CF-18 Hornet
When a CF-18 powers up, the thunderous engines shake the ground.
The twin engines of this supersonic tactical fighter jet deliver 7,290 kg of thrust and speeds of up to Mach 1.8.
The Hornet's primary roles include the air defense of North America, training with our allies, and responding to situations anywhere in the world.
During the Gulf War, 24 CF-18s were sent to Qatar to participate in the American-led Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. Canadian pilots flew more than 5,700 hours — about 2,700 combat air patrol missions.
Two years ago, CF-18s were equipped with infra-red sensors and laser designators for precision-guided weapons. Each Aircraft carries a pod which incorporates a forward-looking infra-red sensor that allows pilots to see targets at night. It also has a laser designator to guide precision bombing.
Length: 17.07 m
Wingspan: 12.31 m
Height: 4.66 m
Weight: 10,455 kg
Power: 2 General Electric F404 low bypass turbofans
Speed: Mach 1.8
Ceiling: 15,000 m
Range: 3,704 (more with air-to-air refueling)
Armament: Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles, Maverick
air-to-ground missile, conventional bombs and precision-guided bombs, rockets,
and M-61 20mm cannon
Crew: 1 pilot (CF-18A), 2 pilots (CF-18B)
Year(s) procured: 1982 to 1988
Quantity in CF: 122 (60 operational/62 fighter training,
testing and rotation)
Location(s): 3 Wing Bagotville, Que. 4 Wing Cold Lake, Alta.