What is the strongest aircraft out there right now, for any branch of the military. I heard it was a newer version of the F-18 but I really don't know. Anyone have any interesting insight into this?

Sam
Fontana

hmm.. F22 maybe..

What do You mean by `strongest`?

is it survivability?

singforsam can you describe what your looking for a little better?





The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a combat-proven strike fighter with built-in versatility. The Super Hornet's suite of integrated and networked systems provides enhanced interoperability, total force support for the combatant commander and for the troops on the ground.

Both the single seat E and two-seat F models convert quickly from one mission type to the next with the flip of a switch to provide consistent air dominance:

• Day/night strikes with precision-guided weapons
• Anti-air warfare
• Fighter escort
• Close air support
• Suppression of enemy air defense
• Maritime strike
• Reconnaissance
• Forward air control
• Tanker

Payload Flexibility

The Super Hornet's versatility applies to its weapon stations and payload types:

• 11 weapon stations
• Supports a full complement of smart weapons, including laser-guided bombs
• Carries a full spectrum mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground ordnance

Power and Flight Characteristics

The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414-GE-400 engines:

• Distinctive caret-shaped inlet to provide increased airflow and reduced radar signature
• 22,000 pounds (98 Kn) of thrust per engine, 44,000 pounds (196 Kn) per aircraft

Flight qualities:

• Highly departure resistant through its operational flight envelope.
• Unlimited angle-of-attack and carefree flying qualities for highly effective combat capability and ease of training.
• Reconfigurable digital flight-control system detects and corrects for battle damage.

Upgradeability

Long-term designed in versatility ensures the Super Hornet's investment value. Current upgrades delivered in the Block Two configuration include:

• Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar
• Advanced targeting forward-looking infrared (ATFLIR) system
• Joint-helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS)
• Multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS)
• Advanced aft crew station
• Fibre channel switch for increased data processing capability
• Fully integrated weapons systems and

Link
http://www.boeing.com/defense-space/...18ef/index.htm

Here a hint guys, the Tomcat ruled until it was retired, the Superhornet (aka Rino ) is almost the equivalent of a Tomcat. If they ever put a GE-101 in a superhornet, then it might be as good as the Kitty

Oh, btw, The world's air forces are dam lucky the Phantom is gone now Only plane I've ever seen that can out run a missile

Originally Posted by wolfen

Oh, btw, The world's air forces are dam lucky the Phantom is gone now Only plane I've ever seen that can out run a missile

Faster than the missile with a man in it (the F-104)?

Now what about the Hercules now that is strong aircraft

Skyraider (if only they were still around)