F/A-18 Hornet vs F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

American carrier-capable multirole strike fighter, designed in the late 20th century, deployed extensively in a variety of combat roles.
Picture of F/A-18 Hornet
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas
First flight 18 November 1978
Year introduced 1983
Number produced 1480 units
Average unit price $29 million
An American carrier-based multirole fighter, derived in the late 20th century, used extensively in global combat operations.
Picture of F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet
Origin country 🇺🇸 United States
Category Combat Aircraft
Manufacturer Boeing
First flight 29 November 1995
Year introduced 2001
Number produced 632 units
Average unit price $70 million
Wing area 38.0 m² ◉
Wingspan 12.3 m â—‰
Height 4.7 m â—‰
Length 17.1 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,017 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,000 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 23,541 kg â—‰
Empty weight 10,433 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 12,700 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet
Wing area 46.5 m² ◉
Wingspan 13.6 m â—‰
Height 4.9 m â—‰
Length 18.3 m â—‰
Maximum speed 1915 km/h â—‰
Operational range 2,346 km â—‰
Service ceiling 15,940 m â—‰
Max. takeoff weight 29,900 kg â—‰
Empty weight 14,550 kg â—‰
Total thrust 2 x 19,958 kgf â—‰
Profile drawing of Boeing F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is faster with a maximum speed of 1,915 km/h compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 1,915 km/h, a difference of 0 km/h.
Which has longer range, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a longer range at 2,346 km compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 2,017 km.
Which can fly higher, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher service ceiling at 15,940 meters (52,296 ft) compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 15,000 meters (49,212 ft).
Which is heavier, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 29,900 kg compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 23,541 kg.
Which is larger, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is longer at 18.3 meters compared to the F/A-18 Hornet's 17.1 meters.
Which is more expensive, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet is more expensive at approximately $70 million per unit compared to the F/A-18 Hornet at $29 million.
Which entered service first, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet entered service first in 1983, 18 years before the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet which entered service in 2001.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the F/A-18 Hornet or F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The F/A-18 Hornet has been produced in greater numbers with 1,480 units compared to 632 units of the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet.