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AIRCRAFT PROGRAM

Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet

Lift typeFixed wing
Construction typeFactory-built
Control typePiloted
Engine typeTurbofan
ApplicationAttack, Fighter
Final assembly St Louis (Lambert International)
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PDF Report
Subscribers can download an Index PDF report about the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet. It includes contact details for suppliers, with cross-references by category and country, and is updated every day!
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Multirole fighter with twin General Electric turbofan engines.

Design and initial production by McDonnell Douglas, now manufactured by Boeing and in service with military in Australia, India, Kuwait and United States.

Graphite/epoxy fuselage (Northrop Grumman), doors, trailing edge flaps, inter-spar skin panels and tail skin (CASA, now Airbus), light alloy wing and aluminium honeycomb core tail. Titanium firewall surrounds twin General Electric turbofan Engines.

Aircraft, with twin tail fins, large wings and leading edge root extension has range of up to 1,660 n miles and speed of Mach 1.6+, maximised by conformal fuel tanks mounted on shoulders of aircraft. The F/A-18E Super Hornet uses 42% less parts than the original F/A-18 Hornet.

Single seat F/A-18E and tandem F/A-18F pilot(s) in upward open canopy cockpit, face an advanced cockpit system with large area (10x19 inch) colour display screen and twin monochrome screens. Joint helmet mounted cueing system (Collins) combined with an advanced network infrastructure, increases the aircraft’s ability to communicate with both ground and airborne fleets.

Type variants

Variant Launch/First flight Production end  
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet 1995 / 1995 Multirole fighter, single-seat/two-seater variants.
Boeing F/A-18G Growler 2003 / 2006 Electronic warfare variant of F/A-18F.

Recent news

View full news archive for the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet.

See recent updates (latest 13/12/2023)

Supply chain

  (191 links)
Materials Adhesives (2) Composites (4) Lubricants (1) Metals (3) Non-metal Materials (1) Plastics (1)
Components Active Electronic Components (2) Actuation (5) Bearings (1) Electrical Components (3) Electrical/Electronic Connectors (2) Fasteners (3) Fibre Optics (1) Lighting (2) Mechanical Components (11) Non-Mechanical Components (1) Passive Electronic Components (3) Sensors, Transducers & Detectors (5) Structural Components (12) Switches (1) Valves (7) Windows & Glass (2)
Airframe Systems Airframe Assemblies (11) Cabin Interiors (1) Crew Seating (1) Environmental Systems (4) Fluid Power (6) Landing Assemblies (8) Oxygen Systems & Equipment (1) Safety & Security Systems (4) Weapons Systems (7)
Avionics Avionic Components (2) Communications (Airborne) (2) Flight and Data Management (4) Imaging and Visual Systems (2) Indicators and Instruments (9) Navigation Aids (Airborne) (2) Warning Systems (1)
Power Systems Auxiliary Power (1) Batteries & Accessories (1) Electrical Power Systems (6) Engine Components (5) Engines (1) Fuel Systems (5) Power Transmission (2)
Production Machining (4) Measurement (1) Metal Removing (1) Tooling (2) Tools (2)
Testing Test Equipment (4) Test Services (1)
Expand/Collapse All

Materials / Adhesives

Cuming Microwave Corp. Analysis Conductive Adhesive: Adhesives & electrically conductives
Permacel Analysis Adhesive Tape: Adhesive tape products

Materials / Composites

Composites Horizons LLC Analysis Composite Structures: Carbon/polyimide outer bypass duct for F-414 engine
Hexcel Composites Analysis Carbon-reinforced Composites: Carbon fibers, structural adhesives, honeycombs, prepregs, sandwich panels and reinforcement fabrics
Magnolia Advanced Materials, Inc. Analysis Syntactic Composites: Adhesives, coatings and syntactics
Quickstep Holdings Limited Analysis Subcontracted Composite Parts:

