The AF-18B Hornet, the two-seat variant of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18A operated by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), served for decades as a key component of Australia’s air combat capability. Introduced in the mid-1980s, the AF-18B fulfilled both advanced training and fully operational combat roles, participating in national defense missions and multinational operations under NATO and United Nations mandates.
Retaining the Hornet’s true multirole design philosophy, the AF-18B could seamlessly transition between air-to-air and air-to-ground missions within the same sortie. Its advanced digital avionics, multimode radar, and upgraded navigation and attack systems made it a highly flexible and reliable combat platform across a wide range of operational environments.

Key features of the AF-18B Hornet (RAAF):

Digital avionics suite with HUD, multifunction displays, and computerized navigation systems
AN/APG-65 multimode radar, capable of detecting, tracking, and engaging multiple air and ground targets
Full multirole capability, supporting air defense, strike, and close air support missions

Standard air-to-air armament:

AIM-132 ASRAAM

Updated air-to-ground armament:

JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), providing all-weather, GPS/INS-guided precision strike capability
High maneuverability, structural robustness, and proven operational reliability

For many years, the AF-18B Hornet formed the backbone of Australia’s air combat force, safeguarding national airspace while making significant contributions to coalition operations abroad. The integration of JDAM further enhanced its precision strike effectiveness, extending the operational relevance of the Hornet until the introduction of fifth-generation fighter aircraft into RAAF service.

Controls:

AG1: Jettison Fuel Tanks
AG2: Jettison JDAM
AG5: Extend refueling probe
AG6: Fold wings
AG7: Arm tail hook
AG8: Lights
VTOL: Flaps
Trim: Adjust Trim