine external stations.

4. F/A-18 Hornet
Today's F/A-18 fills a variety of roles-air superiority, fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close air support, and day and night strike missions. The F/A-18 has proven to be the most versatile combat aircraft in service. Survivability is another key Hornet feature. The F/A-18 employs a number of systems and technologies that increase its likelihood of reaching a target undetected, of escaping unhurt if it is detected, and of returning its crew safely if it is hit.

5. F/A-18 Hornet D3f04 C22-508-147
The F/A-18 Hornet has flown the entire spectrum of tactical missions -- in combat and in peacekeeping operations worldwide. Here a U.S. Marine Corps F/A-18 is shown delivering munitions to its target.