Materials / Lubricants

Orelube Corporation Analysis Synthetic Lubricants: Boelube

Materials / Metals

Carpenter Technology - Latrobe Operations Analysis Steel: High purity vacuum remelted steels
Carpenter Technology Corporation Analysis | News Superalloys: AerMet 100 alloy for landing gear (through Goodrich)
TIMET Titanium Metals Corporation Analysis Titanium:

Materials / Non-metal Materials

American Fiber & Finishing Inc. (was Chemical Cloth Company) Analysis Cloth & Paper Wipers: Chemical cloth C-60 tack rags

Materials / Plastics

Roncelli Plastics Analysis Plastics Fabricators: CNC machining and fabricating of plastics & non-metallics

Components / Active Electronic Components

Excalibur Systems, Inc Analysis Printed Circuit Boards: EXC-4000 interface board for avionics test and simulation applications
L3 Harris Technologies (was Harris Corp (Govt Communications Systems Div)) Analysis | News Electronic Components: Acousto-optic modulators. Fibre Channel Network Switch (FCNS)

Components / Actuation

Arkwin Industries Inc. Analysis Mechanical Actuators: Ram air turbine deployment actuator
Curtiss-Wright Flight Systems Analysis Rotary Actuators: Canopy actuator
GarKenyon Aerospace & Defense Analysis Hydraulic Actuators:
GE Aviation (Mechanical Systems LA) Analysis Mechanical Actuators: Thrust reverser actuation systems, landing gear truck positioning actuator
Parker Aerospace Hydraulic Systems Analysis Hydraulic Actuators: Actuators for trailing-edge flaps and tailerons

Components / Bearings

Rexnord Industries, LLC Analysis Ball Bearings: Seals & bearings

Components / Electrical Components

Electrocube, Inc. Analysis Power Transformers: Foil transformers
Huneed Technologies Co., Ltd. Analysis Electric Power Controllers: Electrical panel control equipment
Rossell Techsys Analysis Wire Harnesses:

Components / Electrical/Electronic Connectors

ARMEL Electronics, Inc. Analysis Printed Circuit Connectors: Printed circuit connectors with contact capabilities
HiRel Connectors, Inc. Analysis Electrical & Electronic Connectors: Connectors, removal crimp and hermetic solder contacts

Components / Fasteners

Avibank Mfg. Inc. Analysis Fasteners: Pins, bolts, fasteners & accessories
Ho-Ho-Kus, Inc. Analysis Fasteners: Clamps and fasteners, nuts, bolts & screws
Mills/Sterling Aerospace, Inc. Analysis Fasteners: Fasteners, fittings, hardware, o-rings & kitting

Components / Fibre Optics

Aurora Optics, Inc. Analysis Fibre Optic Connectors: Fibre optic splices & cable restorations

Components / Lighting

Executive Technical Services Inc. Analysis Instrumentation Lighting: Aviation instrumentation and night vision lighting conversions
FTG Aerospace Inc. Analysis Instrumentation Lighting: Integrally-lit display and control panels

Components / Mechanical Components

Aerofit, Inc. Analysis Fluid Fittings: High and low pressure fluid fittings and fitting systems
Arrowhead Products Analysis Manifolds & Ducts: Bleed air ducting system
Bandy Manufacturing Analysis Hinges: Precision hinges
Bell-Memphis, Inc. Analysis Turnbuckles: Control cable turnbuckles
Cablecraft Motion Controls Analysis Push-Pull Control Assemblies: Mechanical cable controls & cable assemblies
Collins Aerospace, Engine Components Analysis Impellers:
Eaton Ltd Analysis Mechanical Couplers: Quick release couplings
Essex Industries Analysis Control Grips: Stick grip
Loos & Co. Inc. Analysis Wire Assemblies: Wire rope flight control cable assemblies
Parker Aerospace - Stratoflex Products Analysis Disconnects: Hydraulic ground service quick disconnects
Voss Industries Inc. Analysis Clamps: Clamping, coupling and ducting products

