Apparently the last group of F-18 E/F are being built. That was a pretty good run, spanning 45 years.
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Still making F-18’s
- Thread starter Snagglefoot
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Here’s a FA-18. Enjoy.
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The Super Hornet is a gorgeous plane. The F-14 was gorgeous also. They're just timeless designs. But, they're not artwork and they have a dedicated mission that requires adaptation and progressive improvement. I'm surprised at the resilience of the F-15 and F-16. The newer F-22's and F-35's are the new kids on the block but in my opinion they're nowhere near as attractive as the older fighters.
It's just like with society,,, there's no doubt in my mind that we kids in the 1980's with our big hair and painters pants were much more attractive than the blue hair, pierced, and tatted youth of today. But... the world moves on.
It's just like with society,,, there's no doubt in my mind that we kids in the 1980's with our big hair and painters pants were much more attractive than the blue hair, pierced, and tatted youth of today. But... the world moves on.
I guess I'll have to settle for a used one, I wont be able to afford a new one before production stops....
The Navy retired all of those years ago.
There are nearly zero common parts between F/A-18C/D and F/A-18E/F.
I think the ejection seat is the same…
But fuselage, wings, tail, engines and landing gear are all new.
But what kind of oil does it....ohh, never mind.
Milspec 23699 I reckon…turbine oil hasn’t changed much.
Propflux01
$100 Site Donor 2026
Pretty much what every mil jet takes
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The F/A-18 is one of those planes that from certain angles looks amazing, and from others... not so much.
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Its o.k looking but it never made me go "wow".
The important thing isn't how they look, its how they perform I remind myself.
F4 Phantom is probaly my favorite looking fighter.
Compared to the Soviet MIGS, it was scary looking in a good, intimidating way.
Robin Olds mustache sitting in the F4 with his helmet stands out in my mind.
https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Upcoming/Photos/igphoto/2000257392/
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Dude's a legend as is that mustache. I read his book a few years ago. Good stuff.
With enough thrust you can get a brick to fly, and the F-4 Phantom II proved that.
The British fitted a turbofan (Rolls-Royce Spey 203) and that supposedly had less smoke than the GE J79, which smoked like crazy.
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The more smoke the better, at least for air showsWith enough thrust you can get a brick to fly, and the F-4 Phantom II proved that.
The British fitted a turbofan (Rolls-Royce Spey 203) and that supposedly had less smoke than the GE J79, which smoked like crazy.
Back when I was a teenager and started paying attention to these things the F/A18 was the very pinnacle of modernity and for the money a very competent alrounder.
The F14 and F15 positively looked old compared to it.
And F/A-18A was "more aircraft" than the F16A IMHO.
The F14 and F15 positively looked old compared to it.
And F/A-18A was "more aircraft" than the F16A IMHO.
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Yep.
I remember when Canada bought them to replace the F104.
Now they are falling apart.
Canadian F18 pilots do not fly very much.
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Googling the f18 out of curiosity - I had no idea we had a rig set up like this to test taking off from these types of aircraft carriers.
wild...check out that elevator action right after lift off.
wild...check out that elevator action right after lift off.
Canada has the oldest Hornets around. The US Navy retired their F/A-18s of that vintage a long time ago, and the Navy had aircraft that were newer.
Canada’s are F-18A models, built in the late 80s or early 90s. Good airplane at the time. Long overdue for replacement, with something modern, upgraded weapon systems, capabilities and new airframes.
By the way, I have flown the F/A-18, and while it is a great airplane, it is not fast. It is slow, for a fighter.
Looks aren’t everything.
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I think they bought some used ones from Australia at some point IIRC.
For the record - I have flown against, and drank quite a bit of beer with, the Canadian Air Force F/A-18 pilots.
They are great pilots, and great guys.
Enjoyed every minute I have spent with them, whether looking at them as an adversary in air combat, or next to me at the bar as we each sought to buy the next round.
I would gladly go to war with the Canadians by my side.
They are great pilots, and great guys.
Enjoyed every minute I have spent with them, whether looking at them as an adversary in air combat, or next to me at the bar as we each sought to buy the next round.
I would gladly go to war with the Canadians by my side.
Perhaps - it would make sense. Used airplanes to replace worn out airplanes. Still, even those have to be getting near the end of their service life.
