McDonnell-Douglass F/A-18A Hornet

The McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet is a twin-engine supersonic, all-weather carrier-capable multirole combat jet, designed as both a fighter and attack aircraft (F/A designation for Fighter/Attack). Designed by McDonnell Douglas and Northrop, the F/A-18 was derived from the latter's YF-17 in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations. The U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, has used the Hornet since 1986. First flight November 1978.

The F/A-18 entered service in 1983 with a Marine fighter/attacker squadron. The aircraft on display (Bureau# 162436) began its service with the Navy on 4 June 1985 as the 183rd F/A-18 built. It served in various locations with its last assignment with Marine fighter attack squadron (VMFA-321) at Naval Air Facility Washington, DC. In late 2003, the aircraft arrived at NAS-JRB Willow Grove and formally stricken from Navy/Marine Corps inventory. The aircraft markings are from VFA-203, the Blue Dolphins, out of Atlanta, GA. In 2006, the Museum officially acquired the aircraft.

Photo 55, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

McDonnell-Douglass F/A-18A "Hornet"

Photo 57, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

McDonnell-Douglass F/A-18A "Hornet"

Photo 61, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014

McDonnell-Douglass F/A-18A "Hornet"

Note that engines are missing.

Photo 56, Wings of Freedom Aviation Museum, Aug 2014