The F/A-18 Super Hornet is one of the most advanced modern fighter jets in the world. This question arises then as to why the F/A-18 is called a Super Hornet. The answer to this has to do with the aircraft’s performance, capabilities, and its critical role within the US Navy.

An F/A-18E Super Hornet, assigned to the “Pukin’ Dogs” of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 143, breaks the sound barrier during an air power demonstration above the flight deck of aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group is conducting naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe and Africa.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet is based on the successful F/A-18 Hornet which was first commissioned by the US Navy in 1986. The first Super Hornet prototype flew in 1995 and the jet entered service with the US Navy in 1999. Initially, the ‘Super Hornet’ namesake was described as a ‘Block II Upgrade’ from the original Hornet, but the aircraft has since evolved considerably to the point where Super Hornet is now an entirely different asset with its own dedicated specifications.