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MDC F/A-18A Hornet. The agile FIA-18 was initially resisted by the US Navy as its 300nm class combat radius was seen as a backward step, contrary to Navy intentions to have carrier based tactical aircraft range out beyond 500nm. While the F/A-18 has proven to be a versatile and effective combat aircraft, its payload radius limits force carrier battle groups to engage at shorter than desired distances. This requires more fighter assets dedicated to the fleet defence role, which in turn reduces the offensive capability of the entire battle group.
Technology Explained-USN Tactical Aviation Pt I
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US Naval Tactical Aviation Part 1
A perspective
The US Navy is without doubt one of the world’s most capable tactical air arms, with an enviable track record in technological and tactical innovation and its application.
Since the Second World War, the USN’s carrier based tactical aircraft have always played a major role at the cutting edge, often being the first elements of Allied air power to engage hostile forces.
Some of the most significant tactical aircraft of the century started their lives in the USN, which has repeatedly demonstrated a very clearsighted view of what a tactical aircraft should be. What is less known is the sad reality, that much of the US Navy’s strategic thinking in this area has been repeatedly frustrated by incessant budget cutting and ill-considered interference by lay politicians. The result is a situation at this time which is hardly sustainable, as much of the Navy’s fleet of tactical aircraft is approaching block obsolescence, and measures for replacement are well behind projected schedules.
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