Maverick may have made the F/A-18 Super Hornet a household name, but it was an essential program for the U.S. Navy long before Top Gun took to the cinematic skies. That’s because it fulfills five different missions in one multi-role aircraft.
The Super Hornet has provided the Navy with air superiority thanks to its foundational functionality. Its EA-18G variant, which is an electronic attack aircraft, is the only one of its kind to date and is a formidable opponent to adversarial radar and communications systems.
As a fighter, the Super Hornet protects the U.S. aerial fleet. As an attack aircraft, it provides air support and performs ground-attack missions. Amazingly, it can also refuel other Super Hornets in-air.
These five critical functions make the Super Hornet indispensable for the Navy. Though, as Maverick proved, being cool could be the sixth.