CF-18 Hornet

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from CF-18)
Jump to: navigation, search
CF-18 Hornet
A Canadian CF-18 flies off the coast of Hawaii
Type Multirole fighter
Manufacturer McDonnell Douglas / Boeing
Maiden flight 1978-11-18
Introduced 1983-01-07
Primary user Canadian Forces
Unit cost US$35 million in 2003[citation needed]
Developed from F/A-18 Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet (CF-188) is a Canadian Forces aircraft, based on the American F/A-18 Hornet.

Contents

The final assembly line for the Hornet was in St. Louis, Missouri, USA by McDonnell Douglas, before merging with Boeing in 1997. Some export sales were assembled in various countries. The design of the F/A-18 originated from the Northrop YF-17 "Cobra". The YF-17 was pitted against the General Dynamics YF-16 Fighting Falcon in the U.S. Air Force's Light Weight Fighter (LWF) competition to be its next generation of lightweight combat aircraft. In 1975, the USAF selected the YF-16.

However, the US Department of Defense directed the US Navy to evaluate the competitors in the Air Force's Light Weight Fighter program. The Navy was skeptical of the YF-16 with its one engine and narrow landing gear and chose the YF-17 as its basis for a multirole aircraft to replace the F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, and A-7 Corsair II, and to complement the F-14 Tomcat. Several changes were made to the aircraft and the F-18A was born.

In 1977, the Canadian government at the time identified the need to replace the NATO assigned CF-104 Starfighter, the NORAD assigned CF-101 Voodoo and the CF-116 Freedom Fighter, although the decision was made to keep the CF-116. The subsequent decision was the decision to proceed with the New Fighter Aircraft competition, with a purchase budget of around $2.4 billion dollars Canadian to purchase 130-150 of the winner of the competition. Candidates were the F-14 Tomcat, F-15 Eagle, Panavia Tornado, the Dassault Mirage F1 (later substituted the Mirage 2000), plus the products of the American Lightweight Fighter (LWF) competition, the F-16 Falcon and F/A-18 Hornet. The government stressed that the winner of the competition be a proven off-the-shelf design and provide substantial industrial benefits as part of the order.

By 1978, the New Fighter Aircraft competitors were short listed to just two aircraft; the F-16 Falcon and F/A-18 Hornet. The F-14, F-15, and the Tornado were rejected due to the high purchase price, while Dassault dropped out of the competition. However, the F-14 almost entered Canadian service through the backdoor due to the Iranian Revolution. Canada tried hard to convince the Iranians to sell its almost-new fighters at cut-rate prices due to the US cutting off the supply of spare parts to Iran. However, the negotiations died before a deal was reached as it was revealed that Canadian involvement was instrumental for the smuggling of American embassy personnel out of the new Islamic Republic.[1]

A Canadian CF-18 flies off the coast of Hawaii
A Canadian CF-18 flies off the coast of Hawaii

In 1980, the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet was declared the winner of the New Fighter Aircraft competition. The order included 98 single-seat variants and 40 dual-seat variants, for a total of 138 purchased, plus 20 options (which were not exercised). The F/A-18 Hornet was then dubbed the CF-188 (the name Hornet not being used as the translation in French is "Frelon," which is already used by a French military helicopter). However, in every context except the most official of military documents, the planes are referred to as CF-18 Hornets. Reasons for the selection listed by the Canadian Forces were many of the features that was requested to be included for the US Navy; two engines for reliability (considered essential for conducting Arctic sovereignty and over the water patrols), an excellent radar set, while being considerably much more affordable compared to the F-14 and the F-15.

The most visible difference between a CF-18 and a US F-18 is the 600,000 candela night identification light. This spotlight is mounted in the gun loading door on the port side of the aircraft. Some CF-18s have the light temporarily removed, but the window is always in place. Also, the underside of the CF-18 features a painted "dummy canopy". This is intended to disorient and confuse an enemy in air-to-air combat.

Many features that made the F/A-18 suitable for naval carrier operations were also retained by the Canadian Forces, such as the robust landing gear, the arrestor hook, and wing-folding mechanisms, which proved useful when operating the fighters from smaller airfields such as those found in the Arctic.

