Question

An F/A-18F Super Hornet weighing 22,000 kg is flying at Mach 0.7 at an altitude of 3.5 km. The plane has a length of 18.3 m, a wingspan of 13.6 m and a height of 4.9 m. Assume that the shape of the aircraft can be approximated by a flat rectangular plate.

(a) Calculate the thrust force required to maintain level flight and constant speed.

(b) If the pilot suddenly changes pitch to fly straight up, determine whether he will black-out

(experience more than 9g deceleration) due to the manoeuvre.

(c) Estimate whether the plane would have stopped moving in a horizontal direction before an observer at sea-level heard the manoeuvre. (For a bonus of up to 100 marks, mathematically derive the formula for the final velocity in the horizontal direction and calculate the value at the instant the observer at sea level hears the manoeuvre.)

Answer 1

Air Force has 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets, which ensure that Australia's air combat capability edge is maintained until the full introduction of the F-35A Lightning II.

The F/A-18F Super Hornets are based at Number 1 at RAAF Base Amberley.

After achieving Final Operational Capability in December 2012, they have participated in a range of exercises and operations, including:

• Exercise Pitch Black in the Northern Territory;
• Exercise Bersama Shield on the Malaysian Peninsula; and
• Operation OKRA in the Middle East.

About the Aircraft

The F/A-18F Super Hornet is larger than the F/A-18A/B Hornet. The aircraft's increased wing area allows it to carry more stores (mounted devices) on its additional hardpoints.

The twin seat F/A-18F Super Hornet can undertake:

• air interception;
• air combat;
• close air support of ground troops; and
• interception of enemy supply lines including shipping.

For more information about aircraft noise related to the F/A-18F Super Hornets, visit Defence Aircraft Noise.

Specifications

Manufacturer	Boeing
Role	Multi-role fighter
Crew	Pilot, Air Combat Officer
Engine	Two F414-GE-400 turbofans (9,800 kg thrust each)
Airframe	Length: 18.3 m, height: 4.9 m
Wingspan	13.6 m
Weight	13,387 kg basic, 29,900 kg maximum take-off weight
Speed	1,960 km/h (Mach 1.6)
Range	2,700 km
Ceiling	50,000 feet
Capacity	Mission computers Heads-up Displays Radar and Infrared Sensing and Targeting Systems Electronic Warfare and Infra-Red Self Protection Systems
Weapons	AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) AIM-9X "Sidewinder" Short Range AIr-to-Air Missile Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) and Laser JDAM Conventional and Laser-Guided Bombs AGM-154 Joint Stand-Off Weapon (JSOW) AGM-84 Harpoon Anti-Ship Missile M61 Nose-Mounted 20mm Cannon

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