As a maintainer on A-G’s and some experience around the F-35 I can understand the technological advancements of it being a Next Gen F/A platform but the Hornet specifically Legacies will always be near and dear to my heart. They can be a pain to work on regardless of statistics but every bird that gets airborne is worth it in my eyes. Good documentary but as a former Sailor, little more Navy shots next time...Fly Navy
Benjamin Carter Thank you for your service and thanks for commenting! I had a somewhat hard time getting footage of Navy F-18C’s but I think you’ll enjoy the video I’m currently working on the D/E versions - lots of Navy jets. It should be out in about a week so please check back and let me know what you think.
When the next generation of warbirds arrive, maintainers will say the same about the f35 The generation of maintainers before you loved the bird before the hornet
I got into trouble when the Hornet first came into Canadian service. When I was based in Lahr, Germany with the Canadian Military Engineers, I found a magazine in the bookshop called Air Enthusiast, and followed the development of the Hornet all the way from the YF-17 and YF-18 thru to the F-18 Hornet, or as it is known in Canadian service, the CF-188 Hornet. Well a Colonel was standing behind me when one landed at CFB Chatham, New Brunswick, in 1982, and asked how I knew so much, so I showed him the magazine, needless to say he was a bit upset, especially when I said that the Russians probably had a subscription too. I never got to work on the CF-188, I went from the CF-101 Voodoo to heavy transports like the CC-130 Hercules E/H models, and the CC-137 Boeing 707 until I retired in 1991
Wonderful story and thank you for your service! I think something similar happened to Tom Clancy where he was asked how he knew so much and his reply was essentially it was all from books and magazines. Needless to say I can only imagine that Colonel’s face!
Chonko That was a superb presentation of the capabilities of the F-18. I doubt that such a versatile workhorse will be replaced any time soon. It is just too good of a plane with a proven combat record. Keep up the excellent work.
@Joshua N. Ajang I would like to see the lighter and mobile version of the NAVY Laser Weapons System (LAWS) with a 50kw output and lipo battery surge pack tested on a F18 or F35 and etc...
A war plane that can give a good punch, take a good punch, ride it, recover quickly, and punch again. Any fighter will tell you that a fighter MUST be capable of all these factors, in order to be classed as a truly respected fighter by it's adversaries. Damn fine war plane in it's domains. Subbed.
Its hard to argue with a combat effective and reliable airframe/engine combination. Given that the electronics can be continuously upgraded there is a strong case for continuing to use what works and just make it better. A mix of low observable F35's and the latest Hornet variant is a potent combination and makes the defenders job more difficult.
The F18 & F18 super hornet turned out to be a great winner especially with all of the different missions it can do by flipping a switch which was demonstrated in the 1st Gulf War. I like when my family on the Virginia Beach and F18s fly over awesome wish they would throw in a little show while flying out. Lol
Joe Hayward thanks for commenting and yes the F18 has built an incredible legacy over the decades. It must be amazing to see them fly by and a mini Airshow would be awesome!
Many deployments while with VFA-195 in the 90's. Stationed in Japan and worked with the F/A-18C. Absolutely an awesome aircraft. Fond memories. CHIPPY HO!
Yup, definitely more indepth things like loadouts, the tactics of having multiple loadouts in a squadron. Differences between the lesser evolved 'older' national guard planes vs the frontline active forces squadrons.
@@atreyuprincipalh4043 thank you so much my friend and likewise! Working on the A-10 video now, should be up by Monday. I really appreciate your comments.
I believe the Marine Hornets can land on carriers and part of the qualification program for Marine Hornet pilots requires carrier landings and take offs. Thanks for commenting!
The Marine Hornets deployed to replace F-4s on the Midway and Coral Sea since those Boats couldnt deploy the F-14. The Coral Sea's Hornets got to tangle with Lybian MiG-23, MiG-25 and Su-22s before the shooting started in 1986. The Marine Hornets from Coral Sea took part in SEAD missions in 86, IIRC hitting SA-5 and SA-6 batteries along with A-7s and A-6s. As far as the boat, Marine Hornets have always been with the CVWs. Only exceptions are Delta Squadrons. 224 and 533 flew as A-6 squadrons but once they transitioned to F/A-18 Deltas they didn't go to the Boat. RAG Squadron birds did for CQs.
Would you mind turning the background music volume down to a level lower than your voice? I found it difficult to focus on the very good info you were relaying. Thanks. As for my opinion of the F35 vs F18. I believe in what I can see and I can see a proven platform of fifty years. I see the sheer number of F18s around the world compared to the relatively unproven low number of F35s. Ideally, the F35s should be brought up slowly while continuing the service life of the F18. Don't get rid of it until you're absolutely sure you don't need it anymore. I think we'll be seeing them fly for decades to come. Especially if Americans and others in the world pull the reins in on the world military complex. Don't let the damn tail wag the damn dog. Each country should vigorously develop its own defense needs in-country where possible and buy from allys after that. No country, including my own, Canada, should be selling to countries with highly questionable records of human rights failures. It makes us complicit in the thousands of deaths of innocents. Canada got our hands slapped by Saudi Arabia, a malevolent kingdom, for criticizing them for their human rights violations and they canceled orders for our armored troop carriers which we had no business(no pun intended)selling to them in the first place. You only have to look at the Warthog's replacement to see stupidity at work. Sometimes the designers get it right the first time and are able to continue to build on that success. The F18 is one of those.