The first two CF-18 were formally handed over to 410 (Operational Training Unit) Squadron at Cold Lake, Alberta in October of 1984. The CF-18 then as deliveries progressed equipped the 409, 439, and 421 Squadrons at Baden-Soellingen in then West Germany, the 410 Operation Training Unit, 416, and 441 Squadrons at Cold Lake, and 425 and 433 Squadrons at Bagotville, Quebec. However, introduction into Canadian service was initially problematic due to early issues with structural fatigue which delayed initial deployment. As the initial bugs were worked out, the CF-18 started filling the NORAD interception and NATO roles as intended.

In 1991, Canada committed 26 CF-18s to the Gulf War (aka Desert Shield/Desert Storm), these were based in Doha, Qatar. During the Gulf War, Canadian pilots flew 5,700+ hours, including 2,700 combat air patrol missions. These aircraft were taken from Canada's airbase in Germany, CFB Baden-Soellingen (now a civilian airport). In the beginning the CF-18s began sweep and escort combat missions to support ground-attack strikes by Allied air forces. However, during the 100-hour Allied ground invasion in late February, CF-18s also flew 56 bombing sorties, mainly dropping 500 lb (230 kg) conventional ("dumb") bombs on Iraqi artillery positions, supply dumps, and marshaling areas behind the lines. At the time the Canadian Hornets were unable to deploy precision guided munitions (PGMs).

Colour scheme celebrating the year 2000.
Colour scheme celebrating the year 2000.

Continuing violence in the former Yugoslavia brought CF-18s into theatre twice: first for a three-month deployment (Op Mirador, August–November 1997) for air patrols supporting NATO peacekeepers in Bosnia-Herzegovina, and again from late June 1998 until late December 2000 (Op Echo).

In June 1999, with 18 CF-18s already deployed to Aviano, Italy, Canada participated in both the air-to-ground and air-to-air roles. Canadian aircraft conducted ten percent of the NATO strike sorties despite deploying a much smaller percentage of the overall forces. Canadian pilots flew 678 combat sorties—120 defensive counter-air escorts for Allied strike packages and 558 bombing strikes—during 2,577 combat-flying hours. CF-18s dropped a total of 397 PGMs and 171 free-fall iron bombs on a wide variety of targets including surface-to-air missile sites, airfields, bridges and fuel storage areas.

In 2000, the need to upgrade the CF-18 became necessary as demonstrated during Operation Desert Storm and during the 1998 Kosovo conflict as advances in technology had rendered some of the avionics onboard the CF-18 obsolete and out of step when operating with NATO allies. As a response, the military initiated in 2001 a major modernization programme for the CF-18 dubbed the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project (IMP). The project was broken into two phases over a period of 7 years and is meant to improve air-to-air and air-to-ground combat capabilities, upgrade sensors and the defensive suite, and replace the datalinks and communications systems onboard the CF-18 from the old F/A-18A and F/A-18B standard to the current F/A-18C and D standard. The project is supposed to extend the life of the CF-18 until 2017-2020, at which point, the F-35 Lightning II (JSF) is expected to replace the CF-18. Boeing (merged with McDonnell Douglas) the primary contractor and L-3 Communications the primary subcontractor, was then issued a contract for the modernization project starting in 2002. 80 CF-18's, consisting of 62 single-seat and 18 dual-seat models were selected from the fleet for the upgrade progamme.

CF-18 at an airshow in 2006
CF-18 at an airshow in 2006

Phase I of the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project consisted of:

  • Replacing the old Hughes AN/APG-65 radar with the new Hughes (now Raytheon) AN/APG-73 radar, which had triple the processing speed and memory capacity of the old AN/APG-65 radar, while also incorporating Terrain Following and Terrain Avoidance modes for low level ground attack missions. Furthermore, the new AN/APG-73 radar was also capable of guiding the modern AIM-120 AMRAAM medium range missiles that were to be purchased.
  • Addition of the BAE Systems AN/APX-111 Combined interrogator and transponder, otherwise known as an IFF (Identification Friend or Foe). The new IFF brings the CF-18 up to current NATO standards for combat identification and will allow the AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles to be used out to their maximum range while reducing the risk of ‘friendly-fire’ incidents.
  • Replacement of the old radios with the new Rockwell Collins AN/ARC-210 RT-1556/ARC VHF/UHF Radio. This radio, capable of line-of-sight communications on VHF/UHF frequencies as well as HAVE QUICK, HAVE QUICK II, and SINCGARS waveforms resolved the issues of compatibility with allied forces that became apparent during the 1991 Gulf War and the Kosovo Conflict, and are furthermore, more resistant to jamming while providing enhanced data link capabilities that previously required the need of multiple radios to accomplish.
  • Replacement of the old mission computer with the General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems AN/AYK-14 XN-8 mission computer, which offered increased memory and processing capabilities over the old mission computer.
  • Replacement of the old Stores Management System with the Smith Aerospace AN/AYQ-9 Stores Management System. This upgrade is considered an important element of the upgrade as it makes the CF-18 more compatible with the latest of precision guided munitions and furthermore adds the MIL-STD-1760 interface which is required for firing the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile.
  • Furthermore, a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) capability was installed on the CF-18 which enhances navigational capabilities of the CF-18.

