Boeing F/A-18F (© 2010, Jeroen Oude Wolbers).
The F/A-18A is Australia's air combat fighter, acquired to provide an air superiority aircraft to replace the Mirage IIIO series. When acquired it was the most capable fighter in the region. It has since been joined by two understrength squadrons of F/A-18F Super Hornets.
The acquisition of Russian designed Sukhoi Su-27SK and Su-30MK series fighters by most regional nations now presents an environment where the F/A-18A/B/F is outclassed in all key performance parameters by widely available fighters. With the remaining fatigue life in Australia's F/A-18A fleet to expire over the next decade, a costly program to replace fuselage centre barrels has been initiated to stretch the life of these aircraft. Radar, electronic warfare, guided weapon and missile upgrades are now in progress.
This website will post a selection of relevant articles, submissions and papers covering F/A-18A-D Hornet and F/A-18E-G Super Hornet variants.
Above, below: Boeing F/A-18F (© 2010, Jeroen Oude Wolbers).
3 SQN RAAF F/A-18A then flown by then WGCDR Dave Pietsch (© 1995 C Kopp / M645/1000S/Sekor C 80 mm f2.8).
Swiss Air Force F/A-18C at Axalp/Ebenfluh weapons range (© 2010, Jeroen Oude Wolbers).