The Boeing F/A-18 E/F "Super Hornet" is a larger, evolutionary redesign of the McDonnell Douglas (Northrop) first generation F-18
Compared to the Hornet, the Super Hornet is larger, heavier and has improved range and payload. It has a much larger wing and rectangular intakes and numerous new systems. A single seat (F-18E) or two seat version exist (F-18F). The F/A-18E/F was originally proposed as an alternative to an all-new aircraft to replace existing dedicated attack aircraft such as the A-6. The type was also directed to replace the aging F-14 Tomcat, thus serving a complementary role with existing older Hornets in the U.S. Navy. It now serves in a wider range of roles including refuelling tanker and electronic jamming platform called the EA-18 "Growler". The "Super Hornet" is now widely used by the US Navy also from its carriers as the older generation F-18A and F-14 have been put out of service.
F-18F US Navy Super Hornet attack/fighter
This particular aircraft was photographed at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Photographed November 2009 by Cees Hendriks (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
F-18F Super Hornet
This F-18F of the US NAVY was seen at a show at Pensacola Florida.
Photographed January 2015 by Cees Hendriks (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
EA-18G "Growler"
This EA-18G of the US NAVY Bur.no 168375 flies with the VAQ-140 "Patriots". It was seen fully loaded with electronic pods at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
Photographed November 2017 by Cees Hendriks (C) Copyright IPMS Nederland
INFORMATION FROM MANUAL F-18E
Includes US NAVY Aircraft carrier deck handler hand instructions. From Collection M. de Vreeze (used with permission)
Some plastic scale models available: in 1/72 from Hasegawa, Revell and Academy. In 1/144 from Dragon. In 1/48 Hasegawa and Revell have a nice kit. In 1/32 scale Trumpeter has a nice large kit.
Revell has a big new 1/32 kit of the F/A-18E that was to be released after Summer 2016 but it was delayed and finally arrived January 2019.
The first version of this walk around page was created January 2012 by M. de Vreeze.