|
Well here it is, after a year in the making (or rather in waiting).
Finally I can provide more details of the awesome F-18F Super Hornet. Attending two events within two weeks of each
other provided me the opportunity to see (and hear) a Super Hornet actually fly, as well as get further detail photos from
what I obtained last year. Those two events were the Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point 2003 Air Show and the 2003
Joint Services Open House at Andrews Air Force Base (the 2002 JSOH is where this whole journey began).
At MCAS Cherry Point the weather was so cloudy that the aircraft
performers were restricted to the low altitude portion of their acts. That was fine for me as the low act still provides
lots of noise and excitement. With plenty of moisture in the air that day the vapour trails were happening on every
maneuver that the F-18F made.
At the 2003 JSOH the weather was even worse and there was no flying at all
(hmm, that's just like last year, you'd think I would learn). Never mind the flying, the Super Hornet on static had
the lid up and the crew was very friendly and eager to show their bird off. This one is being used to train new Super
Hornet squadron crews.
All that's left for me now is to book a flight - how do ya like my chances?
Above: The flight crew of an F-18F from VFA-2, the "Bounty Hunters,"
waves to the crowd at Cherry Point after an exciting performance.
Here's a profile of the F-18F as it rolls past the crowd at MCAS Cherry Point. The attractive markings of VFA-2,
now converting to the F-18F from the F-14D Tomcat since VF-2 has returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom, can be clearly
seen.
Access to the cockpit is via this handy folding ladder. This photo also provides an excellent view of the nose
gear.
A look into the front cockpit. Gone are the days of instrument dials. This is the information age so there
are CRTs-a-plenty.
This shot shows the seat in the rear cockpit. What I wouldn't give for a ride in there!
A detail view of the main landing gear. Of note is the recess for an AIM-120C AMRAAM immediately outboard of
the landing gear, and the chaff/flare dispensers just forward of the wheel well.
Ever wonder what the inside of a modern jet's tailcone looks like? Well now you know. The overlapping of the
F414's afterburner feathers are an interesting detail.
Here's a view of the bottom of the Super Hornet. The rectangular air intakes and the huge leading edge strakes
are clearly visible.
Huge vapour trails pour off the strakes of the F-18F as it performs a transition to vertical.
F/A-18F Super Hornet Part 1
F/A-18F Super Hornet Part 3
EA-18G Growler
Return to Home
|
