Although it lost out to the F-16 in the USAF Light Weight Fighter Competition of the 1970s, Northrop's then YF-17 was redesigned to become the F/A-18 Hornet, first flying in 1978. The aircraft entered service with the US Marine Corps in 1983 and the US Navy in 1984. It soon became the mount of the world-famous US Navy Blue Angels aerial demonstration team and continues to be operated by them. The early F/A-18 models built a reputation for ruggedness and versatility, able to switch between ground-attack and air defence roles rapidly. Export customers followed, and the aircraft has been supplied to Canada, Finland, Australia, Switzerland, Spain, Kuwait and Malaysia. In 1995, production of a new generation of single-seat F/A-18E and two-seat F/A-18F 'Super Hornets' began. It was a major redesign with a 25% bigger airframe, more powerful engines, improved avionics and much greater range. Now, nearing the end of production, the latest version, the EA-18G 'Growler,' is a specialist and sophisticated electronic warfare version. Hornet! explores all the variants of the F/A-18. It records their development, operators, and the aircraft's achievements. It is thoroughly illustrated, including examples of the many special paint schemes worn by Hornets during their career.
