Unveiling the Stealth Powerhouse: The Unexpected Capabilities of the F/A-18 Super Hornet
The Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet, the U.S. Navy’s multi-role tactical aircraft, is often underestimated in its stealth capabilities. While it’s not as stealthy as the F-35 or F-22, the Super Hornet employs extensive radar cross-section (RCS) reduction measures, arguably more than any other contemporary fighter. This makes it far stealthier than many realize.
The Super Hornet’s stealthiness is not just about removing pylons and ordnance. The aircraft incorporates design elements specifically aimed at reducing its RCS, especially in the forward quarter. For instance, the Super Hornet uses panel joint serration and edge alignment to scatter radar waves away from the aircraft’s bore sight. It also employs micro or sedimetric band opaque perforated panels to cover various accessory inlets and ducts, replacing the grills used in the legacy Hornet.
The air intakes of the Super Hornet have been optimized to reduce RCS. The use of S-shaped ducts hides the turbine fan blades, which are almost perpendicular to the direction of travel of the aircraft and thus represent a significant penalty to RCS. The edge alignment of the inlet leading edges scatters radiation to the sides, reducing the amount of radar emissions returned to the interrogating system.
The latest version of the Super Hornet, known as the Block 3 series, incorporates these design features and more. The Block 3 series introduces enclosed weapon pods (EWPs) that allow the Super Hornet to carry external stores while still reducing its RCS. One EWP can carry six small diameter bombs, two medium-range AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, or an equivalent loadout of up to 2,600 pounds per pod.
The Block 3 Super Hornets claim a 50% reduction in overall frontal RCS. There is also speculation that additional radar-absorbing materials (RAM) coatings can be applied for certain mission profiles, but this information is classified.
However, the Block 3 Super Hornets don’t just stop at RCS reductions. They take things a step further by improving their ability to detect and even track 5th generation stealth fighters. This is achieved in three major ways.
Firstly, the new infrared search and track (IRST) pods on the Block 3 Hornets can detect gliders as well as F-117s, B-2s, F-22s, and F-35s even in their forward quarter at well over 100 miles. This centerline-mounted sensor offers better visibility than other IRST platforms traditionally mounted in the nose and has been referred to as a “stealth equalizer.”
Secondly, the newly installed Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N) computer significantly increases the Super Hornet’s processing power. Some estimates claim that the new computer has 17 times more processing power than previous Hornet examples and contains real-time machine learning algorithms. This allows the mission computer to identify new threats or emissions and catalog them for use by other friendly aircraft and assets.
Thirdly, the high-speed, high-bandwidth, high-throughput, and anti-jam Internet Protocol-based Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) datalink brings 5th generation communications and sensor fusion capabilities to the Super Hornet.
When these three assets are combined, a pair of Block 3 Super Hornets can detect, track, and lock enemy stealth aircraft well beyond the range of their onboard AN/APG-79 radars. This could potentially allow the Super Hornets to maintain stealth by keeping radars in a passive mode, possibly remaining undetected by enemy stealth fighters.
The Super Hornet’s AN/APG-79 radar is also noteworthy. Raytheon, the radar’s manufacturer, has developed a new Gallium Nitride (GaN) based version of the AN/APG-79, known as the AN/APG-79(V)4. GaN-based radars run much cooler, allowing for more electrical power to be run through the radar. This results in longer range and better tracking.
With the extended range of the GaN-based radar and the IRST sensors, stealth aircraft like the Chinese J-20 or Russian Su-57 could be detected and tracked at much farther ranges than previously thought possible.
Lastly, structural changes have been incorporated into the Block 3 Super Hornet to give it an incredible planned service life of 10,000 hours. This will allow the Super Hornets to operate for decades to come, keeping the tip of the spear sharp until the F/A-XX or Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter becomes operational.
In conclusion, the Super Hornet is a testament to the power of design and technology in enhancing stealth capabilities. It’s not just about being invisible; it’s about being smarter, more efficient, and more adaptable. The Super Hornet is a prime example of how stealth technology is evolving, and it’s exciting to think about what the future holds for stealth aircraft.
