(A)F/A-18B Hornet

The (A)F/A-18B Hornet, developed by the Australian Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) in the early 1970s, represents a landmark in national aerospace capability. Conceived as a twin‑engine, carrier‑capable multirole fighter, the B variant entered service in 1979 as the first GAF‑built combat aircraft to achieve full operational status. Drawing on licensed technology from the original US F/A‑18 programme, GAF integrated indigenous avionics, a reinforced airframe, and a modular weapons bay, allowing the Hornet to perform air‑to‑air, air‑to‑ground and reconnaissance missions with equal proficiency. Key features include twin General Electric F404‑GE‑402 turbofan engines delivering 18,000 lbf thrust, a digital fly‑by‑wire flight control system, and an AN/APG‑73 multi‑mode radar capable of tracking up to 32 targets simultaneously. The aircraft’s low‑observable shaping and extensive use of composite materials reduced radar cross‑section and increased maneuverability. Throughout its three‑decade career the (A)F/A‑18B served as the backbone of the Royal Australian Air Force’s strike wing, participated in regional peace‑keeping operations, and supported joint exercises with allied navies. Its successful deployment demonstrated the viability of domestic fighter production and cemented GAF’s reputation as a competitive player in the global aviation market.