The pre-production version of the F/A- 18 was an ideal host aircraft for proving AAW technology, a relatively high wing aspect ratio for a fighter, with adequate strength, but no additional stiffness was added for static aeroelastic issues.
The pre-production version of the F/A- 18 was an ideal host aircraft for proving AAW technology. The F/A- 18 pre-production wing has a relatively high wing aspect ratio for a fighter and originally was designed to have sufficient strength, and to be free from buckling or flutter issues, but no additional stiffness was added for static aeroelastic issues.