Thanks for commenting, I’m actually considering either getting rid of the music or turning it down 40% more I agree F-18 is proven and can be used to tow the line while F-35 comes online.
I believe in the US the F-35 is only replacing legacy hornets, so super hornets will still remain in service. I'm sure they'll stick around anyway for use in roles where the F-35 is overkill
Not sure if you're looking for input because your videos are nicely done overall but I could do without the Bourne Identity beeping when you throw up specs/data
Thanks for commenting - I actually did get rid of that beeping and now narrate the specs. Here is a recent example: ua-cam.com/video/nYHJ8RWCDRg/v-deo.html
You were incorrect In mentioning that the F-18 replaced the A-4 Skyhawk. The Skyhawk was replaced by the A-7 Corsair. The F-18 replaced the A-7 Corsair, the A-6 Intruder, EA-6B, and the F-14 Tomcat. The F-18 stinks however as a tanker because if it's too large after burning engines. I think the Navy made a huge mistake and not retrofitting the s-3b Viking from anti-submarine to tanker because of the fact that the Viking was notorious for being able to stay on station a long time and was dreaded by every Soviet submarine Commander! Considering my service with VA-12 on board the USS Eisenhower from 1981-84. I say this with complete confidence and accuracy!🇺🇸👍
Thank you for your service and thanks for pointing out the A-4 to A-7 transfer. I plan on doing videos on both and another on the S-3. I’ve always liked the look and mission of the S-3 and feel it is an underrated airplane.
@@PilotPhotog a lot of those S3 Vikings still had about 10,000 hours left on their airframe before a retrofit or modification was necessary to extend their life. They also use the same engine as the A-10 Warthog. The A7 was also a pretty good tanker because yat turbofan engine allow that aircraft to also stay on station quite a long time which is why the Greek Air Force want a lot of those from us for their country.
You're absolutely right about the 10,000 hours left of service left in those Vikings. Unfortunately politics will outweigh its efficiency and Common Sense on a lot of these key decisions. Even the A7 was a great tanker in a pinch and it could carry 3 drop tanks and one buddy store and get the job done easily!
TheDustysix wow! Just watched it. Did not realize the F-18 could do that - it looked like it had thrust vectoring. Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/BR-c1QeEyQE/v-deo.html thanks for suggesting!
TheDustysix. Agreed, Ukskoski really wrings maximum performance from the C version. He pulled a few moves that I didn’t know the Hornet could do. Great display!
This article explains it well: aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/35111/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-having-a-side-stick-versus-a-centered-control-stic
I dont understand how the f18 can produce such good Maneuverability at slow speeds. It doesnt have thrust vectoring, front canards, or any special type of wing design. Just comparing to the Russian styles or ones from European nations. What part of its design allow it to be such a good slow bfm fighter? Or have such a high angle of attack or nose authority? Sorry if I didn't give any of the right terms or lingo.
Its a fair question and thanks for commenting. What allows the Hornet to be so maneuverable at low speeds are the Leading Edge Extensions or LEX. If you look closely at the hornet the wings extend almost to the cockpit. That narrow area that goes forward of the wing root to the cockpit is the LEX. This gives it lift at lower speeds and an edge in a low energy dogfight. Canards and thrust vectoring absolutely help but LEX is the next best thing if you don't have those. Hope this helped!
@@PilotPhotog yeah I knew those were a big part of it. I know that's why the f16 isn't as good at slow speeds. You always hear that the Rhino has bad thrust to weight compared to others. I know really its all down to the pilot in a dogfight but, if they equipped it with more powerful engines, could you imagine? With the stunts it can do, I dont see how it's not able to pull 9gs. I cant wait to see what the block 3 brings. I think it's the most beautiful bird in the sky with its squares off look. The LWF program brought two of the most successful aircraft in the world to life. Hopefully the f35 can live up to the names. That A model seems to be one maneuverable beast. Love the videos! I keep coming back and watching them.
Really most nice aircrafts page for clearly explaining of specific, characters of each type 👍...F - 18 is suitable for three main aircrafts duties its superior abilities of F - 18 hornet 🇺🇸🦅👍👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
I live pretty close to a naval base here in va, and the super hornets love to fly over my house and you can always tell if it’s a super hornet instead of literally any other plane because of how loud it is
Like the A-10 it's going to depend on who are the opposition forces. With the current asymmetric warfare they can pretty much suffice with the lack of opposing advanced countermeasures. But if catering to combat scenarios against China and Russia it'll be a tough fight without stealth.
Aaron Seet agreed - and that may be the mission the F35 fulfills: a vanguard fighter that gets rid of advanced enemy fighters and defenses allowing gen 4 aircraft the opportunity to operate safely behind the front lines.
Yes and no. The U.S has had a lot more actual combat experience in these aircraft compared to Russia, who have had limited actual combat flying in Syria and China, who haven't had any. This has generated a wealth of knowledge on what works and what doesn't which will has been passed along to the new generation of pilots. Lessons learned in combat make a big difference, along with the standard of training and thats a factor that can level a playing field in any conflict.
The answer to your question on whether or not the F-35 is a good replacement for the f-18, the answer is NO. Both planes just need to advance in romance as best friends for life, just keep on improving by incorporating the best of each to make each other much better. Both are just a perfect complimentary MATCH.
