What is the maximum range of the F/A-18 Hornet?

What is the maximum range of the F/A-18 Hornet?

• A. 1,275 nm
• B. 800 nm
• C. 2,100 nm
• D. 950 nm

Answer: (A)

Range is the distance an aircraft can fly from takeoff to landing given its fuel, weight, and configuration. To get the maximum range, you fly with full fuel and minimal payload, often using external drop tanks to carry extra fuel in a ferry configuration. For the F/A-18 Hornet, the unrefueled ferry range is about 1,275 nautical miles. This figure reflects the Hornet’s capability when optimized for distance without in-flight refueling or heavy mission loads. Other numbers correspond to different operating profiles: shorter ranges are typical when carrying combat loads or using internal fuel without external tanks, while some sources quote larger numbers only for configurations with extended fueling arrangements or atypical conditions. The standard reference for maximum unrefueled range aligns with roughly 1,275 nautical miles.

Range is the distance an aircraft can fly from takeoff to landing given its fuel, weight, and configuration. To get the maximum range, you fly with full fuel and minimal payload, often using external drop tanks to carry extra fuel in a ferry configuration. For the F/A-18 Hornet, the unrefueled ferry range is about 1,275 nautical miles. This figure reflects the Hornet’s capability when optimized for distance without in-flight refueling or heavy mission loads.

Other numbers correspond to different operating profiles: shorter ranges are typical when carrying combat loads or using internal fuel without external tanks, while some sources quote larger numbers only for configurations with extended fueling arrangements or atypical conditions. The standard reference for maximum unrefueled range aligns with roughly 1,275 nautical miles.