- Yes
- No (Explain why)
Suggestion No.90
G’day lads. I want to suggest a modernized Spanish Hornet, that being the C.15M as it’s military designation, or also known as the EF-18M, which features an upgraded APG-65V3 radar, newer RWR, better missiles like the IRIS-T and Python 4, as well as better CAS including the Taurus :)
Description:
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The Spanish C.15M Hornet is the modernized version of the EF-18 Hornet operated by the Spanish Air and Space Force. Introduced in the 1980s as the C.15, the aircraft underwent a Mid Life Upgrade (MLU) to the “M” (Modernizado) standard, improving avionics, radar, cockpit systems, and weapons integration. Main upgrades were the integration of the IRIS-T, Taurus, internal upgrades, etc.
History:
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Spain selected the F/A-18 Hornet in 1982 under the FACA program to replace the Mirage III/5 and F-4C Phantom II. The first aircraft arrived in 1986, designated C.15 (single seat) and CE.15 (two seat). A total of 72 Hornets were delivered between 1986 and 1990.
During the early 1990s, Spanish F-18s assumed primary roles in air defense, strike, and QRA duties. Spain’s first major combat air deployments since the 1950s occurred in 1995-1999, when EF-18s operated from Italy during NATO operations over the Balkans, flying air patrol, strike, and enforcement missions.
To sustain relevance, Spain began upgrading its Hornet fleet in the late 1990s. Early improvements led to the EF-18A+/B+ standard, enhancing mission computers, avionics, wiring, and weapons capability. In parallel, Spain acquired 24 ex-US Navy F/A-18A aircraft between 1995 and 1999, integrating them into the fleet after refurbishment.
In the early 2000s, Spain implemented a further Mid Life Upgrade, resulting in the C.15M/EF-18M standard. This modernization (as already mentioned above) introduced improved radar processing, updated avionics and software, enhanced cockpit displays, modern communications, and full integration of precision-guided weapons and targeting pods. From this point onward, the C.15M became the primary operational configuration of the Spanish Hornet fleet.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the C.15M supported national air defense and NATO missions, including deployments for air policing and participation in Operation Unified Protector over Libya in 2011. The Hornet remained operational alongside the Eurofighter Typhoon, with the C.15M continuing frontline service into the 2020s. As Eurofighter numbers increased, Spain began a gradual phase out of the F-18.
Armaments:
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1 20mm M61A1 with around 578 rounds
IRIS-T (Possibly up to 6)
Python 4 (Up to 6)
Aim-120 AMRAAM
AIM-9L/I/P Sidewinder (good amount of photos of the P)
Aim-7 Sparrow
Taurus KEPD-350
AGM-88 HARM
AGM-84 SLAM
AGM-65 Maverick
GBU-10/16/24/48
BPG-2000
BR-250/500
BME-330
Mk-82
Unknown LGB (Small blue thing, most likely for training?)
Litening II pod
RECCELITE pod
AN/AAS-38B pod
Core pod
AN/APG-65V3 radar
AL-400 RWR
ASQ-600 emission detector
Specifications:
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The C.15M has a length of 17.07m, a wingspan of 11.43m and a height of 4.67m. It weighs around 12701kg when empty, and with MTOW around 25400kg. It is powered by 2 General Electric F404 turbofan engines, which provide about 48.9kN of thrust each dry and 79kN with afterburner. This gives it a max speed of roughly Mach 1.8 (roughly 1915km/h).
Sources:
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EL F-18M – Asociación Amigos del Museo del Aire
F/A-18 Hornet – Asociación AIRE
F/A-18 | AERONAVES MILITARES ESPAÑOLAS
https://grupooesia.com/noticias/tecnobit-grupo-oesia-cumple-20-anos-de-trayectoria-en-los-f-18/
Displays multifunción de Tecnobit para los F-18 del Ejército del Aire - Noticias Defensa España
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet - Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet - Wikipedia
Spain Signs Deal to Keep Its F/A-18 Hornet Fighter Jets Combat-Ready
Spain orders 25 additional Eurofighter aircraft | Airbus
Datei:Spanish Air Force EF-18 DD-SD-00-02833 cropped.jpg – Wikipedia
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10035489
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10479683
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6079397
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11869778
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11852499
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11777483
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11768119
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11695444
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11134528
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/11122404
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10985281
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10594680
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10480022
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10405071
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/10186089
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9974989
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9949971
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9536614
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9536296
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9409749
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9437174
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9354627
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9338887
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9294923
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9247433
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9208446
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/9003514
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8939313
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8914910
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8559428
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8511497
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/8539344
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6399847
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6079397
https://www.jetphotos.com/photo/6978671
Thanks a lot for reading! If you have any extra information, then feel free to share them in the replies! As always, have a good day :)