Introduction to the FA18 Aircraft
The FA18 Hornet is a multirole fighter aircraft designed by McDonnell Douglas (now part of Boeing) for the US Navy and Marine Corps. The aircraft has been in service since 1983 and has undergone several upgrades since its initial production. The FA18, which has a top speed of over Mach 1.8, has proven to be a versatile platform that can be used for air-to-air combat, ground attack, and reconnaissance missions.
Manufacturing Costs of the FA18
According to a report by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO), the unit manufacturing cost of an FA18E/F Super Hornet, the most recent variant of the aircraft, was $66.9 million in 2018. However, this cost does not include research and development expenses, which can significantly increase the total cost of the aircraft.
Research and Development Expenses
The GAO report estimates that the R&D costs related to the FA18E/F program were $23.7 billion, which translates to an average of $4.7 billion per year over the 5-year period from 2013 to 2017. These costs are spread over the entire program, including the development of new features and upgrades, as well as testing and evaluation.
Total Acquisition Cost of an FA18
The total acquisition cost of an FA18 includes manufacturing costs, R&D expenses, and other costs such as procurement and support. According to the GAO report, the total cost of an FA18E/F Super Hornet in 2018 was $83.4 million. This cost is higher than the unit manufacturing cost due to the inclusion of R&D expenses and other costs.
Cost of Maintenance and Upkeep
The cost of maintaining and operating an FA18 can be significant. The GAO report estimates that the annual cost of operating and supporting an FA18E/F Super Hornet is $16.8 million. This cost includes expenses related to maintenance, repair, training, and other forms of support.
Piloting and Crew Training Costs
The training of pilots and crew members is another significant expense associated with the operation of an FA18. According to the GAO report, the average cost of training a pilot for the FA18E/F program was $1.1 million in 2018. This cost includes initial training, advanced training, and continuation training.
Fuel Consumption and Expenses
The fuel consumption of an FA18 can be substantial, particularly during flight operations. The GAO report estimates that the annual fuel cost for an FA18E/F Super Hornet is $3.6 million. This cost is based on an average fuel consumption rate of 60,000 pounds per hour and an average fuel price of $2.75 per gallon.
Analysis of Operational Costs
When all of the costs associated with the operation of an FA18 are considered, the total annual cost can be significant. The GAO report estimates that the annual cost of operating and supporting a single FA18E/F Super Hornet is $28.5 million. This cost includes expenses related to procurement, R&D, manufacturing, maintenance, training, fuel, and other forms of support.
Comparison to Other Fighter Jets
The cost of an FA18 is comparable to other advanced fighter jets, such as the F-35 Lightning II and the Eurofighter Typhoon. However, the cost of operating and supporting an FA18 can be lower than other platforms due to its proven performance and reliability.
Conclusion: Is the FA18 Worth the Cost?
The cost of acquiring and operating an FA18 can be significant, but the aircraft’s proven performance and versatility make it a valuable asset for the US military. The FA18 has been used in various missions, including combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, and has a reputation for being a reliable and effective platform. While the cost of an FA18 may be high, its value as a multirole fighter aircraft makes it worth the investment for the US military.
