Hornet vs. Super Hornet

[lqcorsa]

I am absolutely in love with the USN Super Hornet, but it's not very clear on what the difference is between the super hornet and the hornet. I know the Blue Angels fly the hornet, and modern USN fly's the super, and after watching behind enemy lines I saw the cockpit difference, but is there any REAL difference? As far as I can tell its like the difference between a 737-300 and a next generation 737, am I right?

[Airshow fan]

Well The Blue Angels have some things in thier phamlet.

On the FAQ page, it says about the Super Hornet

www.blueangels.navy.mil

[lqcorsa]

Didn't see any of that but I did see this

Why can’t the public listen to the Pilots’ conversation during the show?

Since all maneuvers are preceded by radio communication broadcasting these radio calls or making the frequencies of their radios publicly available could interfere with pilot communication, thereby jeopardizing safety of flight.

Thats not going to put me in trouble when I take my scanner will it?

[lieutfunaki]

Didn't see any of that but I did see this

Why can’t the public listen to the Pilots’ conversation during the show?

Since all maneuvers are preceded by radio communication broadcasting these radio calls or making the frequencies of their radios publicly available could interfere with pilot communication, thereby jeopardizing safety of flight.

Thats not going to put me in trouble when I take my scanner will it?

If it is a two-way handheld, make absolutely certain that you aren't ever transmitting. Other than that I think you are good.


Regardign the difference between the two aircraft: The Super Hornet was designed to replace the F-14 in most aspects. It is about 18% larger than the original Hornet in almost all dimensions. Though not a "stealth" aircraft, the E and F models do feature a multiplicity of radar signature reducing elements (paint etc). Visually, the inlets are square, which makes identification fairly simple.

The cruise speed is still the same as the original hornet. Long-term, I understand that the Hornet is to be replaced by the JSF (F-35), and the JSF will fly right alongside the Super Hornet.

[Airshow fan]

Copyed by the Blue Angels Website

What is the difference between a Blue Angel Hornet and the new F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet?
The Super Hornet is 25% larger, can fly 40% further, remain on station 80% longer and carry more weapons than its predecessors. The Super Hornet F/A-18 E/F models have deployed with battle groups since 2001. This aircraft is the Navy’s newest acquisition and its advanced technology will be used to carry the fleet into the 21st century.



Will the Blue Angels fly the Super Hornet?
The decision to transition to the Super Hornet has yet to be determined.

Also you are Ok on scanning unless you talk to the pilots, but if you are listening you are ok!

[lqcorsa]

No transmitting, I don't even think mine can transmit! Very nice scanner though, I'd recommend it.



1000 Channels
Triple Trunking
Alpha-numeric display for ID tagging allows frequencies to be identified by the name you assign
Lighted keypad and backlit LCD display for use in low light
Digital weather alert keeps you informed of emergencies; 7 NOAA weather stations preprogrammed!

[Tomcatboy48237]

Pro-97, that same one I use. Works great for me.

You won't get in any trouble for having a scanner, and no it can't transmit so you're safe there.

[Burner]

You'll notice the stats on the Super Hornet are frequently quoted in mission ability. More ordinance sent further with more loiter time. However the redesign of the Super Hornet was driven purely by these abilities, and the need for the USN to pass the project off as an upgrade in the eyes of congress.

The F/A-18, after all, began as the YF-17 which was the same size and roll as its contract opponent- what would later become the F-16. The Navy had it Biggie sized so that it could fill the needed Attack role carrying multiple harpoons or iron bombs.

The further upscaling of the Super Hornet turned it into a bit of a dog in comparison to the previous models. The F/A-18C's biggest handling ability (and therefore biggest Aerobatic or Dogfight ability) was its high level of control at low speeds and high AOAs. The F/A-18E cannot operate at the same low speeds due to its new gurth- even with more powerful engines.

Basically if I were to choose a plane to take into combat it would be the E with its improved sensors, and lower radar reflectivity. As an airshow pilot I would definately go with the C.

[Atlas]

found this on the navy.com website, i noticed you mention how the blue angels fly one and the navy pilots fly another model....it seems that the super hornets are about half the number of the f-18c hornets that are on the ship.....

