Janes F 18 Manual

The Janes F 18 is a comprehensive flight operations manual for the F/A-18 Hornet multirole fighter aircraft, covering aircraft systems, flight operations, emergency procedures, weapons deployment, navigation systems, cockpit instrumentation, and maintenance protocols. This manual serves as the primary reference for pilots and ground crew operating the F/A-18 platform. Below are key sections for aircraft overview, systems operation, flight procedures, emergency protocols, weapons systems, and technical specifications.

Aircraft Overview

Key components: Twin-engine multirole fighter, advanced avionics suite, weapons systems, navigation systems, and cockpit instrumentation.

System	Description
Powerplant	Two F404-GE-402 afterburning turbofan engines
Maximum Speed	Mach 1.8 at altitude
Combat Radius	330 nautical miles
Service Ceiling	50,000 feet
Wingspan	40.4 feet (with missiles)
Length	56 feet
Height	15.3 feet
Cockpit	Glass cockpit with multi-function displays
Radar	APG-73 pulse-Doppler radar system
Weapons Stations	9 hardpoints for various munitions

Cockpit Systems

Primary flight instruments and controls layout.

1. Primary Flight Display (PFD): Airspeed, altitude, attitude, heading indicators
2. Multi-Function Displays (MFD): Radar, weapons, navigation, systems status
3. Up Front Control (UFC): Data entry and system control interface
4. Stick and Throttle: Hands On Throttle And Stick (HOTAS) controls
5. Emergency Systems: Ejection seat, emergency power, oxygen systems

WARNING! Familiarize with all cockpit systems before flight operations. Ensure all instruments are functioning properly during pre-flight checks.

Flight Operations

Standard operating procedures for all flight phases.

1. Pre-flight inspection: Complete walk-around and systems check
2. Engine start: Follow established start-up sequence
3. Taxi procedures: Follow ground crew signals and ATC instructions
4. Takeoff: Standard and short-field procedures
5. In-flight operations: Navigation, communication, and mission execution
6. Landing: Standard, carrier, and emergency landing protocols

CAUTION! Always verify fuel levels and system status before takeoff. Follow all ATC instructions precisely.

Technical Specifications

• Manufacturer: McDonnell Douglas/Boeing
• Role: Carrier-capable multirole fighter
• Crew: 1 or 2 (F/A-18A/C single seat, F/A-18B/D two seat)
• Empty Weight: 24,700 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 51,900 lb
• Internal Fuel: 10,860 lb
• External Fuel: Up to 3 x 480 gal tanks
• G-Limits: +7.5/-3 g
• Thrust/Weight: 0.96
• Avionics: APG-73 radar, ALR-67 RWR, ALE-50 towed decoy

Emergency Procedures

Access emergency protocols via EMERGENCY checklist. Primary systems: Engine failure, hydraulic failure, electrical failure, fire, loss of controls.

Critical Procedures: ENGINE FIRE, EJECTION, EMERGENCY LANDING, SYSTEMS FAILURE.

Engine Failure: Restart procedures, single-engine operations. Hydraulic Failure: Backup systems activation. Electrical Failure: Emergency power activation. Fire: Fire suppression systems activation. Loss of Controls: Backup control systems, ejection sequence.

Weapons Deployment

Nine hardpoints for various munitions: Air-to-air, air-to-ground, anti-ship.

1. Weapons selection via Stores Management System (SMS)
2. Arming procedures: Follow established safety protocols
3. Target acquisition: Radar, IR, or visual targeting
4. Weapons release: Follow established release parameters

Tip: Always verify weapons status and safety parameters before deployment.

Navigation Systems

Integrated navigation suite with multiple systems.

1. Inertial Navigation System (INS): Primary navigation reference
2. GPS: Global Positioning System for precise navigation
3. TACAN: Tactical Air Navigation for military operations
4. Instrument Landing System (ILS): Precision approach capability
5. Carrier Landing Systems: ACLS and ICLS for carrier operations
6. Radar Navigation: Terrain following and avoidance
7. Data Link: Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS)
8. Mission Computer: Integrated navigation and mission planning

WARNING! Always cross-reference multiple navigation systems. Verify waypoints and navigation data before mission execution.

Communication Systems

Multiple communication systems for various operational requirements. UHF/VHF radios, SATCOM, data link, intercom systems.

Maintenance Protocols

Follow established maintenance procedures. Daily inspections, scheduled maintenance, component replacement, systems testing.

CAUTION! Only qualified maintenance personnel should perform aircraft maintenance. Follow all technical orders and safety procedures.

Regulatory Information

FAA and military aviation regulations compliance. NATOPS manual compliance, flight safety regulations, operational restrictions. Copyright © 2025 Janes Information Services. For technical support, contact maintenance department or refer to technical publications.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Engine warning light	Engine parameters out of limits	Check engine instruments; follow emergency procedures; consider abort if necessary.
Avionics failure	Power supply/system fault	Reset systems; switch to backup power; use emergency procedures.
Hydraulic pressure low	Leak or pump failure	Check hydraulic systems; activate backup systems; prepare for emergency landing.
Navigation systems offline	GPS/INS failure	Switch to backup systems; use manual navigation; contact ATC for assistance.
Weapons system fault	SMS failure or connection issue	Reset SMS; check connections; use manual override if available.

Emergency Contact: Maintenance department or flight operations for immediate assistance.

Technical Support: Refer to technical publications or contact maintenance department