@@PilotPhotog I have all of those in DCS and having gone a similar path I would recommend stepping up to the F-16 after the F-5E as it will ease you into the systems a bit more gently. PS. Really enjoying this series of videos, please keep them coming. 👍👍
Thanks for commenting: you can see the differences between the Hornet and Super Hornet at the 7:32 mark in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Bmfq4s3fM2o/v-deo.html I am still working on an F-15 video but the short answer is the F-15 has higher speed; longer range and was originally designed as an air superiority fighter.
I've read a bit about this aircraft and the only real bugbear about it seems to be some dissatisfaction with its range. I guess the quest for more legs is ongoing with every model of aircraft.
@@PilotPhotog Cmdr Gunnar and I (He's 5) watch all these awesome vids and learn so much. DCS and American Air Power are his school/education during the pandemic.
No I don’t think the F35 C is a good replacement for the super hornet. I believe it would have been more wise for anything system meant to replace the super hornet to have at least improved on its operational range. Reason being the distance carriers can now be engaged from by new anti ship missile systems. It seems logical from a fleet defense perspective to be able to at least hold those newly emerging anti shipping weapons at risk with the fleets primary defensive system, its air arm.
Yeah, I think the F-35s are a good replacement for the F/A-18 A-D, but the Super Hornet (should have been called the F/A-21 in that it is as different from the F/A-18 as the F/A-18 is from the YF-17) still has some advantages over the F-35. A single-engine fighter will never be as reliable as a twine-engine fighter. If one of the engines goes out on the F/A18 she can still fly home, but if the single engine of the F-35 fails the plane is almost surely a complete loss.
The F-35 replace the F-18? Well I don't think it will be like when the F-18 replaced the F-14. There won't be as many tears in the eyes of America when it retires as compared with the water works that we all felt when the F-14 tomcat retired.
The f35 is not a suitable replacement for the hornet if I was a navy/marine corps pilot I would still want 2 engines with doing most of the flying over a large body of water
It's interesting how the Germans dropped out of the F-35 program and are planning on buying F-18 super hornets, do they know something we don't.? The F-35 is a new concept for aerial warfare, but not a proven fighter yet. Time will tell what the F-35 can do. The F-35 is not comparable to the F-18 super hornet which has proven itself. All the naval fighters of WW2 were single engine, and that's including the US, Japanese and British navies. Although two engines does make sense.
@@terraboundmisfit - I don't like the F-35. But the Pentagon has dumped much money into it and much of it is secret, so who knows what it will do. It is going to have A.I.
@@terraboundmisfit I keep hearing that the days of aerial dogfighting are over and long distance air to air missiles define aerial combat now. That combined with the stealth is supposed to give the F35 the leg up. So the deficiencies the F35 has in dogfights is considered not an issue. My question is what if the F35 does encounter a Mig at close range? How is it going to fair with no cannon, having to get some distance between it and the Mig to use missiles? Plus I just don't see the F35 as a good replacement for the A-10 like they are planning.
the bugs replaced the tomcat and it never truly matched or exceeded the tomcats capabilites in aircap and range. if the f14 was modernised with new avionics and powerplants it be the ultimate fleet defender.
Elias Solomou good point - while I love the F-14 (and am planning a video on it) my understanding was that it was very difficult to maintain and had below average readiness rates. It is absolutely a better fleet defender with greater range but the F/A-18 fills more roles and is operationally more viable. Thanks for commenting!
The many friends I have who went from other platforms convinced me that the F-14 was done, including a father and son who both flew them. There were days when squadrons with between ten and fourteen birds had just one working. It took the sequester for the Super Bugs to get that bad. I think the F-14 could have been upgraded but the maintenance was just awful. My friends flying Prowlers dealt with the same issues. Sometimes they had to have a part custom built. When the F-14 did go away the Prowlers extra parts and gear. The range of the F-14, A-6 and S-3 is missed by the CAG and CVSG Commander, without a doubt.
Edward Gilmour thanks for commenting! I’m actually working on an A-10 video next but after that it’s the F-35...and while I still prefer the F-18 the 35 is starting to grow on me. The 35 video should be up in a couple of weeks, give it a watch and let me know what you think
Stealth is very important. I read an article by an ex F-16 pilot who went up against F-35s and he said u can be flying along minding your own business and suddenly...u die! Shot down by an F-35 having had no chance of detecting it. He was much happier to be flying F-35s after that experience!
Donald savage the f35 is almost as manoeuvrable as an f16 and 18 with an internal loadout, when the f16 and 18 have all the shit loaded on it in war the f35 will be more manoeuvrable than both due to far less drag. So when you take that and all the other technology on an f35 into account the f35 shits all over them and i say that as a fan of the 16 and 18
@@masterofpuppets7295 Yeah, it's important to remember that in terms of capabilities F35 is a mix EA-18 Growler and F-16 with targeting pod all mixed into one airframe. And F35 would smear the earth with both of them in those configurations.
Funny you mention loadouts. F-35 doesn't need targetting pod or ECM pod, it's all in the airframe. Internal weapons bay and wing pylons are only weapons. Not a single fighter have been able to do the same yet.
