Wings — Season 1, Episode 27: McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

Episode synopsis

The McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, supersonic, all-weather, carrier-capable, multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (hence the F/A designation). Designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) and Northrop (now part of Northrop Grumman), the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations, and by the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. Designed to be a highly versatile aircraft due to its avionics, cockpit displays, and excellent aerodynamic characteristics, with the ability to carry a wide variety of weapons, the aircraft can perform fighter escort, fleet air defense, suppression of enemy air defenses, air interdiction, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance. Its versatility and reliability have proven it to be a valuable carrier asset.

About Wings

Aviation history series which aired on the Discovery Channel family of networks. Originally called Great Planes.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Boeing 707
• E2Boeing 747
• E3Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress
• E4Boeing B-29 Superfortress
• E5Boeing B-52 Stratofortress
• E6British Aerospace/McDonnell Douglas Harrier
• E7Consolidated B-24 Liberator
• E8Consolidated PBY Catalina
• E9Convair B-36 Peacemaker
• E10Douglas A-1 Skyraider
• E11Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
• E12Douglas A-26 Invader