Components / Non-Mechanical Components

Components / Passive Electronic Components

API Delevan Inc. Analysis Inductors: Surface mount inductors
Custom Electronics, Inc. Analysis Capacitors: High voltage mica paper capacitors and electronic modules
PA&E Analysis Electronic Filters: Ceramic EMI filters

Components / Sensors, Transducers & Detectors

Aircraft Appliances & Equipment Ltd. Analysis Tachometer Generators: Tachometer generators for percent RPM indicators
Collins Aerospace, Sensors & Integrated Systems Analysis Sensors/Transducers: Pitot probe; ice detectors; air data total air temperature sensors
FCI Aerospace Analysis Liquid Level Sensors: Liquid level & flow sensors
HarcoSemco Analysis Temperature Detectors: Speed sensors, resistance temperature detectors and outside air temperature sensors
Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. Analysis Transducers: All-welded, hermetically sealed, true vented gauge pressure transducer

Components / Structural Components

Accurus Aerospace Athens, LLC Analysis Metal Structures:
Accurus Aerospace Corporation Analysis Aircraft Structural Components:
Accurus Aerospace Tulsa, LLC Analysis Aircraft Structural Components:
Acromil Analysis Aircraft Structural Components: Sniper pod adapter for the Sniper ATP (Advanced Targeting Pod)
AJR Industries, Inc. Analysis Precision Machined Parts: Machining of complex parts and custom equipment.
California Drop Forge, Inc. Analysis Metal & Alloy Forgings: Closed die forgings for landing gear
Elbit Systems Cyclone Ltd Analysis | News Aircraft Structural Components: Leading edge extension; Aircraft Structural Components: Navigation pod adaptor
GKN Aerospace - Aerostructures North America Analysis | News Aircraft Structural Components: Internal structures
Kanfit Ltd Analysis Aircraft Structural Components: Metal & composite primary parts
Magellan Aerospace Corp. Analysis | News Aircraft Structural Components: Bonded structures & assemblies; machined components & assemblies; complex castings
Magellan Aerospace New York Analysis Precision Machined Parts: Landing gear uplock assembly; spoiler mixer assembly
Unique Instruments & Mfrs. Pvt. Ltd. Analysis Aircraft Structural Components: Gun bay door (via HAL)

Components / Switches

Eaton Ltd Analysis Pressure Switches:

Components / Valves

Aero Fluid Products (was Dukes Aerospace) Analysis Solenoid Valves: Fuel valves and solenoids
Auto-Valve Inc. Analysis Valves: Valve design, built & test
Eaton Ltd Analysis Hydraulic System Valves: Ball valves and hydraulic components
GarKenyon Aerospace & Defense Analysis Hydraulic System Valves: Restrictor valves & flow regulators
Haskel International, Inc. Analysis Valves: High pressure valves, tubing, fittings and accessories
The Lee Company Analysis Check Valves: ; Relief Valves: ; Hydraulic System Valves: ; Pressure Control Valves:
Woodward HRT Analysis Servovalves:

Components / Windows & Glass

GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems Analysis Windshields: Cockpit windshields and side windows
PPG Transparencies Analysis Windows: Windshield

Airframe Systems / Airframe Assemblies

Aero Vodochody Aerospace a.s. Analysis | News Aircraft Doors: Gun bay door
Airbus Defence & Space (Structures) Analysis Aircraft Control Surfaces: Horizontal tail surfaces, leading-edge extensions, rudders, flaps, rear side panels
Astronics PECO Inc Analysis Aircraft Doors: Impact resistant fuel access doors
Boeing Aerostructures Australia Analysis Wing Flaps: Composite trailing edge flaps
GKN Aerospace - Aerostructures North America Analysis | News Aircraft Control Surfaces: Wing trailing and leading edges
GKN Aerospace Monitor Analysis | News Aircraft Interior Bulkheads: Titanium bulkheads
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (Aircraft Division Bangalore) Analysis | News Aircraft Doors: Gun bay door
Northrop Grumman Aerospace Systems Analysis | News Fuselage Sections: Centre/aft fuselage section
Ruag Aerostructures - Ruag Aerospace Structures GmbH Analysis Wings: Wing moveables
Triumph Integrated Systems - Mechanical Solutions - Connecticut Analysis Steering Systems: Nose wheel steering unit
Unitech Composites Analysis Aircraft Control Surfaces: Composite wing trailing edges

