Modern - F/A-18 Super Hornet

Now the centrepiece of naval aviation, the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter is a flying fighter, attacker, reconnaissance, refueller and suppresser of enemy air defences for America’s US Navy aircraft carrier fleet for the foreseeable future. The Super Hornet is operational with many fleet squadrons and has seen combat in operations over Iraq and Afghanistan. Two events were significant to pursue the Super Hornet, namely the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War. The F/A-18E/F brings a complete change of face to US Naval Aviation and is set to be a formidable force for many years in all roles required for peacekeeping in the world.

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a supersonic carrier-capable fighter/attack aircraft. It is a larger and more advanced derivative of the F/A-18C/D Hornet. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the F-14 Tomcat since 2006 and will serve alongside the original Hornet. In 2007, the Royal Australian Air Force ordered Super Hornets to replace its aging F-111 fleet. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a distinct, evolutionary upgrade to the F/A-18 designed to serve a complementary role with Hornets in the U.S. Navy.