F/A-18E Super Hornet

A real F/A-18E during RIMPAC 2022

Super Hornets

* F/A-18F

Others

* EA-18G Growler

The **F/A-18E Super Hornet** is a jet fighter that appears prominently in the *Foxtrot: Foxes in Arms* series. It is a carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft derived from the original F/A-18C Hornet. The F/A-18E is the single-seat variation while the F/A-18F is the two-seat variant. Within the series, the Super Hornet is a common sight with its primary user being the United States Navy.

The F/A-18E is the signature aircraft of fighter pilots Justin Redding and Scarlett Wilde, along with a number of other US Navy fighter pilots that are featured in the series.

## Characteristics

The F/A-18E Super Hornet is a multirole strike fighter aircraft, meaning it can accel in both air to air combat, as well as conduct ground-attack or anti-ship combat as well. It is an improvement on the original F/A-18A and later F/A-18C Hornet, featuring an enlarged airframe, increased fuel capacity, and rectangular air intakes. The Super Hornet does feature two main variations, the "E" variant, which has a crew of one, the pilot, and then the "F" variant, which has a crew of two, a pilot and a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO, nicknamed "Wizzo").

## History

Much like in real life, the Super Hornet was developed and first flew in the 1990s, being a larger and overall improved version of the Legacy Hornet, and would begin military service with the United States Navy shortly after. The aircraft first saw action over the Middle Easter at the beginning of the 20th Century, though would mostly be involved in peacetime cruises and naval exercises with allied fleets and squadrons.

Over the course of this time, naval aviators and future lovers Justin Redding and Scarlett Wilde would eventually learn to fly and get qualified on the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Justin would go on to serve as the commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron 242 (VFA-242), also known as the Flying Foxes. In particular, Scarlett would make herself known after breaking speed records for a female pilot while flying during her Super Hornet qualifications.

### Urocyan Wars

During the Urocyan War, the US Navy would deploy many squadrons utilizing the F/A-18E Super Hornet. Many Super Hornets were destroyed during the opening attacks of Operation Tidal Wave, though many were thankfully spared. Super Hornets launched from carriers would go on to launch retaliatory strikes against Urocyia. One such squadron would include the Flying Foxes under Justin's command. Justin himself would go on to make quite a name for himself during subsequent actions during the conflict and officially earned himself the nickname "Red Wind" among both American and Urocyan forces. A similar reputation would also apply to the rest of the Flying Foxes, being labeled as one of the best squadrons of the US Navy.

## Trivia

* In real life, to avoid confusion with the older F/A-18 Hornet, since dubbed the "Legacy Hornet", many pilots call the F/A-18E and F Super Hornet the "Rhino", which as become its unofficial nickname.
	+ This nickname came about due to the plane's larger and more rugged appearance, as well as a larger and more pronounced nose.