Airframe Systems / Cabin Interiors

Supracor, Inc. Analysis | News Cushioning Foam: Stimulite ejection cushions

Airframe Systems / Crew Seating

Martin-Baker Aircraft Co. Ltd. Analysis Ejector Seats: SJU-17 NACES zero/zero ejection seat

Airframe Systems / Environmental Systems

Collins Aerospace, Power & Controls Division Analysis Air Conditioning Equipment: Air conditioning
Collins Aerospace, Sensors & Integrated Systems Analysis Water Heaters: Water line heaters; heated drain masts
Johns Manville, Inc. Analysis Thermal Insulation: Micro fibre insulation
Parker Meggitt Defence Systems Analysis | News Cooling Systems: Environmental control unit for Infrared Search & Track system

Airframe Systems / Fluid Power

Eaton Aerospace, Fluid Conveyance Division Analysis Fluid Conveyance Systems: Pumps, valves, level sensors, pressure switches, refuel/defuel manifolds, and couplings
Eaton Aerospace, Fuel & Motion Control Division Analysis Hydraulic Pumps: Vickers hydraulic pumps
Marotta Controls, Inc. Analysis | News Hydraulic Systems & Equipment: Fluid and gas control products, systems and actuators
Parker Meggitt Control Systems Analysis Hydraulic Systems & Equipment: Pneumatic and hydraulic equipment
PTI Technologies Inc. Analysis Hydraulic Filters:
The Lee Company Analysis Hydraulic Filters: ; Hydraulic Systems Restrictors:

Airframe Systems / Landing Assemblies

Air Industries Machining Corp Analysis | News Aircraft Landing Gear: Landing gear components
Collins Aerospace, Landing Gear Analysis | News Aircraft Landing Gear: Landing gear products
Crane Aerospace/Hydro-Aire Inc. Analysis Anti-Skid Brakes & Systems: Anti-skid & brake control systems
Dunlop Aircraft Tyres Ltd. Analysis Tyres:
Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Analysis Tyres:
Honeywell Aerospace, Aircraft Landing Systems Analysis Aircraft Wheels: Wheels & brakes
Integral Aerospace Analysis Aircraft Landing Gear: Landing gear structures
Safran Landing Systems Analysis Aircraft Landing Gear: Main landing gear & nose landing gear

Airframe Systems / Oxygen Systems & Equipment

Eaton Aerospace Group (MIssion Systems Divison) Analysis | News Oxygen Generation Systems: GGU-12 oxygen concentrator and CRU-99 oxygen monitor

Airframe Systems / Safety & Security Systems

Crest Foam Industries, Inc. Analysis Safety Foam: Reticulated polyurethane foam for explosion suppression and surge/noise mitigation
Ducommun LaBarge Technologies Analysis | News Warning Systems/Equipment: Master caution and warning assemblies
EXAIL Aerospace Analysis Emergency Locator Transmitters: ADT406 emergency locator transmitter
Parker Meggitt - MUSA/PLC Analysis | News Fire Fighting/Detection Systems: Fire protection systems; Safety Harnesses: Safety restraints