' american F-18sh is a so beautifully and best airplane... come on american company must makeing many more better faster F-18sh... much better than ussr russia cheap low classic of mig-29
The F-35 is not the end all replacement to the F-18 like the F-18 was to the A-4 the F-8 and A-6. I am not a fan of the F-35. What they should have done was put the engine of the F-16 into the fuselage of the F-18 super hornet in one of those DARPA test. Imagine the F-18 super hornet with 2 engines from the F-16 that would be crazy. The power to weight would be insane. Some one needs to do this right away. We could give the russians a run for the money against the Su-37 and all those other migs, lol.
The F-35 is not a good replacement for the Hornet. Canada was so outraged by the F-35, they damn near jumpstarted its home industry to build Avro Arrows again (which looked like a mean bird incidentally.) Instead, they bought somewhat stealthy Hornets. Range, payload, maintenance costs, and dogfighting capabilities all point to the F-35 being a poor choice. About the only place the F-35 is a good fit (including the USN) is the Royal Navy and the Marine squadrons aboard our amphibious strike carriers. The Royal Navy doesn't have the carriers to operate anything other than STOVL aircraft so that specification is set in quite literally in marine aluminum. Even so, I'd love for the British to make a navalized Typhoon with STOL capabilities over the F-35. The Russians did well with the MiG-29 and Su-33 on a shoestring budget. It stands to reason the wingsmiths in Europe can do the same. For the USN I concede there is a tremendous amount of sunk cost in the F-35, but we've been throwing good money after bad for thirty years for this pork project. It would be better to build an F/A-18G Ghost Hornet in the short term, and develop something like a Rafael, F-23B, or a sixth-gen fighter for carrier operations.
As a maintainer on A-G’s and some experience around the F-35 I can understand the technological advancements of it being a Next Gen F/A platform but the Hornet specifically Legacies will always be near and dear to my heart. They can be a pain to work on regardless of statistics but every bird that gets airborne is worth it in my eyes. Good documentary but as a former Sailor, little more Navy shots next time...Fly Navy
Benjamin Carter Thank you for your service and thanks for commenting! I had a somewhat hard time getting footage of Navy F-18C’s but I think you’ll enjoy the video I’m currently working on the D/E versions - lots of Navy jets. It should be out in about a week so please check back and let me know what you think.
PilotPhotog looking forward to it.
You were a mechanic on -18A and G if I understood correctly ?
When the next generation of warbirds arrive, maintainers will say the same about the f35
The generation of maintainers before you loved the bird before the hornet
@Lord Sidious thank you!
I got into trouble when the Hornet first came into Canadian service. When I was based in Lahr, Germany with the Canadian Military Engineers, I found a magazine in the bookshop called Air Enthusiast, and followed the development of the Hornet all the way from the YF-17 and YF-18 thru to the F-18 Hornet, or as it is known in Canadian service, the CF-188 Hornet. Well a Colonel was standing behind me when one landed at CFB Chatham, New Brunswick, in 1982, and asked how I knew so much, so I showed him the magazine, needless to say he was a bit upset, especially when I said that the Russians probably had a subscription too. I never got to work on the CF-188, I went from the CF-101 Voodoo to heavy transports like the CC-130 Hercules E/H models, and the CC-137 Boeing 707 until I retired in 1991
Wonderful story and thank you for your service! I think something similar happened to Tom Clancy where he was asked how he knew so much and his reply was essentially it was all from books and magazines. Needless to say I can only imagine that Colonel’s face!
@@PilotPhotog Yeah, it was priceless.
The YF-17 was an interesting project.
It really was. It came out of the F-5 program, thanks for commenting!
Chonko
That was a superb presentation of the capabilities of the F-18. I doubt that such a versatile workhorse will be replaced any time soon. It is just too good of a plane with a proven combat record. Keep up the excellent work.
Susan Thanks! I learned a lot making this video and am working on the improved version of the F-18, the Super Hornet.
I agreed
Nothing will ever replace the f18!!! Except newer updated f18 models
Better engines, super cruise, radar absorbent RAM, rail gun..
I disagree. I submit....Star Wars X-Wing Fighter! 😂🤣
@Joshua N. Ajang I would like to see the lighter and mobile version of the NAVY Laser Weapons System (LAWS) with a 50kw output and lipo battery surge pack tested on a F18 or F35 and etc...
Shadow Hornet sounds awesome!
Where is Red 5 when you need him?
The paint job on the NASA FA-18 is gorgeous. Giving the jet a sexy sleek look
Agreed and thanks for commenting
A war plane that can give a good punch, take a good punch, ride it, recover quickly, and punch again. Any fighter will tell you that a fighter MUST be capable of all these factors, in order to be classed as a truly respected fighter by it's adversaries. Damn fine war plane in it's domains. Subbed.
Its hard to argue with a combat effective and reliable airframe/engine combination. Given that the electronics can be continuously upgraded there is a strong case for continuing to use what works and just make it better. A mix of low observable F35's and the latest Hornet variant is a potent combination and makes the defenders job more difficult.
Agreed and thanks for commenting!
The two pilots with the first air to air kills were my maintenance officer and my division officer. Great video.
Yes! Please make a video on F18 block 3 load out combinations.
I got goosebumps at the end VMFA-312 FOR LIFE. FIGHT'S ON!!!
F-18 Hornet was YF-17 Cobra that went to the gym.
