U.S. NAVY CARRIER-BORNE FIGHTER / ATTACKER
Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94), also known as the "Mighty Shrikes", are a United States Navy F/A-18C Hornet fighter squadron stationed at NAS Lemoore. Currently a land-based "Unit Deployment Program" squadron, they deploy with no tail code assigned. Their radio callsign is Hobo.
The F/A-18C and D models are the result of a block upgrade in 1987 incorporating upgraded radar, avionics, and the capacity to carry new missiles such as the AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missile and AGM-65 Maverick and AGM-84 Harpoon air-to-surface missiles. Other upgrades include the Martin-Baker NACES (Navy Aircrew Common Ejection Seat), and a self-protection jammer. A synthetic aperture ground mapping radar enables the pilot to locate targets in poor visibility conditions. C and D models delivered since 1989 also have improved night attack abilities, consisting of the Hughes AN/AAR-50 thermal navigation pod, the Loral AN/AAS-38 NITE Hawk FLIR (forward looking infrared array) targeting pod, night vision goggles, and two full-color (formerly monochrome) multi function display (MFDs) and a color moving map.
Beginning in 1992, the F404-GE-402 enhanced performance engine, providing approximately 10% more maximum static thrust became the standard Hornet engine. Since 1993, the AAS-38A NITE Hawk added a designator/ranger laser, allowing it to self-mark targets. The later AAS-38B added the ability to strike targets designated by lasers from other aircraft.
Production of the F/A-18C ended in 1999. In 2000, the last F/A-18D was delivered to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Eén uitvoering mogelijk;
- "MIGHTY SHRIKES", U.S.Navy, 2008.
Aantal onderdelen; 227.
Afmetingen;
- Lang; 346 mm.
- Spanwijdte; 245 mm.
