HSG00894 F/A-18A Hornet '' NATC ''

The F/A-18 Hornet is derived from the P-600, originally developed for the USAF Light Weight Fighter Program as Northrop YF-17. Having lost the LWFP to General Dynamics with its YF-16, Northrop licensed McDonnell Douglas to develop Model 267 carrier-borne fighter/bomber for the US Navy and USMC, replacing the remaining F-4J/N/S Phantom IIs and a-7E Corsair IIs.

Initial model, equipped with F404-GE-400 turbofan engines, (then) Hughes AN/APG-65 radar, AN/AAS-38 FLIR and AN/ASQ-173 laser spot tracker. Originally two versions were proposed: the A-18 attack model and the F-18 fighter model. By using multi-function avionics, it became possible to combine both roles and the models were re-designated F/A-18. Initially known as TF-18A, the dual seat trainer was redesignated F/A-18B. Export models include (A)F/A-18A/B for Australia, CF/A-188A/B or CF-18A/B for Canada and EF-18A/B for Spain.