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September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
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F/A-18 Hornet

The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, multirole tactical fighter and attack aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop for the U.S.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine multirole fighter and attack aircraft developed for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. It entered service in 1983 as an all-weather strike fighter.

Development and design

The Hornet emerged from a naval fighter program combining fighter and attack roles into one airframe. McDonnell Douglas led development with Northrop handling major airframe work. It is a twin-engine, mid-wing aircraft built for carrier operations and all-weather combat, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Operational use

The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps used the Hornet for fleet defence, escort, interdiction, and close air support. It became a standard multirole carrier aircraft before being supplemented by the larger F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.

Canadian service

Canada operates CF-18 Hornet aircraft, a Canadian-built designation of the F/A-18 used by the Royal Canadian Air Force. These aircraft have served in domestic and international missions.

In short

  • Dual fighter and attack roles (F/A designation).
  • Twin-engine, carrier-based design.
  • Used for air defence, escort, interdiction, and close air support.
  • Canada operates CF-18 Hornets.
Canadian angle

Canada has operated CF-18 Hornet aircraft, a Canadian-built designation of the F/A-18 used by the Royal Canadian Air Force.

Quick questions

What does F/A-18 mean?
The designation combines Fighter and Attack, reflecting the aircraft’s multirole design.
Who built the F/A-18 Hornet?
It was developed by McDonnell Douglas with Northrop as a major partner on the airframe.
Is the Hornet the same as the Super Hornet?
No. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a later, larger development of the F/A-18 family.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McDonnell_Douglas_F/A-18_Hornet
    Supports: Basic aircraft identity, multirole description, and general specifications.
  2. United States Naval Academy — https://www.usna.edu/NavalAviation/FixedWingAircraft/FA18_Hornet.php
    Supports: Role descriptions, missions, and all-weather strike-fighter use.
  3. U.S. Naval History and Heritage Command — https://www.history.navy.mil/research/histories/naval-aviation-history/naval-aircraft/current-aircraft-inventory/f-a-18-hornet.html
    Supports: Dimensions, speed, range, powerplant, crew, contractor, and development lineage.
  4. Northrop Grumman — https://www.northropgrumman.com/what-we-do/aircraft/fa18-superhornet
    Supports: Relationship of the F/A-18 family to the Super Hornet and international operators including Canada.