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F/A-18 Hornet |
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OverviewThe Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18 Hornet is a multi-role fighter designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. It is capable of air interception, air combat, close air support of ground troops, and interdiction of enemy supply lines including shipping. Fly by WireTraditionally, aircraft used mechanical or hydraulic flight control systems to control their motion. Both these are heavy and require careful routing of flight control cables through the airplane using systems of pulleys and cranks and both systems often require redundant backup, which further increases weight. Leading Edge ExtensionsLeading edge extensions or LEX (also referred to as leading edge root extensions or LERX or strakes) are fillets added to the front of a modern fighter aircraft's wings in order to provide much greater manoeuvrability. AfterburnersModern jets, including those used in the F/A-18 Hornet, have afterburners incorporated in their engines. The benefit of the afterburner is a very large increase in thrust without much added weight or complex equipment. Multi-function DisplayThe Hornet was among the first aircraft to heavily utilise multi-function displays, which at the switch of a button allow the pilot to perform either fighter or attack roles or both. This "force multiplier" capability gives the operational commander more flexibility in employing tactical aircraft in a rapidly changing battle scenario. M61 Vulcan Rotary CannonMounted within the nose of the aircraft is a 6 barrelled M61 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon. The multiple barrels provide both a very high rate of fire — around 100 rounds per second — and contribute to long weapon life by minimizing barrel erosion and heat generation. |
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