Vanguard Magazine

14 FEBRUARY/MARCH 2017 www.vanguardcanada.com a aerosPace Looking Infrared system, bigger mission computers and integrated sensors really take the Super Hornet to the next step be- yond the F-18s you fly today," he says. "It has true next-gen capabilities." The aircraft was built through "evolu- tionary and modular approach," which make it easy to plug in mission-specific equipment or new technology, he explains. Currently, Super Hornets are equipped with the APG-79 active electronically scanned array radar, Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared system, Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System, Multi- functional Information Distribution Sys- tem, advanced high-capacity computer system, and new cockpit which provides the pilot with "intuitive situational aware- ness and capability." The plane has a reconfigurable digital flight control system which can detect dam- age to or full loss of flight control and still allow safe recovery, according to Boeing. The Super Hornet has 11 weapons sta- tions, which gives it extraordinary payload flexibility by carrying more than 400 con- figurations of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance. A typical loadout for a self-escort strike Advanced capability like the APG-79 AESA radar, Advanced Targeting Forward Looking Infrared system, bigger mission computers…really take the Super Hornet to the next step beyond the F-18s… mission starts with an advanced infrared targeting pod, one AIM-120 AMRAAM, two AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, a 20mm cannon and an external fuel tank. This leaves six under-wing weapons stations available to carry a variety of weapons and other stores. Gillian also pointed out that the Super Hornet is ideal for missions over Canada's Arctic territory because it has the ability to fly more than 100 nautical miles farther than the legacy CF-18s and can extend that distance farther with its buddy fueling capa- bilities. The Super Hornet is also considered to be the most cost-effective aircraft in the U.S. tactical aviation fleet, costing less per flight-hour to operate than any other tactical aircraft in U.S. forces inventory, including single-engine aircraft such as the F-16. "We're far more advanced that we're given credit for," says Ricardo Traven, a former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot who is now the chief Boeing test pilot for the F/A-18. "It is a fighter that is very adaptable, flexible, and it meets Canada's mission requirements." While the legacy C-18 Hornet and the F/A-18 Super Hornet are "two different aircraft," Traven said pilots like him, who

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