...and...
F-18 Super Hornet is Hornet on steroids.
I like these analogies, thanks for commenting!
The F18 & F18 super hornet turned out to be a great winner especially with all of the different missions it can do by flipping a switch which was demonstrated in the 1st Gulf War. I like when my family on the Virginia Beach and F18s fly over awesome wish they would throw in a little show while flying out. Lol
Joe Hayward thanks for commenting and yes the F18 has built an incredible legacy over the decades. It must be amazing to see them fly by and a mini Airshow would be awesome!
Many deployments while with VFA-195 in the 90's. Stationed in Japan and worked with the F/A-18C. Absolutely an awesome aircraft. Fond memories. CHIPPY HO!
Too nice video about F - 18 ..with clear explaining ...
A Hornet weapons loadout video would be awesome!! Especially for DCS haha
Thanks for commenting and I also fly DCS, let me see what I can put together.
Nice video about F A 18 with clearly explained 👍
Yup, definitely more indepth things like loadouts, the tactics of having multiple loadouts in a squadron. Differences between the lesser evolved 'older' national guard planes vs the frontline active forces squadrons.
Great suggestions and thanks for commenting!
The back bone of the Navy, what a beautiful plane man!👍
Indeed Juan and thanks for your continued support!
@@PilotPhotog You're welcome Juan!
what a magnificent informative SHOW !!GREAT JOB!!!
Thank you so much! More videos on the way
You friend are very eloquent,the way you produced this video is professional God bless You .looking forward to Your next Videos.
@@atreyuprincipalh4043 thank you so much my friend and likewise! Working on the A-10 video now, should be up by Monday. I really appreciate your comments.
Great Video!
Subscribed! Great Content!
Thank you so much! More videos on the way
would be great ifa documentary of the same excellent kind you do on the F18, would repeat for the Panavia Tornado, another outstanding jet fighter.
Great suggestion! I'm working on getting footage that I can use of the Tornado - I've always liked that airplane. Thanks for commenting!
@@PilotPhotog thanks to you too.
How sophisticated the air fighter , nothing compares to COVID19.
Make a video on F 18 Superhornet Block 3 which currently has most likely chance to be chosen by Indian Navy new aircraft carrier INS Vikrant
Here you go: ua-cam.com/video/ZYY2hqoA36A/v-deo.html
I’m the f-18 police, you said the hornets name as F-18 even though it’s f/a-18
Would like to see a load out video 👍
Thank you for commenting, I'm working one one for the Hornet and Super Hornet.
Can the USMC version of the F-18 land on carriers??? Or did they strip out the added weight that comes from reinforcing for carrier landings?
I believe the Marine Hornets can land on carriers and part of the qualification program for Marine Hornet pilots requires carrier landings and take offs. Thanks for commenting!
The Marine Hornets deployed to replace F-4s on the Midway and Coral Sea since those Boats couldnt deploy the F-14. The Coral Sea's Hornets got to tangle with Lybian MiG-23, MiG-25 and Su-22s before the shooting started in 1986. The Marine Hornets from Coral Sea took part in SEAD missions in 86, IIRC hitting SA-5 and SA-6 batteries along with A-7s and A-6s. As far as the boat, Marine Hornets have always been with the CVWs. Only exceptions are Delta Squadrons. 224 and 533 flew as A-6 squadrons but once they transitioned to F/A-18 Deltas they didn't go to the Boat. RAG Squadron birds did for CQs.
The HARV? An F/A-18 Super Hornet with Thrust Vectoring? That would make me F/A-18 Super Horney. 😍😂
It's like I know harv doesn't sound like a stable guy but he sets the record for stability
Would you mind turning the background music volume down to a level lower than your voice? I found it difficult to focus on the very good info you were relaying. Thanks. As for my opinion of the F35 vs F18. I believe in what I can see and I can see a proven platform of fifty years. I see the sheer number of F18s around the world compared to the relatively unproven low number of F35s. Ideally, the F35s should be brought up slowly while continuing the service life of the F18. Don't get rid of it until you're absolutely sure you don't need it anymore. I think we'll be seeing them fly for decades to come. Especially if Americans and others in the world pull the reins in on the world military complex. Don't let the damn tail wag the damn dog. Each country should vigorously develop its own defense needs in-country where possible and buy from allys after that. No country, including my own, Canada, should be selling to countries with highly questionable records of human rights failures. It makes us complicit in the thousands of deaths of innocents. Canada got our hands slapped by Saudi Arabia, a malevolent kingdom, for criticizing them for their human rights violations and they canceled orders for our armored troop carriers which we had no business(no pun intended)selling to them in the first place. You only have to look at the Warthog's replacement to see stupidity at work. Sometimes the designers get it right the first time and are able to continue to build on that success. The F18 is one of those.
Thanks for commenting, I’m actually considering either getting rid of the music or turning it down 40% more I agree F-18 is proven and can be used to tow the line while F-35 comes online.
I believe in the US the F-35 is only replacing legacy hornets, so super hornets will still remain in service. I'm sure they'll stick around anyway for use in roles where the F-35 is overkill
Not sure if you're looking for input because your videos are nicely done overall but I could do without the Bourne Identity beeping when you throw up specs/data
Thanks for commenting - I actually did get rid of that beeping and now narrate the specs. Here is a recent example: ua-cam.com/video/nYHJ8RWCDRg/v-deo.html
@@PilotPhotog Sorry, after your videos were recommended I started from the beginning.
