45 Years Of The F/A-18 Hornet: A Look At The Family

Simple Flying

By Joe Kunzler

Published Nov 30, 2023

A history of the F/A-18 Hornet family from the classics to the Super Hornet to the Growler.

Photo: Joe Kunzler | Simple Flying

The Boeing F/A-18 Hornet family has undergone significant growth in capabilities, fuel capacity, and thrust.
F/A-18A and B models were the originals, based on the Energy-Maneuverability Theory, and designed for fast turns.
The F/A-18 has been improved over the years, with C and D models featuring better avionics, larger E and F models with more fuel and thrust, plus a G model.