(from navy.com)
The air wing brings together a crew of over 2,500 people who fly and maintain the most technologically advanced aircraft in the world. They are on hand during all major overseas deployments and for operational training. Typically, an air wing consists of (14) F/A-18E/F Super Hornets, (36) F/A-18C Hornets, (4) E-2C Hawkeyes, (4) EA-6B Prowlers, (6) S-3B Vikings, (6/2) SH-60R/CH-60 Seahawk helicopters and (2) C-2 Greyhounds. The air wing is a carrier’s primary offensive and defensive weapon.

[Red Rover]

To add: for a visual difference for the A-D vs E/F models, the first thing is the SIZE. but this can be difficult to tell unless side by side. (the superbug is much bigger) The easiest way to determine (quick glance) is to look at the intakes (as mentioned by lieutfunaki) . The A-D models have rounded intakes, the E/F models are square. Another tip: the E/F models have 3 pylons per wing, compared to the A-D having only 2.

[scapilot]

I'm a second class aviation ordnanceman attached to an VFA-143 "World Famous Pukin' Dogs". We have recently transitioned from the F-14B to the F/A-18E single seater super hornet. Having worked through the transition, and going to school to learn the difference between the two, you guys are pretty much dead on for the most part on the differences between the "legacy" hornets (A through D's) and the new SUper Hornets. The biggest advantages of the new Super Hornet is pretty much everything. It has all sorts of new technology on board to allow it to defeat pretty much anything in the air right now. The all new ALE-50 decoy system being one of the newest benefits to it. It's a tow decoy system that is still rather classified in all it's sorts for better part right now, but as a weapons guy, we work hand in hand with the aircrew on the jets, and are privvy to be able to watch their sensor footage, as well as their hud cam footage, and really get to see the difference. The aircraft has the ability to hide itself very well, and has on board systems that will detect enemy threats, including something as small as shoulder fired "man pad" missiles from extremely far distances. Secure communications allow for the aircrew to be able to communicate without detection, and the redar system has the abily to detect an aircraft and tell you exactly what type of aircraft it is from almost 80nm from get this......the way the intake turbine turns. That's correct, it can tell the cut of the turbine blades, and the way that they are turning, and decipher all of that to let you know if it's an F-16 or a 767. They are ominously bigger than the legacy jets, and look entirely different when the two are up close to each other. We have also incorporated the ability to put an ARS equipped refueling pod on the centerline station to allow us to assume the role of air to air refueler while in the combat theatre. We have an two additional stores stations to increase our payload capability which can include anything from secondary parent racks with pyrotechnics for missile shoots, or AGM-154 JSOW's. We have been testing this aircraft to it's potential and are still in the process of learning all the great things that this aircraft can offer. After working on the Tomcat for almost five years, this thing is a the luxury jet of tactical fighting. The aircraft runs a full systems bit every 60 seconds, and will record any codes that indicate failures within internal systems. When we recover the jet, we can extract the codes out of the nose wheel well, and refer to a book that tells us exactly what is making the jet unhappy. We have recently incorporated the JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cuing System) in conjunction with our air to ground systems, and our AIM-9X. The newest IR missile to hit the fleet. This helmet allows our pilots to simply look at their target, and with symbology INSIDE of their visor, they are able to slew the seeker head, and literally be able to 'look' the missile in the right direction for the kill. With the capability of the 9X, and the 'azimuth off' abilities of almost 65 degrees, we are literally able to shoot a plane down that is behind us if we catch it in time. It's also incorporated in the Air to Ground role by being able to 'look' at a target, and lock it up with the FLIR designater, which allows us to 'lase' guided smart bombs on target simply by looking in the general vicinity. This capability keeps our troops on the ground alive by allowing us to be able to quickly react to comms. with those guys. We are now introducing our latest and greatest mod the "Rover". With this ability we are able to send what we are seeing from 15,000 feet through our FLIR pods, and send a real time picture to troops on the ground who are seeing what we are seeing on a lap top. If a platoon is taking fire from a car two blocks down the road, and are barricaded, and cannot move, they can tell us to slew our FLIR up the road a little bit, and when they see the car from our view they will tell us, "Yes, that one right there!" We can then lock that vehicle up, and drop precision guided munitions. This takes the guess work out of where we're supposed to be putting ordnance, and lessens the probability of missed targets, and civilian casualties, overall, putting us in an overall good posture to bring everyone home safely. I hope this pretty much clears up any questions, because I must admit, at times, the job is hectic, but when you see them leave with 2,000 lbs. of ordnance, and then come back with none, there's nothing sweeter. We are currently in workup's right now and scheduled to leave on a seven month deployment to the North Arabian Sea in support of the war on terrorism in October, and we are all ready for the challenges that lie ahead. As far as the angels go, there are still several squadrons on the waiting list to transition to the new Super Hornets, and they will be the priority list before the blues, besides, they are still serving their purpose for what the blues are achieving. There are currently about ten super hornet squadrons that are currently operational, and of those four have made the transition in the past year, and the Fighting BlackLions of VF-213 just arrived home from cruise a few months ago, and are currently out in California training their aircrew and maintainers for the transition to the new F/A-18F, the two seaters. VF-31 is the last remaining Tomcat squadron the inventory, and are still on a "surge" period until roughly September, when they will close up shop on the Tomcat forever, and send all of their aircraft to various museums and the "Boneyard" out in Arizona. I hope this brings some perspective from the eyes who make a living working on these, and we'll see you guys in the skies.