@@RayW808 no need to apologize and thank you so much for watching from the beginning, you will get to see the progression in the videos - enjoy!
LIVING LEGEND 👏👏👏👍👍
Roshan Mishra agreed and thanks for commenting!
@@PilotPhotog 🙏🙏🙏🙏
LEADING EDGE ROOT EXTENSIONS: LERX!
You were incorrect In mentioning that the F-18 replaced the A-4 Skyhawk. The Skyhawk was replaced by the A-7 Corsair. The F-18 replaced the A-7 Corsair, the A-6 Intruder, EA-6B, and the F-14 Tomcat. The F-18 stinks however as a tanker because if it's too large after burning engines. I think the Navy made a huge mistake and not retrofitting the s-3b Viking from anti-submarine to tanker because of the fact that the Viking was notorious for being able to stay on station a long time and was dreaded by every Soviet submarine Commander! Considering my service with VA-12 on board the USS Eisenhower from 1981-84.
I say this with complete confidence and accuracy!🇺🇸👍
Thank you for your service and thanks for pointing out the A-4 to A-7 transfer. I plan on doing videos on both and another on the S-3. I’ve always liked the look and mission of the S-3 and feel it is an underrated airplane.
@@PilotPhotog a lot of those S3 Vikings still had about 10,000 hours left on their airframe before a retrofit or modification was necessary to extend their life. They also use the same engine as the A-10 Warthog.
The A7 was also a pretty good tanker because yat turbofan engine allow that aircraft to also stay on station quite a long time which is why the Greek Air Force want a lot of those from us for their country.
You're absolutely right about the 10,000 hours left of service left in those Vikings. Unfortunately politics will outweigh its efficiency and Common Sense on a lot of these key decisions. Even the A7 was a great tanker in a pinch and it could carry 3 drop tanks and one buddy store and get the job done easily!
It's almost all in one fighter. What they were chasing back in the 50s and 60s
Agreed and thanks for commenting!
Possibly the finest Demo is the FiAF F-18 Arto Ukskoski RIAT 2019 by Knight Flight Video. Watch.
TheDustysix wow! Just watched it. Did not realize the F-18 could do that - it looked like it had thrust vectoring. Here is the link: ua-cam.com/video/BR-c1QeEyQE/v-deo.html thanks for suggesting!
TheDustysix. Agreed, Ukskoski really wrings maximum performance from the C version. He pulled a few moves that I didn’t know the Hornet could do. Great display!
@@johannmckraken9399 I had a USMC buddy named Ferris.
Can someone please explain to me why the f -16 is the only side stick aircraft? You would think that it would be in all fly by wire aircraft.
This article explains it well: aviation.stackexchange.com/questions/35111/what-are-the-pros-and-cons-of-having-a-side-stick-versus-a-centered-control-stic
I dont understand how the f18 can produce such good Maneuverability at slow speeds. It doesnt have thrust vectoring, front canards, or any special type of wing design. Just comparing to the Russian styles or ones from European nations. What part of its design allow it to be such a good slow bfm fighter? Or have such a high angle of attack or nose authority? Sorry if I didn't give any of the right terms or lingo.
Its a fair question and thanks for commenting. What allows the Hornet to be so maneuverable at low speeds are the Leading Edge Extensions or LEX. If you look closely at the hornet the wings extend almost to the cockpit. That narrow area that goes forward of the wing root to the cockpit is the LEX. This gives it lift at lower speeds and an edge in a low energy dogfight. Canards and thrust vectoring absolutely help but LEX is the next best thing if you don't have those. Hope this helped!
@@PilotPhotog yeah I knew those were a big part of it. I know that's why the f16 isn't as good at slow speeds. You always hear that the Rhino has bad thrust to weight compared to others. I know really its all down to the pilot in a dogfight but, if they equipped it with more powerful engines, could you imagine? With the stunts it can do, I dont see how it's not able to pull 9gs. I cant wait to see what the block 3 brings. I think it's the most beautiful bird in the sky with its squares off look. The LWF program brought two of the most successful aircraft in the world to life. Hopefully the f35 can live up to the names. That A model seems to be one maneuverable beast. Love the videos! I keep coming back and watching them.
Really most nice aircrafts page for clearly explaining of specific, characters of each type 👍...F - 18 is suitable for three main aircrafts duties its superior abilities of F - 18 hornet 🇺🇸🦅👍👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Thank you for the comments!
@@PilotPhotog thanks for your page for clearly explaining about aircrafts thanks
I live pretty close to a naval base here in va, and the super hornets love to fly over my house and you can always tell if it’s a super hornet instead of literally any other plane because of how loud it is
I think F-18 Hornet can still serve us for another decade or two with some upgrades.
Agreed and thanks for commenting!
Beautiful bird with a nasty sting!
Like the A-10 it's going to depend on who are the opposition forces. With the current asymmetric warfare they can pretty much suffice with the lack of opposing advanced countermeasures. But if catering to combat scenarios against China and Russia it'll be a tough fight without stealth.
Aaron Seet agreed - and that may be the mission the F35 fulfills: a vanguard fighter that gets rid of advanced enemy fighters and defenses allowing gen 4 aircraft the opportunity to operate safely behind the front lines.
