F/A-18C Hornet

The F/A-18C Hornet gave Navy and Marine pilots improved electronics and more weapons options, bringing fighter protection and ground attack together in one cockpit.

The Inside Story

The F/A-18C built on the original Hornet with upgraded electronics and compatibility with weapons such as the AIM-120 air-to-air missile and Maverick ground-attack missile. One pilot could defend against enemy aircraft and strike ground targets, giving crews flexibility when a mission changed. During Desert Storm, two VFA-81 C-model pilots demonstrated that advantage by shooting down Iraqi MiG-21s, then continuing to bomb their assigned targets on the same flight.

One Flight, Two Jobs

Shot down fighters, then bombed targets

Fighter Missile

AIM-120 AMRAAM compatible

Ground-Attack Missile

AGM-65 Maverick compatible

One Pilot

Fighter and attack missions