Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas) F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

24 Apr 2026 · © Unknown

A Boeing F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet streaks past an airshow crowd with afterburners blazing in a dramatic low pass.

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Aircraft

F/A-18 Hornet/Super Hornet F18

Military grey/squadron paint

Manufacturer

Boeing (formerly McDonnell Douglas)

Achievements

Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

2 badges earned

Location

Wittman Regional Airport

OSH/KOSH

43.9844, -88.5570

Open map

Wittman Regional Airport OSH

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

The F/A-18 is a legendary multirole carrier-based fighter, used by the US Navy/Marine Corps and allies. The Super Hornet is a larger, modernized version.

Fleet Rarity

Hundreds in service worldwide; not a rare type, but show appearances are always popular.

Record Flights

Has operated from many carriers; participated in long over-water combat sorties and famous low-level airshow passes.

Safety & Events

Numerous notable military deployments; regularly features dramatic airshow displays. Has a strong safety record for a carrier fighter.

Future Outlook

Still actively flying and in production (as Super Hornet), being gradually supplemented by F-35.

Specifications

General Electric F404 or F414 (Super Hornet)

Engine

13.62 m (Hornet) / 13.62–14.88 m (Super Hornet, depending on model)

Wingspan

17.1 m (Hornet) / 18.31 m (Super Hornet)

Length

2,000 km (combat for Hornet), up to 2,346 km (Super Hornet, ferry range much higher)

Range

Mach 0.9 (Hornet), Mach 1.2 (Super Hornet); max speeds up to Mach 1.8

Speed

Crew 1 or 2 (depending on variant), weapons payload varies

Capacity

23,400 kg (Hornet) / 29,937 kg (Super Hornet)

MTOW

4.66 m

Height

F404: 48.9 kN (11,000 lbf) dry, 79.0 kN (17,700 lbf) with afterburner; F414: up to 98 kN (22,000 lbf) with afterburner

Thrust

Military aircraft - not certified for civil noise rating; extremely loud in afterburner

Noise