Airframe Systems / Weapons Systems

BAE Systems plc Analysis Weapons Countermeasures: AN/ALE-47 chaff/flare dispensers; AN/ALE-55 fibre optic towed radar decoy
Harris Corporation VA Analysis Electronic Warfare Systems: Electronic warfare system installation - ALQ-214 IDECM RFCM
L3Harris Technologies (was Harris Electronic Systems) Analysis | News Electronic Warfare Systems: ALQ-214 IDECM RFCM
Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control Analysis | News Infrared Target Designators: Infrared search & track program; Command, Control & Intelligence Systems: Sniper Advanced Targeting Pod (ATP)
PCC Klune Industries Analysis Stores Management Systems: Machined components & assembly for BRU55 bomb rack
Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RIS) Analysis | News Surveillance/Air Defense Radar: AN/APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar; Infrared Target Designators: AN/ASQ-228 Advanced Targeting Forward-Looking Infra-Red (ATFLIR); Surveillance/Air Defense Radar: AN/ALR-67(V)3 Radar Warning Receiver (RWR); Weapons Countermeasures: AN/ALE-50 Towed Decoy
Ultra Electronics Precision Control Systems Analysis Ordnance Handling Equipment: HiPPAG airborne compressor for missile infrared seeker cooling & munitions ejection

Avionics / Avionic Components

GE Aviation Systems - Electrical Power Analysis Instrument Panels: Control panels & lighting controllers
Hypernetics Ltd. Analysis Avionics Controls: Electromagnetic indicators

Avionics / Communications (Airborne)

Andrea Systems LLC Analysis Onboard Intercom Systems: In-line amplifiers
Collins Aerospace, Avionics Division Analysis | News Radio Communications Equipment: AN/ARC-210 secure UHF/VHF radio

Avionics / Flight and Data Management

General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems Analysis | News Onboard Computers: Type 4 advanced mission computer
L3 Electronic System Services Analysis Cockpit Control Systems: Cockpit display systems
Leonardo DRS Analysis Flight Recorders: Deployable Flight Incident Recorder Set (DFIRS); WRR-818 cockpit video recording system
Moog Controls (UK) Analysis Automatic Flight Control Systems: Primary flight controls

Avionics / Imaging and Visual Systems

Photo-Sonics, Inc. Analysis Cameras (Airborne): High-speed digital and film cameras, long-recording digital cameras and airborne high-speed digital cameras
Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RIS) Analysis | News Reconnaissance Radar: AN/APG-73 multimode digital air-to-air and air-to-ground radar; Airborne Reconnaissance Infrared: Shared Reconnaissance Pod (SHARP)

Avionics / Indicators and Instruments

Aerosonic Corporation Analysis Angle of Attack Indicators: Integrated multi-function probe for angle of attack
Collins Aerospace, Avionics Division Analysis | News Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD): Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS); Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD): Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+)
Collins Aerospace, Sensors & Integrated Systems Analysis Fuel Quantity Indicators: Fuel quantity indicator
Elbit Systems Ltd Analysis | News LCD Displays: Multi-function colour AMLCD, high resolution
Elbit Systems of America Analysis | News Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD): Zero-G Helmet Mounted Display System+ (HMDS+)
JHMCS II (was Vision Systems International) Analysis | News Helmet-Mounted Displays (HMD):
L3 Harris Technologies (was Harris Corp (Govt Communications Systems Div)) Analysis | News Moving Maps: TAMMAC (Tactical Aircraft Moving Map Capability) digital map computer
QED/Inc. Analysis Pressure Indicators: Bourdon tube pressure gauges, pressure switches and pressure gauge/switch combinations
Safran Electronics & Defense / IDD Aerospace Corp. Analysis Keyboards: Keyboards, bezels & integrated switch panels

Avionics / Navigation Aids (Airborne)

Harris Corporation NY Analysis Navigation Antennas: Q134 antenna for low radar cross-section configuration
Northrop Grumman Misson Systems (was Electronic Systems) Analysis | News Inertial Components & Systems: Embedded INS/GPS

Avionics / Warning Systems

Elbit Systems Electro-Optics (El-Op) Analysis Laser Radar: Laser designation systems

Power Systems / Auxiliary Power

Honeywell Aerospace Analysis Auxiliary Power Units: GTC36-200 APU

Power Systems / Batteries & Accessories

Concorde Battery Corporation Analysis Lead Acid Batteries (Wet & Dry): Valve regulated sealed lead acid batteries

