Boeing (GAF) F/A-18B Hornet

Government Aircraft Factories / Boeing · Australia · first flew 1985 · fighter

The F/A-18B Hornet is the two-seat operational conversion and combat-capable trainer version of the Hornet, assembled in Australia by the Government Aircraft Factories (later Aerospace Technologies of Australia) for the RAAF.

Recognition (WEFT)

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

• Two-seat Australian Hornet with twin tail fins canted outward
• Leading-edge root extensions (LERX) blending wing to fuselage
• Twin General Electric F404 engines in wide rear fuselage

Twin canted tail fins, wide-spaced engines, and pronounced LERX immediately mark the Hornet family; the second cockpit hump behind the canopy identifies the B model.

Specifications

• The Boeing (GAF) F/A-18B Hornet has a length of 17.07 m (56 ft).
• It has a wingspan of 11.43 m (37 ft).
• Its maximum speed is 1915 km/h (1190 mph).
• Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Australia selected the Hornet in 1981 and local assembly began at GAF Avalon, with the first Australian-assembled aircraft flying in 1985. The F/A-18B retained full combat capability while providing a second seat for conversion training. The RAAF operated both A and B models until they were retired and replaced by the F-35A from 2020 onward.

Variants

The (A)F/A-18B designation denotes the Australian two-seat variant; it differs from the US Navy F/A-18B in minor avionics and has no catapult or arrestor gear.

Where you'll see it

Served with RAAF No. 2 and No. 77 Squadrons at Williamtown and No. 75 Squadron at Tindal; now replaced by the F-35A Lightning II.

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