So what's with the two pilot seats I noticed in the Super Hornets at the air show??
Thanks for info.
Full Version: Are Super Hornets two-seaters??
Every Memorial Day there is an air show at our local airport, and this year there was a Navy FA-18 Super Hornet demonstration show. When Tomcats were mothballed, one reason seemed to be the Hornets don't require a RIO which would reduce personnel needed and save money.
So what's with the two pilot seats I noticed in the Super Hornets at the air show?? Thanks for info.
So what's with the two pilot seats I noticed in the Super Hornets at the air show??
Thanks for info.
The E models are single seaters, and the F models are two seaters. Most of the Tomcat squadrons were transitioned to the F models, while the E models are mostly replacing the oldest Hornest in the fleet. I'm not sure of the specific differences between the two other than the second seat, but I'm pretty sure the F's are used also in the tanking and recon roles and that it is being developed into the G variant which will replace the EA-6A's in the electronic warefare role.
The cost savings claimed by the transition come mostly from reduced maintenance. Savings are also claimed from having one less airframe type to have parts for, but in reality the E/F's are entirely new and different airframes themselves and don't share that many similar parts. The Tomcat-Super Hornet debate still rages and is an ugly, nasty, and bitter thing.
The cost savings claimed by the transition come mostly from reduced maintenance. Savings are also claimed from having one less airframe type to have parts for, but in reality the E/F's are entirely new and different airframes themselves and don't share that many similar parts. The Tomcat-Super Hornet debate still rages and is an ugly, nasty, and bitter thing.
I miss the F-14. It forever reminds me of JAG.
Hi Bubba here, ...
I did not know that. Thanks for the information.
I know.
QUOTE (VF84JollyRogers @ May 27 2008, 02:08 PM) 
The E models are single seaters, and the F models are two seaters. Most of the Tomcat squadrons were transitioned to the F models, while the E models are mostly replacing the oldest Hornest in the fleet. I'm not sure of the specific differences between the two other than the second seat, but I'm pretty sure the F's are used also in the tanking and recon roles and that it is being developed into the G variant which will replace the EA-6A's in the electronic warefare role.
The cost savings claimed by the transition come mostly from reduced maintenance. Savings are also claimed from having one less airframe type to have parts for, but in reality the E/F's are entirely new and different airframes themselves and don't share that many similar parts. The Tomcat-Super Hornet debate still rages and is an ugly, nasty, and bitter thing.
The cost savings claimed by the transition come mostly from reduced maintenance. Savings are also claimed from having one less airframe type to have parts for, but in reality the E/F's are entirely new and different airframes themselves and don't share that many similar parts. The Tomcat-Super Hornet debate still rages and is an ugly, nasty, and bitter thing.
I did not know that. Thanks for the information.
QUOTE (ValleyOfTheShado @ May 28 2008, 03:41 PM)
I miss the F-14. It forever reminds me of JAG.
I know.
I've always been a fan of the Tomcat ever since I saw Top Gun,and I was sad to see it go out of service.I got a close look at one when I visited the U.S.S. Yorktown in Charleston S.C.,but the Hornet is cool too.
a wonderful fighter that Tomcat was....i miss seeing them around to scare enemies with her unique radar
QUOTE (abledanger @ Jul 27 2008, 09:06 AM)
a wonderful fighter that Tomcat was....i miss seeing them around to scare enemies with her unique radar
Are you, or were you, in the Navy?
QUOTE (Ninja_Girl @ May 26 2008, 10:26 PM)
Every Memorial Day there is an air show at our local airport, and this year there was a Navy FA-18 Super Hornet demonstration show. When Tomcats were mothballed, one reason seemed to be the Hornets don't require a RIO which would reduce personnel needed and save money.
So what's with the two pilot seats I noticed in the Super Hornets at the air show?? Thanks for info.
So what's with the two pilot seats I noticed in the Super Hornets at the air show??
Thanks for info.Super Hornets are the newer version of the F-18. They are larger, heavier and more capable than the original models and are able to replace at least two other aircraft types on carriers. The original models didn't have the flexibility or capability the navy needed. Particularly in light of the F-14 retiring after 36 years of unparalleled service.
There are 2 seat versions, but they are rare and most super-hornets are single seaters.
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