McDonnell Douglas F/A-18E Super Hornet
For SimplePlanes
Country of Origin: United States
Role: Multirole Fighter
Crew: 1
Livery: Special US Navy VFA-143 “Pukin’ Dogs” (High-Vis, Late)
While it shares the same designation as its predecessor, the F/A-18C/D, the F/A-18E Super Hornet is practically a new aircraft. Affectionately nicknamed the “Rhino,” it has a larger airframe, active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, increased payload, improved avionics, and a reduced radar cross section. The F/A-18E is the single-seater version of the Super Hornet, but still retains the same multirole capability of its two-seat counterpart. Thanks to its enlarged leading edge extensions, the Super Hornet possesses superb instantaneous and sustained nose authority, giving it the edge in low speed one-circle dogfights.
The United States Navy is the primary operator of the F/A-18E, but it is also in use by Australia and Kuwait and Germany, Malaysia, Spain, Switzerland, and India are considering purchasing the F/A-18E as a replacement for older airframes. Read more...
Weaponry
Armament: 1x 20mm M61A2 Vulcan
[Def.Config] 2x AIM-9M Sidewinder, 4x AIM-120C AMRAAM, 2x Mk83 LDGP, 3x Drop Tank
[Alt.Config.1] 2x AIM-9X Sidewinder, 6x AIM-120C AMRAAM, 1x Drop Tank
[Alt.Config.2] 2x AIM-9M Sidewinder, 3x AIM-120C AMRAAM, 2x AGM-88 HARM, 2x Mk82 LDGP, 2x GBU-38 JDAM, 1x AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR, 1x Drop Tank
[Alt.Config.3] 2x AIM-9M Sidewinder, 3x AIM-120C AMRAAM, 2x AGM-65D Maverick, 2x Mk82 LDGP, 2x GBU-38 JDAM, 1x AN/ASQ-228 ATFLIR, 1x Drop Tank
[Alt.Config.4] 2x AIM-9M Sidewinder, 4x AIM-120 AMRAAM, 4x Mk83 LDGP, 1x Drop Tank
Controls
Normal [Throttle]/[Pitch]/[Roll]/[Yaw]/[LandingGear]
- [Throttle = 85% to 90%] Military Power
- [Throttle = 90% to 100%] Afterburner
[VTOL] Elevator Trim (Inverted)
- [VTOL = -100%] Overpitch
**[Trim = -100% to 0%] Flaps (Inverted)
- [Trim = 0%] Auto Flaps
- [Trim = 0% to +100%] Flaps Up Override
[FireGuns] Fire 1x 20mm M61A2
[AG1] Lights
[AG2] Arrestor Hook
[AG8] Master Arm
Hardpoint Activation Groups
[AG3] Wingtip Hardpoint AIM-9M Manual Release
[AG4] Wing Hardpoint 1 Mk83 Manual Release
[AG5] Wing Hardpoint 2 Mk83 Manual Release
[AG6] Wing Hardpoint 3/Fuselage Center Hardpoint Drop Tank Release
[AG7] Fuselage Hardpoint 1 AIM-120C Manual Release
Cameras
[Cam1] Left Wing View
[Cam2] Right Wing View
[Cam3] Targeting Pod View (Alt.Config.2/4/5)
Author's Notes
- Fuel and gun ammo is unlimited.
- On takeoff from runways, I recommend 50% flaps with 50% trim (More or less depending on loadout). Get to around 300 km/h and give slight taps for the pitch to avoid tail striking. (For keyboard users) From the carrier, use 100% flaps.
- On landing, use the trim to achieve your glide slope and adjust using pitch. (For keyboard users)
- Overpitch allows for cobra maneuver, and with some practice, kulbit maneuvers(ish). This is easier if you release the munitions.
Weapons Changelog
Uses [RD] Weapons Balancing Version 1.3.
XML Changelog
[V2.1 08/07/2022] Increased top speed.
[V2.2 08/09/2022] Improved targeting pod tracking. FCS now has stabilized yaw. Slat FT changed. Slight changes to handling. Overpitch is now disabled above 680 km/h.
[V2.3 08/18/2022] Slight changes to flight model.
In-Game Name: [RD] FA-18E
Specifications
Spotlights
- Rework 2.3 years ago
General Characteristics
- Predecessor F/A-18E -Maverick- V1.6
- Successors 2 airplane(s) +203 bonus
- Created On Windows
- Wingspan 43.9ft (13.4m)
- Length 60.1ft (18.3m)
- Height 16.1ft (4.9m)
- Empty Weight 31,600lbs (14,333kg)
- Loaded Weight 46,650lbs (21,160kg)
Performance
- Power/Weight Ratio 0.942
- Wing Loading 84.9lbs/ft2 (414.4kg/m2)
- Wing Area 549.6ft2 (51.1m2)
- Drag Points 2483
Parts
- Number of Parts 346
- Control Surfaces 8
- Performance Cost 1,728
I also made some slight changes to the F/A-18F's flight model to be consistent with this one.
A default variant of F/A-18E as a new candidate for RD Cockpits soon
@ReinMcDeer On the topic of swept wings, can you also do the Panavia Tornado?
It’s really a difficult plane to make, but not for a simple builder @ReinMcDeer
@BestBuilderEverNOCAP I will admit to being a bit of an F-111 fan. Maybe EF-111
@Ihavesnowball The values for the pitch FT and energy retention FT were slightly changed.
Hi rein what did you exactly change?
reinmcdeer
back at it again at simpleplanes
making the truly simple planes
amazing
wish I could've spotlighted this
@ReinMcDeer Man, I wish I got to this sooner, I love the Idea you have for the Cobra.
_
"Time for a change of pace!"
-Dr,Ivo Robotnik
On the notes, there’s no GBU-24s
@BestBuilderEverNOCAP yes and yes I would love an ardvark
I DARE u to make an ardvark
These simple little models in SP are my favorite, just so clean
great flight model
Perfection, I did a perfect carrier landing. 1/4 downward trim, 1/2 flap, air breaks, lands on 3rd white, slight bounce up (we'll ignore that ;) but, love it!
Superb
first :D
@TRD @Ren @BestBuilderEverNOCAP
@TheCommentaryGuy @BeastHunter @donkski