Creature

[Burner]

Gotta respect the inside info. I remember the AIM9X test footage. I'd love to be able to launch one at a bandit behind me in LOMAC

How long will this next cruise in October be?

[Lawndart]

Burner,

scheduled to leave on a seven month deployment to the North Arabian Sea in support of the war on terrorism in October

Creature,

Thanks for the info and good luck! How close to your heart is the Tomcat, given how beloved that bird is? I'm sure it's a different story from a maintenance standpoint vs. new technology!

LD

[scapilot]

I checked into my first squadron (VF-101 The Grim Reapers) in August of 2001, just weeks before 9/11 and was involved in all the chaos involved with that day from a military standpoint, and worked on all three mods of the tomcats (A-D) there, while training replacement aircrew to the fleet. While there, I actually worked along side of Lt. Saccamondo, who was our demo pilot for the airshow circuit, and is now flying #2 for the Blue Angels. I was there for almost two years, and then transfered across the way to the Pukin' Dogs, and have already made one deployment from Jan-Jul '04. So I worked on them up until Feb. of last year when we made our transition. I miss saying that I was a part of the Tomcat community, but don't miss the "life support" that we had to put into the aircraft to keep em' up. But overall, it's nice to know that I'll always be able to say that I was a part of the legacy. The Super Hornet is growing on me in many good ways though, so I really can't complain. It's a dream maintenance wise, and I wouldn't have it any other way. Gives us more time to focus on loading the ordnance, and troubleshooting the serious gripes. But at this time right now, the jets are still so new that they're not really giving us any problems. They're only scheduled to be in the Fleet for roughly 12 or 13 years, until they give way to the newly named F-35 JSF "Lightning 2". It'll be good news then. But overall, the jets are running great. We received one of our new jets last October, and it still had the Boeing factory seal on the canopy. When we received the jet it had a total of 7.6 flight hours on the structure. Now thats new!

P.S. I also wrote you guys in the tryout forum to see about getting a shot at an audition with you guys. Check it out and get back to me if you could. Thanks.

[Rotorblade]

Good luck with the tryout Messiah!

No transmitting, I don't even think mine can transmit! Very nice scanner though, I'd recommend it.



1000 Channels
Triple Trunking
Alpha-numeric display for ID tagging allows frequencies to be identified by the name you assign
Lighted keypad and backlit LCD display for use in low light
Digital weather alert keeps you informed of emergencies; 7 NOAA weather stations preprogrammed!

If that is the Prro-97 that's the same scanner I have been using. It works great! I recorded the Snowbird comms straight into my laptop from it.