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U.S. Air Force photo

All-weather fighter and attack aircraft.
The single-seat F/A-18 Hornet is the nation's first strike-fighter.
Designed for traditional strike applications such as interdiction and close air support without compromising its fighter capabilities.
Increases strike mission survivability and supplements the F-14 >Tomcat in fleet air defense.
Currently operating in 37 tactical squadrons from air stations world-wide, and from 10 aircraft carriers.
Flown by the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron.
In fighter mode, the F-18 is used primarily as a fighter escort and for fleet air defense.
In attack mode, it is used for force projection, interdiction and close and deep air support.
Armament: One 20mm MK-61A1 Vulcan cannon; External payload: AIM 9 Sidewinder, AIM 7 Sparrow, AIM-120 AMRAAM, Harpoon, Harm, Shrike, SLAM, SLAM-ER, Walleye, Maverick missiles; Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW); Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM); various general purpose bombs, mines and rockets.