The F/A-18 Hornet was developed when the Navy, seeking a new multi-role aircraft to replace its aging F-4 Phantom and A-7 Corsair fleets, found Northrop’s YF-17 prototype appealing for carrier operations. Northrop partnered with McDonnell Douglas to adapt the design into a carrier-capable aircraft, and the Hornet first flew in 1978. Its "F/A" designation reflects its dual role as both a fighter and an attack aircraft, and it has proven effective in both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions. The Hornet has served in nearly every major U.S. military operation since the 1991 Gulf War, including operations over Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria. The original F/A-18A through D models are gradually being phased out in favor of the F-35 and the larger F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, which also replaced the F-14 Tomcat.
Aircraft Specifications
Physical Description
All-metal, twin-engine, single-seat aircraft with twin vertical tails, leading-edge extensions ahead of the wings, and folding wingtips for carrier storage.
Crew: 1
Length: 56 ft
Wingspan: 40 ft 5 in
Height: 15 ft 4 in
Weight (empty / max takeoff): 23,050 lbs / 51,000 lbs
Powerplant: Two General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofan engines, 17,700 lbs of thrust each
Maximum speed: 1,222 mph
Range: 2,000 miles
Service ceiling: 50,000 ft
Weapons
Armament: One internal M61A1 Vulcan 20 mm rotary cannon.
Ordnance: Up to 17,000 lbs of munitions using 9 external hard points, including a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons.
Key Accomplishments
Has served as a cornerstone aircraft for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps for over four decades, flying in nearly every major American military operation since 1991.
Build Date
1983
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing), in partnership with Northrop
Dates of Service
1985 – 2003
Country of Origin
United States
Inventory Number
Bureau #162436
Credit
On loan from The National Naval Aviation Museum on behalf of the Navy History and Heritage Command.
Display Status
This aircraft entered Navy service in 1985 as the 183rd F/A-18 built and served at multiple locations with various squadrons, including a notable assignment with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 321 (VMFA-321) at Naval Air Facility Washington, D.C. It was retired in 2003 and acquired by the Museum. The aircraft is painted in the markings of VFA-203, the "Blue Dolphins," based in Atlanta, Georgia, honoring a former Willow Grove commanding officer who previously led that squadron.
Status: On display.
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