F/A-18 Super Hornet

[Zinja]

Stitch/GGTharos,

Many thanks for your input. It kinda gives me an idea......at least. For the most part..... ..... ....it just flew away with my hat !

[gunnut]

Stitch/GGTharos,

Many thanks for your input. It kinda gives me an idea......at least. For the most part..... ..... ....it just flew away with my hat !

What? The blowing gnome or the mouse wheel didn't help?

[Zinja]

What? The blowing gnome or the mouse wheel didn't help?

Gunnut, I grew up playing records. Do you remember the 78 and the 45 speed records? Now you talk to me about ramps, shock waves, spillage and outer lips..... .....ah, im thinking you are talking about Betty Boop !

[Stitch]

What if we install the same mouse wheel in the F414 that powers the Super Hornet? BAM! We kick it up a notch.

And more blowing gnomes! With red hats! That'll help!

[Chogy]

IMO, what the Navy has done with their air arm in the last 20 years is wise... they have consolidated a number of different airframes with differing missions into basically a single type. The F-14 was apparently a real maintenance hog, and it's raison d'etre has more or less passed. The Super Bug has the ability to shoulder differing missions, and do them all with efficiency. Maintenance and training are all greatly simplified.

The new Hornet (I know it's not actually a Hornet, but they'll all be Hornets to me! ;) ) reminds me of the F-4 of the 1960's... a fighter capable of doing it all.

What does have me a bit concerned is the ability of the SB to deal with upcoming 5th gen threats. I'd like to think with a networked operation that powerful and capable surface radar assets can assist the Bug in both locating and destroying stealthy threats, without themselves becoming overly exposed.

It's conjecture; those of us not "in the know" probably have little real knowledge of Navy capabilities along these lines.

[Stitch]

What does have me a bit concerned is the ability of the SB to deal with upcoming 5th gen threats. I'd like to think with a networked operation that powerful and capable surface radar assets can assist the Bug in both locating and destroying stealthy threats, without themselves becoming overly exposed.

I think that's what the F-35 is for, and the SB will do "clean-up".

[Steven Jaime]

What does have me a bit concerned is the ability of the SB to deal with upcoming 5th gen threats. I'd like to think with a networked operation that powerful and capable surface radar assets can assist the Bug in both locating and destroying stealthy threats, without themselves becoming overly.

It does have the ability, but thats another reason why Boeings proposing the Block III SH. Which is called "Silent Hornet". But the Navy needs to require a long range BVR missile. Mabye they will recive Meteor, if not Raytheaon might extend the AMRAAM to a longer range missile for long range threats.

[Steven Jaime]

I think that's what the F-35 is for, and the SB will do "clean-up".

It's not what it's intended to do.

[Chogy]

Missile range is hugely overrated.

[TopHatter]

IMO, what the Navy has done with their air arm in the last 20 years is wise... they have consolidated a number of different airframes with differing missions into basically a single type.

That is pretty amazing when you consider it. Circa 1965, a CVW had at least 6 different fixed-wing types.

Now there is essentially 2 strike fighter types (Hornet and Super Hornet) that have a decent amount of commonality and of course the venerable Hawkeye for AEW.

[Albany Rifles]

Yeah, well, what are you gonna do?

We tried to raise him right and teach him how to walk softly through minefield correctly (which is what the first couple dozen posts in WAB is akin to) and he manages to step on every mine without missing any.......

Not sure if those are mines or cow patties.

[Albany Rifles]

Missile range is hugely overrated.

I just read that in the voice of Otter talking with Mrs. Wermer in the vegetable section.

[Albany Rifles]

Chogy, as an acquisition logistician I can tell you what a smart move it was. GREATLY reduces life cycle costs and also decreases maintenance burden. Reduction of parts inventory also saves funding and reduces stocks onhand in the UNREP force...making more room for other things.

Good move.

[JA Boomer]

That is pretty amazing when you consider it. Circa 1965, a CVW had at least 6 different fixed-wing types.

Now there is essentially 2 strike fighter types (Hornet and Super Hornet) that have a decent amount of commonality and of course the venerable Hawkeye for AEW.

You forgot about the EA-6B's / EA-18G's!!!

Here's a good summary of what a carrier air wing looked like throughout the years. Interesting indeed!

Carrier Air Wing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[TopHatter]

You forgot about the EA-6B's / EA-18G's!!!

Here's a good summary of what a carrier air wing looked like throughout the years. Interesting indeed!

Carrier Air Wing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The EA-6B's are disappearing and the EA-18G is essentially a Super Hornet.