McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet Aircraft Data
(F/A-18D): Two-seat, multi-role fighter and conversion trainer.
The 'D-model' F/A-18 is a two-place variant of the single-seat F/A-18C 'Hornet'. Aside from small reduction in internal fuel, The F/A-18D retains the D-model's APG-73 RADAR and is fully combat-capable. Sixty D's were further modified to accept the ATARS electro-optical sensor system, in place of the M61 cannon. ATARS-equipped F/A-18D's are often designated F/A-18D(RC). The last legacy hornet delivered to the USMC in 2000, was an F/A-18D.
The F/A-18D replaced the Grumman A-6 'Intruder' and McDonnell Douglas OA-4M 'Skyhawk' in USMC service. Foreign operators of the F/A-18C tend to have a couple of examples of the F/A-18D in service. The exception being Malaysia, which flies eight F/A-18D's and no single-seaters. The F/A-18 family of aircraft has seen combat in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, the Balkans and North Africa. Giving the skyrocketing costs of the upcoming Joint Strike Fighter, the option for existing F/A-18 and F-16 operators to opt for cheaper, and more-capable F/A-18E/F purchases is possible. The F/A-18C/D is no longer in production.
The 'D-model' F/A-18 is a two-place variant of the single-seat F/A-18C 'Hornet'. Aside from small reduction in internal fuel, The F/A-18D retains the D-model's APG-73 RADAR and is fully combat-capable. Sixty D's were further modified to accept the ATARS electro-optical sensor system, in place of the M61 cannon. ATARS-equipped F/A-18D's are often designated F/A-18D(RC). The last legacy hornet delivered to the USMC in 2000, was an F/A-18D.
The F/A-18D replaced the Grumman A-6 'Intruder' and McDonnell Douglas OA-4M 'Skyhawk' in USMC service. Foreign operators of the F/A-18C tend to have a couple of examples of the F/A-18D in service. The exception being Malaysia, which flies eight F/A-18D's and no single-seaters. The F/A-18 family of aircraft has seen combat in the Persian Gulf, Afghanistan, the Balkans and North Africa. Giving the skyrocketing costs of the upcoming Joint Strike Fighter, the option for existing F/A-18 and F-16 operators to opt for cheaper, and more-capable F/A-18E/F purchases is possible. The F/A-18C/D is no longer in production.
- Country of Origin: United States
- First Flight: 18 Nov 1978
- Initial Service Date: 1/7/83
- No. Built: 1,480
- No. In Service: 0 (approx.)
- No. of Hardpoints: 9
- Crew: 2
Power:
2x General Electric F404-GE-402 afterburning turbofans at 17,750 lbf
Weapons:
1 x 20-mm M61A1 Vulcan cannon (570 rds)
2 x AIM-7 Sparrow, 2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder
CVR7 Rockets
GBU-10/12/24/51 Paveway LGB's, GBU-15 EOGB's, Mk 82/83/84 General Purpose Bombs
2 x AIM-7 Sparrow, 2 x AIM-9 Sidewinder
CVR7 Rockets
GBU-10/12/24/51 Paveway LGB's, GBU-15 EOGB's, Mk 82/83/84 General Purpose Bombs
Dimensions:
| Length: | 56 ft. 0 in. |
| Wing Span: | 40 ft. |
| Wing Area: | 400 sq.ft |
| Height: | 15 ft. 3 in. |
| Empty Weight: | 24,700 lbs |
| Max. Weight: | 51,550 lbs |
| Max. Ordnance Load: | 13,700 lbs |
| Max. Payload: | 13,700 lbs |
| Internal Fuel: | 10,860 lbs |
Performance:
| Max. Speed: | 1,190 mph |
| Service Ceiling: | 50,000 ft. |
| Normal Range: | 800 nm |
| Max. Range: | 1,800 nm |
Random great photos of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18D Hornet:
