Deck of a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier with an F/A-18C Hornet and SH-60 Seahawk helicopter in view.
© GE90FAN
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Spotter's notes
Oct 1998, my brother and I were invited to visit the USS Constellation, while at sea. F-18s and EA6B pilots were doing carrier qualifications.
Aircraft identity
ICAO Type
F/A-18 Hornet
Model
F/A-18C Hornet
Manufacturer
McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing)
Airline
U.S. Navy
Livery
U.S. Navy standard tactical grey
Military
Military
Technicals
Engine
2 × General Electric F404-GE-402 turbofans
Thrust
7,258 kgf (each engine) (dry), 7,940 kgf (afterburner)
Wingspan
11.43 m
Length
17.07 m
Height
4.66 m
MTOW
23,542 kg
Range
2,346 km (ferry)
Capacity
Single pilot; can carry 6,215 kg of ordinance
Cruise Speed
1,063 km/h
Noise Rating
Typically 128–140 dB (jet noise at takeoff) (military jets are not ICAO rated)