What Jets Does the Navy Fly?
The United States Navy is a vital part of the country’s military, playing a crucial role in defending the nation and its interests around the world. The Navy’s aircraft fleet is an essential component of its operations, and it consists of a wide range of jets that cater to different missions and needs. In this article, we will delve into the various types of jets that the Navy flies, exploring their roles, capabilities, and features.
Fixed-Wing Fighters
Contents
F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
The F/A-18 Hornet and its upgraded version, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, are two of the most well-known fixed-wing fighter jets in the Navy’s fleet. Designed by McDonnell Douglas and later Boeing, these multirole fighters are capable of performing air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions. The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is an advanced version of the Hornet, featuring enhanced avionics, radar, and fuel capacity, making it an effective tool in modern combat scenarios.
- Specifications:
- F/A-18 Hornet:
- Length: 56.7 ft (17.3 m)
- Wingspan: 38.5 ft (11.7 m)
- Height: 14.2 ft (4.3 m)
- Top speed: 1,190 mph (1,915 km/h)
- F/A-18E/F Super Hornet:
- Length: 61.9 ft (18.9 m)
- Wingspan: 38.5 ft (11.7 m)
- Height: 14.5 ft (4.4 m)
- Top speed: 1,195 mph (1,920 km/h)
- F/A-18 Hornet:
F-35C Lightning II
The F-35C Lightning II is a fifth-generation, single-engine, single-seat multirole fighter jet developed by Lockheed Martin. It is the Navy’s newest and most advanced fixed-wing fighter, designed to replace the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The F-35C features advanced avionics, stealth capabilities, and superior maneuverability, making it an exceptional aircraft for various missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance.
- Specifications:
- Length: 59.9 ft (18.3 m)
- Wingspan: 35.8 ft (10.9 m)
- Height: 15.7 ft (4.8 m)
- Top speed: 1,200 mph (1,931 km/h)
Carrier-Based Fighters
F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat is a retired twin-engine, single-seat carrier-based fighter jet developed by Grumman Aerospace. It was used by the Navy from the 1970s to the 2000s and is known for its distinctive "swing-wing" design and AWG-9 radar system. The F-14 was capable of intercepting and engaging enemy aircraft, as well as performing reconnaissance missions.
- Specifications:
- Length: 62.2 ft (18.9 m)
- Wingspan: 38.9 ft (11.9 m)
- Height: 15.1 ft (4.6 m)
- Top speed: 1,260 mph (2,027 km/h)
F/A-4S Phantom II
The F/A-4S Phantom II is a retired twin-engine, two-seat carrier-based fighter jet developed by McDonnell Douglas. It was used by the Navy from the 1960s to the 1980s and was known for its durability, reliability, and versatility. The F/A-4S was capable of performing air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, and reconnaissance missions.
- Specifications:
- Length: 54.3 ft (16.5 m)
- Wingspan: 38.1 ft (11.6 m)
- Height: 13.1 ft (4.0 m)
- Top speed: 950 mph (1,529 km/h)
Strike Fighters
<h2/FA-18G Growler
The F/A-18G Growler is an electronic warfare version of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, designed to jam enemy radar systems and disrupt communication networks. It is used by the Navy to conduct electronic warfare operations and protect allied forces from enemy detection.
- Specifications:
- Length: 61.9 ft (18.9 m)
- Wingspan: 38.5 ft (11.7 m)
- Height: 14.5 ft (4.4 m)
- Top speed: 1,195 mph (1,920 km/h)
Training and Liaison Jets
<h2/T-45 Goshawk
The T-45 Goshawk is a two-seat, carrier-based training jet developed by McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. It is used by the Navy to train student pilots and flight officers in carrier operations, navigation, and basic flight skills.
- Specifications:
- Length: 47.5 ft (14.5 m)
- Wingspan: 31.6 ft (9.6 m)
- Height: 11.6 ft (3.5 m)
- Top speed: 580 mph (933 km/h)
In Summary
The United States Navy operates a diverse range of jets, each designed to fulfill specific roles and missions. From the F/A-18 Hornet and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the F-35C Lightning II, these fixed-wing fighters are equipped with advanced avionics and capabilities, making them effective tools in modern combat scenarios. Additionally, the Navy’s carrier-based fighters, such as the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-4S Phantom II, played a significant role in its history, while the F/A-18G Growler and T-45 Goshawk are used for electronic warfare and training operations, respectively.
