The F/A-18 Hornet is derived from the YF-17 (Northrop) Cobra, which lost the LWF competition for the USAF against the Lockheed F-16 Falcon.
The F/A-18 was designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft and soon took the place of the USN A-7 and the USMC F-4. The first of 11 pre-production aircraft made
the type's maiden flight on November 18, 1978 and production followed of 371 F/A-18A. The F/A-18 introduced a genuine multi-role capability with a well designed cockpit
which has three multi-function CRT type displays and true HOTAS controls enabling the pilot to easily switch from attack to fighter mode. The F/A-18 has remarkable
dogfighting capabilities and excellent high-alpha capability.
Summary Copyright © Charles M (JetWhiz)