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G’day lads, I’ve seen that there are still a low amount of Aussie aircraft suggestions, let alone modern ones, so here I am suggesting the Aussie RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet for War Thunder!
Description:
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The RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet is a multirole fighter aircraft that has been serving the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) since 2010. This aircraft is manufactured by Boeing, following the merger with McDonnell Douglas. The F/A-18F Super Hornet is renowned for its versatility, capable of executing both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions with precision. It is a twin-engine, supersonic jet that first flew in November 1995. The RAAF introduced the Super Hornet into service to enhance its operational capabilities and replace the aging F-111 fleet.
History:
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The Royal Australian Air Force made the decision to acquire the F/A-18F Super Hornet in 2007. This move was driven by the need to replace the aging fleet of F-111C aircraft and to ensure that the RAAF maintained a robust air combat capability. The acquisition was part of a broader modernization effort to prepare the RAAF for future operational challenges.
The first Super Hornets arrived in Australia in 2010, with the initial aircraft being delivered to RAAF Base Amberley. By the end of 2011, all 24 Super Hornets had been delivered and were fully integrated into the RAAF’s operational structure. These aircraft were initially operated by No. 1 Squadron and No. 6 Squadron, both of which had previously flown the F-111C.
In 2016, with the introduction of the Boeing EA-18G Growler Electronic Attack aircraft, all Super Hornets were consolidated within No. 1 Squadron. This reorganization allowed the RAAF to streamline its operations and maximize the effectiveness of its Super Hornet fleet.
The Super Hornets have participated in numerous international exercises and deployments, showcasing their capabilities and strengthening Australia’s defense relationships with allied nations. In May 2017, the Super Hornets were deployed to the Middle East as part of Australia’s contribution to the international coalition against ISIS.
Armaments:
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*= Info directly from the RAAF official page
AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)*
AIM-9X “Sidewinder” Short Range Air-to-Air Missile*
Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Laser JDAM*
Conventional and Laser-Guided Bombs*
AGM-154 Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW)*
AGM-84 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile*
M61A2 20mm Nose-Mounted Gun System*
Planned HACM (Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile)
AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infrared (ATFLIR)
AN/APG-79 AESA radar with a range of 150km’s
AN/ALR-67(V)3 RWR
AN/ALQ-214 Integrated Defensive Electronic Countermeasures (IDECM)
Joint Helmet-Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS)
Link 16 (Jam-resistant datalink)
Specifications:
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(Infos are from the official RAAF website) The RAAF F/A-18F Super Hornet is a multirole fighter aircraft designed to have a crew of two: a pilot and a weapon systems officer. The aircraft measures 18.3 meters in length, 4.9 meters in height, and has a wingspan of 13.6 meters. In terms of weight, the Super Hornet has a basic weight of 13,387 kilograms and a maximum take-off weight of 29,900 kilograms. It is powered by two F414-GE-400 turbofan engines, each providing 44,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft boasts a range of 2,700 kilometers and can reach a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet. Its top speed is 1,960 kilometers per hour, which is equivalent to Mach 1.6.
Sources:
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https://www.airforce.gov.au/aircraft/18f-super-hornet
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet - Wikipedia
Australian F/A-18Fs to operate out to 2040, receive hypersonic weapons | News | Flight Global
DEFENSE STUDIES: Australian Super Hornets with a F-111
https://australianaviation.com.au/2010/02/raaf-accepts-first-super-hornet/
$600m contract to sustain, enhance RAAF Super Hornet, Growler EW capability - Defence Connect
McDonnell Douglas Hornet [A21] | Australian Military Aviation History
https://worldofaviation.com/2019/07/from-the-archives-boeing-rolls-out-first-raaf-super-hornet/
Ten years of RAAF Super Hornets - Australian Defence Magazine