F/A-18E Super Hornet
Specs, top speed, range and facts
The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a carrier-based multirole fighter built by Boeing in the USA. It first flew in 1995 and entered service in 1999. A bigger, longer-range Hornet that handles fleet defense, strike and even aerial refueling from one carrier deck.
Photo: Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet on Wikipedia (free licence)
- Top speed1,915 km/h (1,190 mph)
- Range2,346 km (1,458 miles)
- First flight1995
- Wingspan13.6 m (45 ft)
F/A-18E Super Hornet specs
| Top speed | 1,915 km/h (1,190 mph) · Mach 1.80 |
|---|
| Range | 2,346 km (1,458 miles) |
|---|
| Service ceiling | More than 15,240 m (50,000 ft) |
|---|
| Length | 18.3 m (60 ft) |
|---|
| Wingspan | 13.6 m (45 ft) |
|---|
| Height | 4.9 m (16 ft) |
|---|
| Max takeoff weight | 30 t (65,918 lb) |
|---|
| Empty weight | 15 t (32,077 lb) |
|---|
| Crew and capacity | 1 pilot (2 in the F model) |
|---|
| Engines | 2 × F414 afterburning turbofan |
|---|
| First flight | 1995 |
|---|
| Entered service | 1999 |
|---|
| Built by | Boeing (USA) |
|---|
F/A-18E Super Hornet facts
- It flies from aircraft carriers, so its wings fold up to save deck space.
- Despite the name it is mostly a new design, about a fifth bigger than the original Hornet.
Quick quiz
When did the F/A-18E Super Hornet first fly?
In 1995.
Who built the F/A-18E Super Hornet?
Boeing, in the USA.
How fast can the F/A-18E Super Hornet fly?
Its top speed is 1,915 km/h (1,190 mph) · Mach 1.80.
How far can the F/A-18E Super Hornet fly?
About 2,346 km (1,458 miles).
Photos, a true-scale silhouette, quizzes, flashcards, the Size Lab and the Sky Run game.
F/A-18E Super Hornet vs similar aircraft
More military aircraft
All military aircraft · All aircraft