Power Systems / Electrical Power Systems

Ashland Electric Products Inc. Analysis Electric Motors: High performance motors, fans and blowers
Crane Aerospace & Electronics Analysis Airborne Electrical Power Supplies: Power management & distribution systems and auto-transformer rectifier units
Electromech Technologies Analysis Electric Motors: Hydraulic pump motor; engine cowl door opener motor
GE Aviation Electrical Power (Dayton) Analysis | News Generating Systems: Generators & control units
Judd Wire Inc. Analysis Electrical Wire & Cable: Insulated wire & cable
Ontic Analysis Electric Motors: DC and AC motors

Power Systems / Engine Components

Aerotech Herman Nelson, Inc. Analysis Engine Preheaters: Portable heaters
Collins Aerospace, Engine Components Analysis Turbine Engine Blades: Turbine airfoils
ITP Aero (Industria de Turbo Propulsores) Analysis Engine Parts: Components such as casing, pipes, nozzles, distributors, seals, short axles, nozzle guide vanes and discs
Lytron, Inc. Analysis Engine Heat Exchangers: PAO/GN2 heat exchanger
Radius Aerospace - Hot Springs (was Triumph Aerospace Structures - Fabrications) Analysis Nacelles: Nacelle inlet duct skin

Power Systems / Engines

Power Systems / Fuel Systems

Collins Aerospace, Engine Components Analysis Fuel Nozzles:
Elbit Systems Cyclone Ltd Analysis | News Fuel Tanks & Systems: Filament wound 330 gallon fuel tanks
Parker Aerospace Hydraulic Valve Division Analysis Fuel Pumps: DC motor driven fuel pumps, AC motor driven fuel pumps and fuel filters
Parker Meggitt Polymers & Composites HQ Analysis | News Fuel Tanks & Systems: Aircraft fuel tanks; Fuel Tanks & Systems: Fuel bladders
Triumph Integrated Systems - Electronics & Control - West Hartford Analysis Fuel Pumps: Engine fuel pumps & metering units

Power Systems / Power Transmission

BMT Aerospace USA Analysis Gears & Assemblies: Gearbox assemblies & gears
Collins Aerospace, Power & Controls - Engine Components Analysis Shafts & Shaft Assemblies: Power take off shaft

Production / Machining

Advanced Integration Technology, Inc. Analysis Drilling Equipment: Turnkey automated drilling system for outer wing assembly
Electroimpact Analysis Drilling Equipment: Automatic floor drilling equipment
Fives Machining Systems, Inc. Analysis | News Machining Systems: Volumetric error compensation system for machining systems
MTorres Disenos Industriales S.A. Analysis Drilling Equipment: Drilling systems

Production / Measurement

Hickok Waekon LLC Analysis Gauges: Dual Battery Voltage Gauge

Production / Metal Removing

Tech Met Inc. Analysis Chemical Milling: Chemically-milled engine components (through GE)

Production / Tooling

Ascent Aerospace North America Analysis Jigs & Fixtures: Bonding fixtures
Paragon D & E Analysis Tooling:

Production / Tools

Lomas Engineering Limited Analysis Cutting Tools: Special drills and cutting tools
Omega Technologies, Inc. Analysis Insertion/Removal Tools: Fastener installation & removal tools; hole drilling & preparation tools

Testing / Test Equipment

Airmo Inc. Pressure Technologies Analysis Test Equipment: Patented testing, hydro expansion, and end forming systems, tooling, and components
Habco, Inc. Analysis Fuel Test Equipment: Flow testing, pressure testing and cleanliness verification units
Moog Analysis Test Equipment: Electro-mechanical and hydro-mechanical control systems
Testek Solutions - Wixom (formerly Avtron and Testek) Analysis Test Stands: Generator test stand; Pneumatic Test Equipment: Pneumatic test stand; Fuel Test Equipment: Fuel test stand; Automated Test Equipment: Automatic test equipment test stand; Hydraulic Test Equipment: Hydraulic test stand

Testing / Test Services

National Technical Systems (NTS) Analysis Electronic Test Services: Electronic test systems
Information on this page is compiled from a variety of published sources, and links do not necessarily imply recommendation or confirmation by the airframe manufacturer.