The two-seater version of the famous Super Hornet arrives in War Thunder! This time, the F/A-18F from the Royal Australian Air Force with AIM-120D missiles and a huge arsenal against ground targets!
F/A-18F: A Jet Fighter/Naval Aircraft for Great Britain (Australia) at Rank IX!
At a glance:
- Twin-Seat layout
- Wide range of external hardpoints
- 12 AIM-120D AMRAAMs
Vehicle History
Developed in tandem with the F/A-18E Super Hornet, the F model was the twin-seat variant much like the F/A-18B/D was to the A/C. Powered by the same Two F414-GE-400 turbofans as the E model, the F variant allowed for a variety of flexible mission roles operationally, as well as crew familiarisation and training.
A Royal Australian Air Force requirement came into being with the need to replace the F-111 fleet before the F-35 would become operational. In 2007, it was announced that 24 Block II F/A-18F Super Hornets would be purchased for the RAAF. With the F/A-18A already in service, this was a natural step to take. The first aircraft would be delivered in 2010 to No.1 Squadron, with all deliveries completed and the type fully operational by 2012. The Australian variants include the AN/APG-79 AESA radar package and capabilities for most integrated Super Hornet Weaponry like the AIM-120, AIM-9, JDAM and LJDAM. The F/A-18F would later be complemented by the EA-18G Growler in RAAF service.
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Introducing the Australian Super Hornet!
G’day mates! Today, we’ll be taking a look at the Royal Australian Air Force’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, the twin-seat modification of the famous “Rhino” (or Superbug, depending on who you ask)! Armed to the teeth with a massive loadout of AMRAAMs for aerial engagements or suitably decked out for close air support with a plethora of guided ordinance, this aircraft provides a veritable toolbox for you to use within the British aviation tree!
Pilots already familiar with the F/A-18E won’t be too surprised to learn that its slightly more spacious counterpart retains the same air-to-air capabilities of 12 x AIM-120C-5 / D AMRAAMs as its maximum loadout. Coupled with the AN/APG-79 AESA radar, the F/A-18F is a significant step up from the previous AF/A-18A Late and Sea Harrier FA.2 you would be stepping up from in the British Naval line. Much like those aircraft however, the “Rhino” is not something you particularly want to be getting into any dogfights or close range engagements with. While you do have AIM-9M IR missiles and a 20 mm M61A2 cannon to fall back on, this aircraft is best kept at ranges where it can launch off its AMRAAM battery and keep a distance from enemy fighters. Make best use of your AESA radar from ranges where it provides the best situational awareness and targeting.
Air-to-ground however is more where the F/A-18F shines. Complementing the existing British lineups, this Super Hornet offers a massive upgrade over the earlier Australian F/A-18A Late in terms of the sheer number of hardpoints and options. Everything from JDAM-ERs, GBU-10, 12, 16, 24, 31, 38 and 62, among many other guided options are available. Along with the stalwart options like AGM-65 and many conventional bombs for when the occasion calls for it.
Naturally, the F/A-18F also comes with all the modern tools you would expect for a platform from this era. Great situational awareness thanks to its RWR system and good targeting capabilities with its helmet-mounted display. Much like its single seat counterpart, the F/A-18F comes with 120 countermeasures. A respectable amount, but by no means the most at this rank. So you’ll need to be selective about how you best configure and apply them in battles.
Well thats Hooroo for now! We hope you enjoyed a look at this new gem from down under. It will not be long before you can add the F/A-18F to your hangars and join your rosters within the British tree, coming in the next major update! Until the next one.
Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.
You can greatly speed up the research of the F/A-18F with these packs:
This pack includes:
- MiG-21 Bison (Rank VIII, Great Britain)
- remium account for 20 days
- 2500 Golden Eagles
This pack includes:
- CF-188A Hornet (Rank VIII, Great Britain)
- Premium account for 30 days
- 3000 Golden Eagles
