F/A-18 Super Hornet vs. MiG-27

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, a direct evolution of the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, is an American twin-engine, supersonic, carrier-capable multirole fighter jet. It's used primarily by the United States Navy as well as the Royal Australian Air Force and Kuwait Air Force.

Production History: The Super Hornet was initially developed by McDonnell Douglas, with its first flight in 1995. Following the merger of McDonnell Douglas with Boeing, full-rate production commenced in September 1997. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, effectively replacing the Grumman F-14 Tomcat by 2006. As of April 2020, over 632 units had been produced, with Boeing announcing plans to conclude production in 2025.

Design Features: The Super Hornet design stemmed from a requirement for a more capable version of the F/A-18 Hornet. It carries an internal 20mm M61A2 rotary cannon and is capable of deploying various weapons, including air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles. It can be equipped with up to five external fuel tanks for extended range missions and can be configured as an airborne tanker.

Operational History:

The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has been integral in various military operations, showcasing its effectiveness in air-to-air combat, precision-guided night strikes, and close air support, among other roles. Its first air-kill occurred on June 18, 2017, against a Syrian Sukhoi Su-22. The Super Hornet's multirole capability has made it a valuable asset in diverse military operations.

Comparison with Similar Models:

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet vs. F-14 Tomcat:

Role and Capabilities: The F-14 primarily served as an air superiority fighter with secondary ground attack capabilities. In contrast, the Super Hornet is a true multirole aircraft, adept in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Performance and Armament: The F-14 boasted a longer range and heavier weapons load capacity. However, the Super Hornet's smaller size and versatile armament options make it more adaptable in various combat scenarios.

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet vs. F/A-18 Hornet:

Design Evolution: The Super Hornet is an enlarged and enhanced version of the original Hornet, offering increased range, payload capacity, and advanced capabilities.

Role Expansion: While maintaining the multirole capabilities of the Hornet, the Super Hornet introduces improvements like increased fuel capacity, enhanced avionics, and a greater payload, broadening its effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground roles.

The Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-27, known by its NATO reporting name "Flogger-D/J," is a ground-attack aircraft derived from the MiG-23 fighter aircraft, designed and built by the Soviet Union. Introduced in the 1970s, the MiG-27 was specifically optimized for the air-to-ground role, featuring significant modifications to enhance its low-altitude flying capability and survivability over the battlefield.

Production History: The development of the MiG-27 was a direct result of the experience gained from the MiG-23's performance, with a focus on improving its functionality in a dedicated ground-attack role. The MiG-27 entered service in the mid-1970s, with production continuing until 1986. Over 1,000 units were produced, serving in the air forces of the Soviet Union and several other nations.

Design Features: Key design changes from the MiG-23 to the MiG-27 included a redesigned nose to accommodate a ground-attack radar and an optical sight, simpler fixed intakes to replace the variable-geometry intakes, and strengthened landing gear to withstand the rigors of low-altitude operations. The MiG-27's armament was centered around a powerful 6-barrel rotary 30mm cannon, with hardpoints for a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles tailored for ground-attack missions.

Operational History: The MiG-27 played a significant role in several regional conflicts, most notably in the Soviet–Afghan War, where it was used extensively for close air support and interdiction missions. Its service life extended into the 21st century with several air forces, demonstrating its durability and effectiveness in combat.

Comparison with Similar Models:

MiG-27 vs. Su-25

Role and Capabilities: Both the MiG-27 and the Su-25 were designed for close air support and ground-attack missions. While the MiG-27 was adapted from a fighter design and retained some air-to-air capabilities, the Su-25 was purpose-built as a ground-attack aircraft.

Performance: The Su-25 offers superior survivability in a ground-attack role due to its armored cockpit and redundancy in critical systems. The MiG-27, however, benefits from higher speeds and flexibility offered by its variable-geometry wings, allowing for quick ingress and egress from the target area.

MiG-27 vs. A-10 Thunderbolt II

Design Evolution: The A-10 Thunderbolt II and the MiG-27 were developed around the same time, with both aircraft focusing on close air support and combat survivability. The A-10 was designed around its powerful GAU-8 Avenger rotary cannon, with an emphasis on loiter capability and battlefield survivability.

Operational Capabilities: While the A-10 is renowned for its tank-killing capabilities, particularly with its armor-piercing ammunition, the MiG-27 offered a broader range of weapons for engaging both soft and hard targets.