This NEW F 18 Just SHOCK the Entire Military Industry NOW! Here's Why
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00:00 Intro
00:29 History
02:48 Superior Features
07:50 Its Role
08:35 Challenges
09:14 Manufacturer's Plans
10:36 Conclusion
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#fligavia #boeing #airbus #f18
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This NEW F 18 Just SHOCK the Entire Military Industry NOW! Here's Why
The fighter jet, the FA 18 Super Hornet, has long been CRUCIAL for the U.S. Air Defense and its allies. As it has aged, some countries wanted to replace it in their fleets. However, Boeing didn't let it happen. In the context of geopolitical tensions reaching the peak, Boeing seizes the opportunity to implement significant upgrades to the FA 18 Super Hornet, promising that will CHANGE the entire military industry.
Why is it crucial and how does it change ENTIRE the military industry? Let's find out in today's episode!
The FA-18 Hornet is an American twin-engine fighter aircraft, designed for carrier-based operations and capable of achieving supersonic speeds. It offers advanced multi-role capabilities, providing commanders with greater flexibility in deploying tactical aircraft in various dynamic combat scenarios. The Hornet can undertake multiple roles, including escort missions, fleet defense, strike operations, and deep air support during complex aerial campaigns.
This NEW F 18 Just SHOCK the Entire Military Industry NOW! Here's Why
Before diving into why nations are showing interest in acquiring the newer FA 18 Super Hornet variants, let’s go back to the period of its history. The Super Hornet is an upgraded version of the original FA 18 Hornet, which was produced by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop for about 23 years, starting in 1974 and introduced in January 19 83. Boeing took over production of the FA 18 Hornet in 1997 following its merger with McDonnell Douglas. The Hornet represented a breakthrough in several aspects. It was the first aircraft designed to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions effectively. Additionally, it was among the pioneers in employing digital fly-by-wire flight controls and incorporating carbon fiber wings - an innovation seen for the first time in combat aircraft.
The FA 18 Hornet traces its roots back to the Northrop YF 17, a prototype that the U.S. Navy aimed to develop into a versatile multi-role fighter to complement the Grumman F 14 Tomcat, which primarily served as an air superiority and fleet defense interceptor. By 19 89, however, its technology had become outdated, leading to a reduced number of orders and its eventual production halt in 19 91. This shift in focus resulted in the Navy turning its attention to a redesigned version of the FA 18 Hornet in 1992. This updated variant, known as the Super Hornet, received its first production order from the U.S. Navy. Despite incorporating numerous improvements, the Super Hornet retained several similarities to the original Hornet in terms of avionics, radar systems, weaponry, and maintenance procedures.
This NEW F 18 Just SHOCK the Entire Military Industry NOW! Here's Why
The Super Hornet made its maiden flight on November 1995, but it wasn’t until February 2000 that the U.S. Navy formally approved the FA 18 following extensive testing and evaluation.
02:48 Superior Features
Having reviewed its historical background, we now have a clearer understanding of how it came into existence. Let’s delve into its capabilities to evaluate its true potential.
As an upgraded version of the original FA 18 Hornet, this aircraft brings significant enhancements, which are evident in its technical specifications. Like its predecessor, the Super Hornet is available in two variants: the FA 18 E has a single-seat configuration, and the FA 18 F is a dual-seat version that includes an additional seat for the weapons systems officer.
Firstly, the Super Hornet boasts a 42% reduction in structural components compared to its predecessor. It measures approximately 60 feet in length, stands 16 feet tall, and has a wingspan of nearly 45 feet. The maximum takeoff weight is around 30 tons, powered by two General Electric F4 14 400 jet engines, which provide a dry thrust of 58 kilonewtons and an afterburner thrust of 98 kilonewtons. In terms of performance, it is quite swift, achieving a maximum speed of about Mach 1.6, or nearly 1,200 miles per hour at an altitude of 40,000 feet. However, its combat range is somewhat limited, at approximately 1,275 nautical miles, with a ferry range of about 1,800 nautical miles. The combat range can decrease to around a quarter of the ferry range, varying from 444 to 489 nautical miles, depending on the number of fuel tanks or the type of mission.