Air Force has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets which, in conjunction with F-35A Lightning II's and EA-18G Growlers, ensure that Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained.

The F/A-18F Super Hornets achieved Final Operational Capability (FOC) in December 2012 and are based at Number 1 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley.

The twin seat F/A-18F Super Hornet can undertake:

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

Specifications

Manufacturer Boeing
Role Multi-role fighter
Crew
  • Pilot 
  • Weapon Systems Officer
Length 18.3m
Height 4.9 m
Wingspan 13.6m
Weight
  • 13,387 kg basic 
  • 29,900 kg maximum take-off weight
Engines Two F414-GE-400 turbofans (22,000 lbs thrust each)
Range 2,700 km
Ceiling 50,000 feet
Max speed 1,960 km/h (Mach 1.6)
Capacity
  • Mission computers
  • Heads-up Displays
  • Radar and Infrared Sensing and Targeting Systems
  • Electronic Warfare and Infra-Red Self Protection Systems
Weapons
  • AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM)
  • AIM-9X "Sidewinder" Short Range Air-to-Air Missile
  • Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Laser JDAM
  • Conventional and Laser-Guided Bombs
  • AGM-154 Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW)
  • AGM-84 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile
  • M61A2 20mm Nose-Mounted Gun System