Yes and no. The U.S has had a lot more actual combat experience in these aircraft compared to Russia, who have had limited actual combat flying in Syria and China, who haven't had any. This has generated a wealth of knowledge on what works and what doesn't which will has been passed along to the new generation of pilots. Lessons learned in combat make a big difference, along with the standard of training and thats a factor that can level a playing field in any conflict.
The answer to your question on whether or not the F-35 is a good replacement for the f-18, the answer is NO. Both planes just need to advance in romance as best friends for life, just keep on improving by incorporating the best of each to make each other much better. Both are just a perfect complimentary MATCH.
Agreed I think they can work well together as a team and support each other. Thanks for the comment!
I recommend DCS: F/A18C if you are interested in this warbird
Yes! I am playing DCS and currently flying the F-5. F-18 and F-16 are next for me.
@@PilotPhotog No sir, you are not PLAYING, DCS is not a game! LOL DCS is LIFE.
@@PilotPhotog I have all of those in DCS and having gone a similar path I would recommend stepping up to the F-16 after the F-5E as it will ease you into the systems a bit more gently.
PS. Really enjoying this series of videos, please keep them coming. 👍👍
Except f 16
I love all the planes of f series
Starting from f 4 phantom
My fav - f 14 tomcat
eliteEVIL darkness How could you not like the F-16!?? You *MUST* be a Navy only guy.
So I assume the Black Knights squadron in Independence Day is reference to The Black Knights in this video.
What's the difference between F-18 Hornet, Super Hornet and F-15 Eagle
Thanks for commenting: you can see the differences between the Hornet and Super Hornet at the 7:32 mark in this video: ua-cam.com/video/Bmfq4s3fM2o/v-deo.html I am still working on an F-15 video but the short answer is the F-15 has higher speed; longer range and was originally designed as an air superiority fighter.
@@PilotPhotog I see, your answer helped confirm my thought, thank you Brother.
@@PilotPhotog Ps: Wishing you success with your UA-cam project :)
Thank you I am glad I could help. I appreciate your comments, let me know what you think of my other videos and stay safe!
I've read a bit about this aircraft and the only real bugbear about it seems to be some dissatisfaction with its range. I guess the quest for more legs is ongoing with every model of aircraft.
A fair point and thanks for commenting!
F-18 Hornet Loadout Video PLEEEEEEEEEASE :)
It is in the queue I promise! Thanks for commenting!
@@PilotPhotog Cmdr Gunnar and I (He's 5) watch all these awesome vids and learn so much. DCS and American Air Power are his school/education during the pandemic.
So in a nutshell it sounds as though the hornet would be like the Honda civic of jet fighters. Reliable dependable and pretty much everywhere.
VMFA-314 got the first F-18A's.
TheDustysix agreed! You can see where I mention that here at 7:22 ua-cam.com/video/VltKVhTorJc/v-deo.html
No........
Do not replace the F-18........
Update it..........
Lerone Lee I hope the Hornet flys as long as possible - thanks for commenting!
Welfare Boeing wont be ruled out.
You guys are going deep in 2100 with super duper hornets and F15ExGTTurboSupercharged super ultra sayajin Eagle.
A-Ds are now known as Legacy Hornets
It’s fa18* not f18
No I don’t think the F35 C is a good replacement for the super hornet. I believe it would have been more wise for anything system meant to replace the super hornet to have at least improved on its operational range. Reason being the distance carriers can now be engaged from by new anti ship missile systems. It seems logical from a fleet defense perspective to be able to at least hold those newly emerging anti shipping weapons at risk with the fleets primary defensive system, its air arm.
Yeah, I think the F-35s are a good replacement for the F/A-18 A-D, but the Super Hornet (should have been called the F/A-21 in that it is as different from the F/A-18 as the F/A-18 is from the YF-17) still has some advantages over the F-35. A single-engine fighter will never be as reliable as a twine-engine fighter. If one of the engines goes out on the F/A18 she can still fly home, but if the single engine of the F-35 fails the plane is almost surely a complete loss.
The F-35 replace the F-18? Well I don't think it will be like when the F-18 replaced the F-14. There won't be as many tears in the eyes of America when it retires as compared with the water works that we all felt when the F-14 tomcat retired.
The f35 is not a suitable replacement for the hornet if I was a navy/marine corps pilot I would still want 2 engines with doing most of the flying over a large body of water
F-35 for the Navy = back to single engine fighters. 🤷🏻♂️
LT4247 yeah I think 2 engines is always better over water.
It's interesting how the Germans dropped out of the F-35 program and are planning on buying F-18 super hornets, do they know something we don't.?
The F-35 is a new concept for aerial warfare, but not a proven fighter yet. Time will tell what the F-35 can do. The F-35 is not comparable to the F-18 super hornet which has proven itself.
All the naval fighters of WW2 were single engine, and that's including the US, Japanese and British navies. Although two engines does make sense.
The 35 is a turkey. Stealth goes only so far!
@@terraboundmisfit - I don't like the F-35. But the Pentagon has dumped much money into it and much of it is secret, so who knows what it will do. It is going to have A.I.
