The story
The Super Hornet shares a name and a silhouette with the classic Hornet, but it is a new airplane: about 20% larger, with 33% more internal fuel and far more powerful engines. It is the backbone of US Navy carrier aviation, and it can even refuel its own squadron-mates with a buddy tank.
Navy crews call it the Rhino on the radio, so nobody confuses it with the smaller legacy Hornet around the carrier.
Quick answers
How do you identify a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
Bigger than a classic Hornet, with squared-off rectangular intakes instead of rounded ovals: that is the giveaway. The Blue Angels have flown Super Hornets since 2021.
What does a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet sound like?
Twin GE F414s with a crackling, tearing roar. In humid air the Super Hornet often pulls clouds of vapor off its wings.
How fast is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
Top speed is Mach 1.8.
How many people does the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carry?
Typical configuration: F/A-18E single-seat; F/A-18F adds a weapons systems officer.
How far can the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fly?
Range is about 1,275 nmi.
How big is the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
It is 60 ft 1 in long and 44 ft 9 in across the wings.
When did the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet first fly?
Its first flight was in 1995.
How many F/A-18E/F Super Hornets have been built?
630+ built.
What do crews call the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet?
Rhino.
How rare is a F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first F/A-18E/F Super Hornet catch is worth 250 points.
