The F/A-18 Hornet
Born out of necessity and innovation, the US Navy’s F/A-18 Hornet introduced a level of aircraft superiority that had not been seen before and set the standard for future development of next-gen fighters.
The wide range of modern weapons the aircraft could carry combined with its sensor suite and data link systems enables beyond and within visual range engagements under all weather and lighting conditions either by a single aircraft or by packages in seamless cooperation with surface-based air defense units and other air defense assets.
The Hornet cut its teeth during Operation Desert Storm, proving its lethality and versatility. Pilots could engage adversary fighters in the air and take out ground targets during the same mission. The aircraft’s survivability and easy repair only proved to further solidify its role as the preeminent aircraft in the carrier fighter air wing.
A 500-pound LGB to kill a lone terrorist
From October 2001 to August 2021, US Navy F/A-18s Hornets and Super Hornets provided around-the-clock battlefield coverage in the Afghanistan Theater of operations, where strike fighters were also tasked for some unusual missions.
‘In the war in Afghanistan, a section of Hornets was trolling around the mountains when the pilots were switched over to a ground controller,’ Tim Hibbetts, former US Navy F/A-18 Hornet pilot, recalls on Quora.
‘It turned out to be a few troops (unidentified type, strangely) who were watching a guy way across the gorge, scrambling pretty quickly. They asked the Hornets if they could help stop the guy. In short order, they had him on the infrared sensors (you can tell he was carrying something that looked like a rocket launcher). A few minutes later they zipped in with a 500-pound, laser-guided bomb.
‘One guy.
‘A bomb used to take out tanks and buildings.
‘The footage was pretty dramatic (and definitive). The Hornet drivers were thanked for their efforts and flew home.’
Hibbetts concludes;
‘There were a few other similar instances, many involving vehicles. Today’s common airborne sniper is the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Those dudes are popping lone gunmen all over the place.’
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