Within the same timeframe, other upgrades not in the scope of the IMP were also conducted:

  • A new infrared sensor was installed on the aircraft.
  • The old cathode ray tube cockpit instrument panels were replaced with new flat paneled, full colour LCD displays from Litton Systems Canada (now Northrop Grumman Canada).[2]
  • A new night vision imaging system was added to the aircraft.
  • Purchase of the AIM-120 AMRAAM medium range missiles and other advanced air to air and air to ground munitions.
  • A landing-gear “get well” program to reduce corrosion and improve gear retraction.
  • An Advanced Distributed Combat Training System.

The first completed "Phase I" CF-18 was delivered to the Canadian Forces on time in May 2003.[3] Final delivery of all "Phase I" CF-18's was done at a ceremony on August 31, 2006 at L-3 Communications in Mirabel, Quebec.[4]

Phase II of the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project was award to Boeing on February 22, 2005, which consists of the following upgrades:

  • The addition of a Link 16 data net system to the aircraft, enhancing interoperability with major NATO allies.
  • The integration of the Joint Helmet Mounted Cuing System from Rockwell Collins and Israel’s Elbit Systems.*
  • A crash survivable flight data recorder.
  • An upgraded electronic warfare suite.

Within the same timeframe, other upgrades not in the scope of the IMP are also planned:

  • A fuselage Centre Barrel Replacement Project (for 40 of the upgraded aircraft).
  • An Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation System.
  • An Integrated Electronic Warfare Support Station.
  • An Electronic Warfare Test Equipment Project.

The first completed "Phase II" CF-18 was delivered to the Canadian Forces on August 20, 2007, at a ceremony in Montreal.[5]

Completion of the final phase of the CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project is expected to be in 2009. Total costs of the entire CF-18 Incremental Modernization Project and additional Hornet upgrades is expected to be around $2.6 billion dollars Canadian.[6][7]

  • CF-18A : Single-seat fighter and ground attack aircraft. Canadian Forces designation CF-188A.
  • CF-18B : Two-seat training version. Canadian Forces designation CF-188B.

 This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.
A CF-18B Hornet on the ground at St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport
A CF-18B Hornet on the ground at St. Catharines/Niagara District Airport
  • Year(s) procured: 1982 to 1988
  • Originally Ordered: 98 CF-18A / 40 CF-18B
  • Current strength: 98 (80 in operational use). 121 Airframes available.

Planned allocation is two operational squadrons of 24 aircraft each, with the remaining 33 available for training, testing and evaluation AETE, and depot level maintenance.

  • Operational readiness: Of the 48 aircraft in operational squadrons, 34 (70%) are normally mission-ready on a daily basis.
  • Operational lifetime: The Canadian Forces expect the Hornet to maintain front-line status until 2017 to 2020, and also expect losses at an average rate of one aircraft every two years.
  • Serial numbers: 188701 to 188798 (CF-18A), and 188901 to 188940 (CF-18B)
425 Alouette Tactical Fighter Squadron
409 Nighthawks Tactical Fighter Squadron
410 Cougars Tactical Fighter (Operational Training) Squadron
AETE (Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment)

 This section does not cite any references or sources.
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Orthographic projection of the F/A-18 Hornet.

