How Do You Identify The F/A-18 Hornet?
The McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 serves a dual role for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The nimble workhorse can protect the fleet in air-to-air combat or carry munitions to support ground forces. Step 1 Look for a relatively small jet aircraft. The Hornet is just over 56 feet long and has a wingspan of 40 feet. Step 2 Note that the nose is long and seems to arc downward slightly. Step 3 Remember the Hornet’s wings are unique. The wings extend from the fuselage at a 90-degree angle at their rear, but their leading edges are swept sharply backward. Step 4 Note also the long, narrow, tapering extension of the wing from its forward edge to the front of the cockpit area. Step 5 Note that the cockpit is the familiar Plexiglas bubble, allowing the best visibility for the Hornet’s pilot. Step 6 Remember that because the F/A-18D model Hornet carries two crew members, its cockpit is significantly longer than other military aircraft. Step 7 Remember also that the Hornet seems to sit atop its engines
The McDonnell-Douglas F/A-18 serves a dual role for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. The nimble workhorse can protect the fleet in air-to-air combat or carry munitions to support ground forces. Look for a relatively small jet aircraft. The Hornet is just over 56 feet long and has a wingspan of 40 feet. Note that the nose is long and seems to arc downward slightly. Remember the Hornet’s wings are unique. The wings extend from the fuselage at a 90-degree angle at their rear, but their leading edges are swept sharply backward. Note also the long, narrow, tapering extension of the wing from its forward edge to the front of the cockpit area. Note that the cockpit is the familiar Plexiglas bubble, allowing the best visibility for the Hornet’s pilot. Remember that because the F/A-18D model Hornet carries two crew members, its cockpit is significantly longer than other military aircraft. Remember also that the Hornet seems to sit atop its engines, like many other modern jet fighters. Note how t
