Why the F/A-18C Hornet Was Truly One of a Kind

[CheckGear]

Special thanks to all of you who helped me with research for this article! The DCS community truly is "one of a kind" as well, just like the Hornet!

 

 

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/why-fa-18c-hornet-was-truly-one-kind-35757

[Kev2go]

Great Article!

 

As versatile and amazing as the Hornet was for its day it was kinda short legged, Something the USN complained about and relative comparison to some Platforms It was replacing.

 

 

That was the only weakness of the Bug. But then again it was a relatively Small Lightweight aircraft. There was only so much fuel such a platform could carry.

 

 

That of course was ultimately improved upon with the Super Hornet.

 

 

AS for the Article question? Will it prove to be Half as versatile as the Hornet? Of course (IMHO). the F35 will be versatile Its a vast improvement over anything from last generation in terms of both Avionics, and more importantly having Stealth capability. NO other aircraft has anywhere near such Low RCS as the current 5th generation fighters like the F35 have from the last generation design. IN terms of versatility its still based around the multi-role Strike-fighter Philosphpy and design, It is very much a Multi-role Fighter. When stealth isnt a priority it can take advantage of mounting external hard-points for carrying more weaponry

 

 

this ( now former ) USMC pilot has also remained strong advocate of the F35, having flown both Hornet and the USAF F22 as an exchange pilot, before piloting the F35. ZHeexplains why The capabilities of a platform like the F35 is a Necessity

 

The various Red Flag exercises also speak to the F35s Legality and Versatility, more often than not scoring a Lopsided Simulated K/D against Last generation Aggressor aircraft.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What matters these days FAr more than How mauverable or Fast an aircraft may be are Its Avionics, and its weapon system. It is a trend you can already see with the evolution of 4th generation aircraft, comparing not just 4th generation to 3rd gen, but just alone like the article written does ; Hornet from 30 years ago to the Hornet of Today are different aircraft.

Edited November 10, 2018 by Kev2go