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2
  • Length: 56 ft 0 in (17.1 m)
  • Wingspan: 40 ft 0 in with Sidewinders (12.3 m)
  • Height: 15 ft 4 in (4.7 m)
  • Wing area: 400 ft² (37.16 m²)
  • Airfoil: NACA 65A005 mod root, 65A003.5 mod tip
  • Empty weight: 23,049 lb (10,455 kg)
  • Loaded weight: 37,150 lb (16,850 kg)
  • Max takeoff weight: 51,550 lb (23,400 kg)
  • Powerplant: 2× General Electric F404-GE-400 turbofans, 16,000 lbf (71.2 kN) each

Performance

Armament

Avionics

  1. ^ The CF18 Hornet fighter aircraft – In Detail (Part 3).
  2. ^ Boeing Awarded Contract with Canada to Update Displays on F/A-18s.
  3. ^ Boeing Delivers First CF-18 Aircraft from Modernization Project.
  4. ^ Boeing Completes First Phase of CF-18 Aircraft Modernization Project.
  5. ^ Air Force receives first Phase II modernized CF-18 fighter jet.
  6. ^ Canada's Air Force, Aircraft: CF-18 Hornet:Future Plans.
  7. ^ CASR - The CF18 Incremental Modernization Program – In Detail.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to:

v • d • e
McDonnell and McDonnell Douglas military aircraft

Fighters: XP-67 · FH · F2H · XF-85 · XF-88 · F3H · F-101 · F-110 · F-4 · F-15 · F/A-18 · CF-188 · YF-23 · F/A-18E/F

Attack: AH · AV-8 · F-15E · A-12 · EA-18

Trainers: T-45

Transports: C-9 · KC-10 · YC-15 · C-17

Helicopters: XHJH · XH-20 · XHCH · XHRH · AH-64

Drones: TD2D · KDH

Experimental: XV-1 · X-36 · Bird of Prey -

Spacecraft: Mercury · Gemini
v • d • e
Flag of Canada Canadian Forces Air Command

Fighter aircraft: CF-188 Hornet

Patrol aircraft: CP-140 Aurora/CP-140A Arcturus

Helicopters: CH-124 Sea King • CH-139 JetRanger • CH-146 Griffon • CH-149 Cormorant

Cargo aircraft: CC-115 Buffalo • CC-130 Hercules • CC-138 Twin Otter • CC-144 Challenger • CC-150 Polaris • CC-177 Globemaster III

Trainer aircraft: CT-114 Tutor • CT-142 Dash 8 • CT-155 Hawk • CT-156 Harvard II

UAVs: CU-161 Sperwer

Possible Future Aircraft: CH-47 Chinook • CH-148 Cyclone • C-130 Hercules • F-35 Lightning II • Alenia C-27J

Wings: 1 Wing Kingston • 3 Wing Bagotville • 4 Wing Cold Lake • 5 Wing Goose Bay • 8 Wing Trenton • 9 Wing Gander • 12 Wing Shearwater • 14 Wing Greenwood • 15 Wing Moose Jaw • 16 Wing Borden • 17 Wing Winnipeg • 19 Wing Comox • 22 Wing North Bay

v • d • e
Lists relating to aviation
General Timeline of aviation · Aircraft · Aircraft manufacturers · Aircraft engines · Aircraft engine manufacturers · Airports · Airlines
Military Air forces · Aircraft weapons · Missiles · Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) · Experimental aircraft
Notable incidents
and accidents		 Military aviation · Airliners · General aviation · Famous aviation-related deaths
Records Flight airspeed record · Flight distance record · Flight altitude record · Flight endurance record · Most produced aircraft
Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CF-18_Hornet"
Advanced Search
Included Web Search Engines


Safe Search

close

Top Matching Results

Occasionally Search.com will highlight specialized results that are based on the context of your query. Examples of specialized results include specific links to news, images, or video.

Top Matching Results may highlight information from other Search.com pages, content from the CNET Network of sites, or third party content. The listings are based purely on relevance. Search.com does not receive payment for listings in this section but our partners that provide this data may get paid for listing these products.

Sponsored Links

This section contains paid listings which have been purchased by companies that want to have their sites appear for specific search terms and related content. These listings are administered, sorted and maintained by a third party and are not endorsed by Search.com.

Search Results

Search.com sends your search query to several search engines at one time and integrates the results into one list which has been sorted by relevance using Search.com's proprietary algorithm. You can customize the list of search engines included in your metasearch from the preferences.

The search engines that are used in your metasearch may allow companies to pay to have their Web sites included within the results. To view the Paid Inclusion policy for a specific search engine, please visit their Web site. Search.com does not accept payment or share revenue with any search engine partner for listings in this section.