McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet
Data CF-188A & B
Photo from Canadian Department of Defence CF-18A
Popularly known as the CF-18 the CF-188 designation is given because all canadian aircraft have to have a three character designation. The CF-18 is the backbone of Canada's air force. Canadian Hornets retain most of their air to surface capability for support of ground and maritime operations, but their main function remains the air defence of Canada and North America. Canada originally purchased over 120 CF-18's, but now operates only four squadrons of 15 fighters each based out of Cold Lake in Alberta and Bagotville in Quebec. Two of these squadrons are always ready for immediate redeployment anywhere in the world. The CF-18 replaced Canada's ancient fleet of CF-101 Voodoos, CF-5 (CF-116) Freedom Fighters and CF-104 Starfighters. Canada bought the CF-18's after an intense search. Runners up were the F-15, the F-16, and even surplus iranian F-14A's! The CF-18 small size and superior manoeverability make it one of the worlds foremost dogfighters. CF-18's participated in Desert Storm alongside their USMC and USN cousins. There has recentlty been talk of upgrading some Canadian Hornets or purchasing surplus US versions.
NOTE: The CF-188A & B are the F/A-18A & B with minor modifications like a false cockpit painted on the underside of the fuselage to confuse the enemy in a dogfight.
Specifications
(Data for CF-188A & B)
Origin: McDonnell Douglas Aerospace
Type: (A) Single seat tactical fighter (B) Dual seat trainer
Crew: (A) 1 (B) 2
Powerplant: Two GE F404 low bypass turbofans with 7 290 kg (16 038 lbs) thrust each
Dimensions
Span: 12.31 m
Height: 4.66m
Length: 17.07 m
Weight: 10 455 kg
Performance
Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8
Cruising Speed:
Climb Rate:
Range: 3,704 km
Service Ceiling: 15 000+ m (50 000+ feet)
Armament
1x M-61 20 mm cannon & AIM-9 Sidewinder & AIM-7 Sparrow air-to-air missiles, bombs, rockets
First Flight: November 1978
User(s): Canadian Armed Forces
Production: 86 CF-18A -- 39 CF-18B
A CF-18 in formation with a Luftwaffe MiG-29 Fulcrum over Germany.
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