F/A - 18 "Hornet"

"Hornet" - is moderate dimensions and quiet economical one seat two engine reaction Navy Force and Naval infantry support aircraft. F/A-18 made it's first flight in November 1978 and officially haven't entered service till 1983. Australia and Canada also decided to purchase "Hornets" of it's low price and universability. Other factors dependable on decision Canada's decision to purchase it (projected under indexation CF-18), was specific aircrafts refueling in the air method differing from USA used one. "Hornet" has two engines to ensure maximum speed in more than 2000 at high altitude and about 1200 at low. Fuel tank capacity is 6 500 l, combat usage radius reaches 1200 km.

"Hornet" was quiet unordinary aircraft for 80-ties with it's ability to be successfully used as a fighter but to make ground attacks or support Naval infantry as well. It's armament is intended for such tasks so alongside with usual for US fighters AIM-7 and AIM-9 "Hornet" carries anti-radar and anti-ship missiles. It's main intention was to support Marine troops during landing operations however it plays role as a fighter well.

F/A-18 "Hornet" is armed with 20 mm six barrel rotary gun placed in the nose part of the aircraft. Such gun's location differs from fighters F-14, F-15 and F-16 where gun is placed from the one side of the fuselage.

Basic configuration fighter F/A-18 "Hornet" like "Falcon" carries "air-to-air" missiles AIM-9 "Sidewinder", connected to the wing edges. Other armament such as missiles AIM-7 "Sparrow" are placed under the wing. For ground attack and bombing pilot can use ordinary or nuclear bombs or anti-radar missiles "Harm", "Shrike" or "air-to-surface" class missiles "Maverick". To strike against sea targets "Hornet" can be fitted with AGM-109 "Harpoon" anti-ship missiles.

"Hornet" was quiet unordinary aircraft for 80-ties with it's ability to be successfully used as a fighter but to make ground attacks or support Naval infantry as well. It's armament is intended for such tasks so alongside with usual for US fighters AIM-7 and AIM-9 "Hornet" carries anti-radar and anti-ship missiles. It's main intention was to support Marine troops during landing operations however it plays role as a fighter well. Such aircrafts successful use made to increase number of multipurpose aviation all over the world.