The F/A 18 was an advancement of the YF-17. it was more largely built however around some, what brought an optimization in purchase on achievement, flight characteristics and additional weapon load.

The first operational F/A-18 was placed in service in 1983 and had already at that time HOTAS, a Head UP display as well as three Head down displays. In the 90's the further developed version was then brought under the callsign F/A 18 C/D on the market.

The Squadron 17 was the first Swiss Squadron, that was equipped with F/A-18 C/D. Switzerland has a very modern version (Lot 18) of this combat aircraft. So it has stronger engines (F404-GE-402) and a modern radar (APG-73), and a strengthened wing main spar receive.

In order to hold these airplanes also in the future on newest conditions, they have an unusual development potential. About every 2 years the airplane is loaded with a new software load. Also individual hardware components are partly replaced, renewed or even completely inserted. Thus by at the end of 2007, the Swiss Air Force will have an airplane, which is equipped with MIDS (Multifunctional information distribution system = DATA Link, LINK16) and JHMCS (JHMCS = joint Helmet Mounted Cueing system) together with the AIM-9X, the new infrared short distances guided missile. Like that the F/A 18 will be still for many years a very modern and airplane in the sky, which can be taken seriously.

Technical datas of the F/A-18C und D

Built by: Boeing, under License of RUAG Emmen
Wingspan: 11.43 m / 40,4 ft
Length: 17.07 m / 60.3 ft
Height: 4.65 m / 15.3 ft
Weights: Basic empty weight 11'100 kg / 24'400 lbs
Max. takeoff weight: 23'600 kg / 51'900 lbs
Speed: More than Mach 1.8 in high altitude
Engines: Gereral Electrics F404-GE-402
Power: 2 x 8200 kg / 2 x 18'000 lbs
Radar: APG-73
Armement (CH): AIM-120 AMRAAM, AIM-9X Sidewinder, 20 mm Gatling-Gun