CF-18 Hornet

CF-18 Image Gallery

The twin engines of the CF-18 supersonic tactical fighter jet deliver 7,290 kg of thrust and speeds of up to Mach 1.8.

The multi-role Hornet constitutes the primary combat capability of the air force and Canada's only means of exercising active control over unwanted activities in domestic and international airspace. It can be deployed in a variety of roles, including NORAD counter-drug operations.

In the 1999, 79 day NATO air campaign against the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Canada's fighter pilots and their 18 CF-18s flew 678 sorties and logged more than 2,600 hours of flying time into, over and out of hostile air space.

Today, 3 Wing Bagotville and 4 Wing Cold Lake's CF-18s continue to fly domestic and international missions in support of NORAD and NATO as well as other government organizations.

The Air Force is in the process of putting the "sting" back in the Hornets.

The CF-18s are being modernized to ensure they remain combat ready and interoperable with coalition forces until at least 2015. Among the planned upgrades are improved communication and navigation systems, structural modifications and the ability to carry advanced medium range air-to-air missiles and full complement of GPS-guided air-to-ground weapon systems.

CF-18 Quick Facts

Length: 17.07 m
Wingspan: 12.31 m
Height: 4.66 m
Weight: 10,455 kg
Power: 2 General Electric F404 low bypass turbofans
Speed: Mach 1.8
Ceiling: 15,000 m
Range: 3,704 (more with air-to-air refueling)
Armament: Sidewinder and Sparrow air-to-air missiles, Maverick air-to-ground missile, conventional bombs and precision-guided bombs, rockets, and M-61 20mm cannon
Crew: 1 pilot (CF-18A), 2 pilots (CF-18B)
Year(s) procured: 1982 to 1988

Click here to take an in depth vitual tour and learn more about the CF-18, by visiting Canada's Airforce website.