Spotter’s guide
How to identify the F/A-18 Hornet
- 01Twin tails angled outward
- 02Large leading-edge root extensions running toward the cockpit
- 03Rounded side intakes beneath the wing roots
- 04Compact proportions and folding outer wing panels
Major variants
Notable operators
United States Navy • United States Marine Corps • Royal Canadian Air Force • Royal Australian Air Force • Spanish Air and Space Force
Why the F/A-18 Hornet matters
The Hornet proved that one carrier aircraft could perform air-to-air and strike missions effectively, helping make multirole capability standard in naval aviation.
Related aircraft
Sources and further reading
Specifications can vary by model, engine, load, and configuration.