Quote:
Originally Posted by Gun Grape
F-18E= Around 2117 gal internal (various numbers quoted.I split the difference)
S-3= 1933 gal internal
So the SH still carries more fuel.
The S-3 was thrust into the air refuel job when the KA-6 was retired. With a much reduced capability. There was either 1 or 2 KS-3 Tankers modified with a fuel tank in the fuselage but it never went into production.
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Wow, thats a surprise to me. I know that the S-3's hoover's burn less fuel then the Rhino's F414's, but wow, that is a big increase in fuel from the Viking to the Super Hornet when you factor in both internal and external. I guess the Rhino really IS the superior air-refueler, which would not have been my guess. Thats probably because the Hornet/Super Hornet tend to be regarded as "jack of all trades, master of none" by many.
I've always thought of the Viking as a fairly long-ranged beast, fairly well-suited to the air-refueling mission. I didn't realize that they were thrust into that role with the retirement of the KA-6D/E from the carriers. Does anyone have any idea of what a Viking typical mission radius would be?
With all this talk of Hornets, it just happened that 2 of our CF-18's were up in the mountains today, and did a couple of very nice passes over my town (right over my house in fact) before heading back up towards Cold Lake. Military displays are few and far between around here...needless to say...it was AWESOME!!!