McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18 Hornet (likely F/A-18C or D, possibly Super Hornet but unclear)

Mystery Spotter 🇺🇸

12 Apr 2026 · © U2X.JIB

A silhouette of a McDonnell Douglas/Boeing F/A-18 Hornet or Super Hornet in flight, showcasing its twin-fin and leading-edge extension design.

4 likes 2 comments

Comments (2)

🛩️

Domi · 12 Apr 2026

Beautiful capture!

Kiwi Aviation · 12 Apr 2026

Amazing shot!

More like this

McDonnell Douglas/Boeing McDonnell Douglas MD-11

Aircraft

F/A-18 Hornet (likely F/A-18C or D, possibly Super Hornet but unclear) F18

Manufacturer

McDonnell Douglas/Boeing

Achievements

Rare Bird, Vintage Voyager, Boeing Beginner, Military Maverick

4 badges earned

Location

Perot Field/Fort Worth Alliance Airport

AFW/KAFW

32.9904, -97.3195

Open map

Perot Field/Fort Worth Alliance Airport AFW

Airport

Insights

Aviation History

Key modern American multi-role fighter, widely used by U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and some export customers.

Fleet Rarity

Widely used by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, less common with other air forces; not rare.

Safety & Events

Extensive combat history with U.S. forces in the Gulf War, Iraq, and Afghanistan.

Future Outlook

Active service, gradually being supplemented/replaced in the U.S. Navy.

Specifications

General Electric F404 (Hornet) or F414 (Super Hornet)

Engine

11.43 m (Hornet, with missiles)/13.62 m (Super Hornet, with wingtip missiles)

Wingspan

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

Length

2,346 km (Hornet ferry range)/2,850 km (Super Hornet ferry range)

Range

1,063 km/h (Mach 0.85; Hornet) / 1,035 km/h (Super Hornet)

Speed

Pilot only (F/A-18C/E) or pilot and WSO (F/A-18D/F)

Capacity

23,543 kg (Hornet)/29,937 kg (Super Hornet)

MTOW

4.66 m (Hornet)/4.88 m (Super Hornet)

Height

F404: 48.9 kN (per engine) afterburner / F414: 97.9 kN (per engine) afterburner

Thrust