@@terraboundmisfit I keep hearing that the days of aerial dogfighting are over and long distance air to air missiles define aerial combat now. That combined with the stealth is supposed to give the F35 the leg up. So the deficiencies the F35 has in dogfights is considered not an issue. My question is what if the F35 does encounter a Mig at close range? How is it going to fair with no cannon, having to get some distance between it and the Mig to use missiles? Plus I just don't see the F35 as a good replacement for the A-10 like they are planning.
The F35 can't replace the F18 the Marine may have to purchase the Super Hornet to complement the F35
Apparently Vice President Cheney's decision was denies.
E/F shoudl continue service until the F35 has had success of 5 years flying.
the bugs replaced the tomcat and it never truly matched or exceeded the tomcats capabilites in aircap and range. if the f14 was modernised with new avionics and powerplants it be the ultimate fleet defender.
Elias Solomou good point - while I love the F-14 (and am planning a video on it) my understanding was that it was very difficult to maintain and had below average readiness rates. It is absolutely a better fleet defender with greater range but the F/A-18 fills more roles and is operationally more viable. Thanks for commenting!
But it would still be much more expensive to maintain
The many friends I have who went from other platforms convinced me that the F-14 was done, including a father and son who both flew them. There were days when squadrons with between ten and fourteen birds had just one working. It took the sequester for the Super Bugs to get that bad. I think the F-14 could have been upgraded but the maintenance was just awful. My friends flying Prowlers dealt with the same issues. Sometimes they had to have a part custom built. When the F-14 did go away the Prowlers extra parts and gear. The range of the F-14, A-6 and S-3 is missed by the CAG and CVSG Commander, without a doubt.
Even the FA-18 C&D are better than the F-35 lemon
Edward Gilmour thanks for commenting! I’m actually working on an A-10 video next but after that it’s the F-35...and while I still prefer the F-18 the 35 is starting to grow on me. The 35 video should be up in a couple of weeks, give it a watch and let me know what you think
Not even close.....the pilot's who fly the F-35 are converted straight away. The best bird in the air.
IMO the super hornet, and the USAF F-16 are much better aircraft than the F-35. More agile, and they're a lot less money besides.
Donald Savage I’ve been thinking the same thing. I submit the ONLY thing the F-35 has over the F-16/18 is stealth.
Stealth is very important. I read an article by an ex F-16 pilot who went up against F-35s and he said u can be flying along minding your own business and suddenly...u die! Shot down by an F-35 having had no chance of detecting it. He was much happier to be flying F-35s after that experience!
Donald savage the f35 is almost as manoeuvrable as an f16 and 18 with an internal loadout, when the f16 and 18 have all the shit loaded on it in war the f35 will be more manoeuvrable than both due to far less drag. So when you take that and all the other technology on an f35 into account the f35 shits all over them and i say that as a fan of the 16 and 18
@@masterofpuppets7295 Yeah, it's important to remember that in terms of capabilities F35 is a mix EA-18 Growler and F-16 with targeting pod all mixed into one airframe. And F35 would smear the earth with both of them in those configurations.
Poor US navy have single engine F35 to replace Super Hornet. Hahaha. Good luck.
F-35 is not a good replacement for F-18. Make a video about F-18 loadouts.
Funny you mention loadouts. F-35 doesn't need targetting pod or ECM pod, it's all in the airframe. Internal weapons bay and wing pylons are only weapons. Not a single fighter have been able to do the same yet.
@@TealJosh perhap's, 'but for now the F35 is not a reliable plane...I will go anytime for the hornet or the super hornet...
'
american F-18sh is a so beautifully and best airplane...
come on american company must makeing many more better faster F-18sh...
much better than ussr russia cheap low classic of mig-29
The F-35 is not the end all replacement to the F-18 like the F-18 was to the A-4 the F-8 and A-6. I am not a fan of the F-35. What they should have done was put the engine of the F-16 into the fuselage of the F-18 super hornet in one of those DARPA test. Imagine the F-18 super hornet with 2 engines from the F-16 that would be crazy. The power to weight would be insane. Some one needs to do this right away. We could give the russians a run for the money against the Su-37 and all those other migs, lol.
Thanks for commenting and with those engines it would be a Super Super Hornet!
Let's face it, the stats are just filler content. Get rid of it. Much more interesting stuff to say about the aircraft
Good video. But pretty depressing to get a list of US evil wars.
The F-35 is not a good replacement for the Hornet. Canada was so outraged by the F-35, they damn near jumpstarted its home industry to build Avro Arrows again (which looked like a mean bird incidentally.) Instead, they bought somewhat stealthy Hornets. Range, payload, maintenance costs, and dogfighting capabilities all point to the F-35 being a poor choice. About the only place the F-35 is a good fit (including the USN) is the Royal Navy and the Marine squadrons aboard our amphibious strike carriers. The Royal Navy doesn't have the carriers to operate anything other than STOVL aircraft so that specification is set in quite literally in marine aluminum. Even so, I'd love for the British to make a navalized Typhoon with STOL capabilities over the F-35. The Russians did well with the MiG-29 and Su-33 on a shoestring budget. It stands to reason the wingsmiths in Europe can do the same.
For the USN I concede there is a tremendous amount of sunk cost in the F-35, but we've been throwing good money after bad for thirty years for this pork project. It would be better to build an F/A-18G Ghost Hornet in the short term, and develop something like a Rafael, F-23B, or a sixth-gen fighter for carrier operations.