F/A-18A/B Hornet

The F/A-18A (single seat) and F/A-18B (twin seat) Hornets are multi-role fighter aircraft, capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. They are an integral part of Australia's air combat capability.

Based at RAAF Base Williamtown and RAAF Base Tindal, the 71 F/A-18A/B Hornets are operated by:

• Number 3 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown;
• Number 75 Squadron, RAAF Base Tindal;
• Number 77 Squadron, RAAF Base Williamtown; and
• Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit, RAAF Base Williamtown for pilot training.

In the last two years, the Hornets have participated in a range of exercises including Exercise Bersama Lima and Exercise Bersama Shield in Malaysia, Exercise Red Flag in Alaska, and Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory.

The fleet has undergone a major electronic upgrade to ensure effective operations for the next 10 years. Air Force's 71 F/A-18A/B Hornets will be replaced with 72 advanced F-35A Lightning II aircraft from 2018.

About the Aircraft

The Hornet was developed for the US Navy and Marine Corps, and has been a very successful aircraft. It is also used by Canada, Finland, Kuwait, Malaysia, Spain and Switzerland.

The F/A-18A and F/A-18B Hornets can undertake:

• air interception;
• air combat;
• close air support of ground troops; and
• interception of enemy supply lines including shipping.

The Hornet is also capable of air-to-air refuelling from the KC-30A Multi-Role Tanker Transport.