CF-18 Hornet

The CF-18, officially known as the CF-188 Hornet, is a powerful multi-role fighter aircraft used by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The CF-18 has been an important part of the RCAF and Canada’s air defence capabilities. Its agility, advanced avionics, combat capabilities, and versatility make it a fan favourite for both pilots and aviation fans.

The CF-18 Hornet is a variant of the American F/A-18 Hornet, manufactured by McDonnell Douglas. The “CF” stands for Canadian Forces (the aircraft is adapted to meet the needs of the Canadian Forces).

The two aircraft are similar to each other, as many features of the F/A-18 were kept for the CF-18. The main difference is that the latter includes a spotlight on the left-side of the nose, near the cockpit. Its purpose is to identify other aircraft during night-time missions. The CF-18 also has a “false canopy” painted underneath the fuselage of the aircraft to temporarily disorient enemy aircraft during dogfights.

The false canopy underneath a CF-188 Hornet (Credit: Aldo Bidini)

Initially, Canada obtained a total of 138 CF-18s from McDonnell Douglas. The first CF-18s were delivered in 1982 and production stopped in 1988. Canada’s current operational fleet of CF-18s is 89 (As of March 2024)

Aircraft Specs:

• Length: 17.01 m
• Wingspan: 12.31 m
• Height: 4.66 m
• Empty weight: 10,455kg
• Maximum standard thrust per engine: 4,850 kg
• Maximum afterburner thrust per engine: 7,290 kg
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.8
• Range: 3,700 km

Use within the RCAF:
The CF-18 has many roles within the RCAF. From air demonstrations to defence, the CF-18 has been the backbone of Canada’s air defence capabilities. Entering service in 1982, the CF-18 has been around for four decades. During those four decades, the CF-18 has maintained a constant state of alert, ready to respond to any unauthorised aircraft or perceived threats.

In Canada, the CF-18s are based at two Canadian Forces Bases (CFBs) and are organised into one training squadron and four tactical fighter squadrons.

• 410 “Cougar” Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron (Cold Lake, AB)
• 409 “Nighthawk” Tactical Fighter Squadron (Cold Lake, AB)
• 401 “City of Westmount” Tactical Fighter Squadron (Cold Lake, AB)
• 425 “Alouettes” Tactical Fighter Squadron (Bagotville, QB)
• 433 “Ti-pics” Tactical Fighter Squadron (Bagotville, QB)

F/A-18 taking off from Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California (Credit: U.S Marine Corps Sgt. Samuel Ruiz)

As Canada is a part of the North American Defense Command (NORAD), the RCAF works with the United States Air Force (USAF) to ensure the security and safety of North American airspace.

Internationally, CF-18s are regularly deployed in support of international missions and NATO operations. Canada sent 24 CF-18s to Qatar during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. The CF-18s were also deployed in former Yugoslavia to conduct air patrols to support NATO peacekeepers.

Main photo: Two CF-18 flying over the Arctic. (Credit: CAF)

References:

D’Costa, View All Posts by Ian. 2016. “What Makes a CF-18 Hornet Different From Other ‘Legacy’ Hornets?” The Tactical Air Network. September 6, 2016. https://tacairnet.com/2016/09/06/what-makes-a-cf-18-hornet-different-from-other-legacy-hornets/

“Canadian Armed Forces-CF-18 Hornets: 1982.” n.d. https://www.lermuseum.org/1946-to-present/1980-1989/canadian-armed-forces-cf-18-hornets-1982

National Defence, Royal Canadian Air Force. 2021. “The RCAF: A Lasting Presence in the North – News Article – Royal Canadian Air Force.” Canada.Ca. June 23, 2021. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/rcaf/migration/2014/the-rcaf-a-lasting-presence-in-the-north.html.

National Defence. 2024. “3 Wing Bagotville – Royal Canadian Air Force.” Canada.Ca. April 19, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/wings/3-wing.html.

National Defence. 2023. “4 Wing Cold Lake – Royal Canadian Air Force.” Canada.Ca. April 20, 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/wings/4-wing.html.

National Defence, Royal Canadian Air Force. 2020. “CF-188 Hornet – Aircraft – Royal Canadian Air Force.” Canada.Ca. June 16, 2020. https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/services/aircraft/cf-188.html.

National Defence. 2016. “The Role of Canada’s CF-18 Fighter Fleet.” Canada.Ca. November 22, 2016.https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2016/11/role-canada-18-fighter-fleet.html.

Coulter, Keith, Philippe Lagassé, James Mitchell, Rod Monette, Royal Canadian Air Force, and Department of National Defence. 2014. “Summary Report – Evaluation of Options for the Replacement of the CF-18 Fighter Fleet.” Summary Report. https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/documents/cf18-eval-eng.pdf.

“Canada investing $211.6 million in Calgary’s Arcfield Canada to sustain the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 …” Government of Canada, March 7, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/news/2024/03/canada-investing-2116-million-in-calgarys-arcfield-canada-to-sustain-the-royal-canadian-air-force-cf-18-fleet.html#.

“CF-188 Hornet Fact Sheet – Royal Canadian Air Force.” Canada.Ca. April 5, 2023. https://www.canada.ca/en/air-force/corporate/reports-publications/aircraft/cf-188-fact-sheet.html.

CF-18 Hornet pilot preparing to perform at the Aero Gatineau Ottawa Airshow (Credit: Patrick Doyle via The Canadian Press)