CF-188A and RAAF F/A-18s: Commonwealth Calling!

Today, we’ll be looking at a trio of Commonwealth Hornets joining the British tree, bringing some sting from across the pond and down under!

Vehicle History

In the 1970s Canada, like many other countries, faced a choice of where to go with the modernisation of its jet fighter fleet. Operating 3 aging types with the, CF-101, CF-104 and CF-116 (F-5), a drastic upgrade and streamline was needed for the Royal Canadian Air Force to defend its skies and operate across its vast, often cold, territory. Canada considered many options, like the Tornado, Mirage F.1 and the American roster of F-14, F-15, F-16 and the F-18. While the F-14 came very close, geopolitics and cost lead to the F/A-18 being selected as the winner in 1980. Its characteristics already met the needs of Canadian operations, having a durable undercarriage for rough landings, twin engines for extra reliability and a suitable range for the vastness of its operational coverage, the carrier-borne routes of the Hornet perfectly suited the Canadian requirements.

Canadian Hornets feature several modifications both internally and externally, such as lights and other bespoke changes. CF-188s have taken part in operations in the Gulf Wars, Yugoslavia, NATO Peacekeeping and even most recently, operations in the Middle East. Life extension programs have upgraded and will continue to keep the Hornet in Canadian service until a replacement can be procured. 

Australia, with a much similar mission to Canada, needed to modernise its fleet of Mirage III fighters. With considerations as far back as 1968 on the future fighter of the Royal Australian Air Force, it was not until the 1980s that the Hornet would ultimately come through as the candidate to replace them after assessing many of the same aircraft that Canada did. After allowing its preferred options in the F-16 and F-18 to mature somewhat, the decision was ultimately made to go with the F/A-18 as it became. Domestic assembly would take place in Australia, with Government Aircraft Factories (GAF) and Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation (CAC) both participating in production and assembly.  Hornets began to enter RAAF service in 1985, and have since been upgraded several times with the Hornet Upgrade Program (HUG), introducing new weaponry, systems, structural reworks and hardware improvements. 

Introducing the Commonwealth Hornets!

Ever since we first introduced the F/A-18 family to the game, many of you have requested the Commonwealth variants of these aircraft. Today, we’re happy to announce 3 versions will be joining the game in the next major update. Representatives from both Canada and Australia will join the British tree, providing an excellent all round platform in both air and ground battles!

Let’s start with the Canadian variant, the CF-18, otherwise officially known as the CF-188. The CF-188A features an AN/AAS-38B targeting pod, as well as GBU-10, GBU-12 and GBU-16 Paveway IIs, GBU-24 Paveway IIIs as well as AGM-65D and G for an immense guided arsenal to bring to bare on ground targets. Alongside conventional armaments like high drag and standard bombs, napalm bombs and the CRV-7 rocket pods unique to this Hornet Variant. We also can’t forget to mention the internal 20 mm M61A1, which features SAPHEI rounds and a firing rate of around 6000 rpm. This lets you make short work of lightly armored ground targets, as well as making use of its radar gunsight for accurate shots in the air. 

The CF-188A is coming as a premium aircraft, providing a versatile option for those wishing to storm through the ranks of the British aircraft tree! Pre-orders for it have started today.

Speaking of which, for its air-to-air weaponry, the CF-188A will feature the AIM-7P missile, which needs no introduction to many pilots! This is one of the best Semi-Active Radar Homing (SARH) missiles in game, losing out only to the likes of the R-27ER. AIM-7P features both datalink and inertial guidance, meaning even if your aircraft loses radar lock, you can require lock at a later stage and the missile will continue its path once reconnected. That’s not to mention its excellent range, letting you reliably hit targets from 15km and even sometimes up to 20km away! Not forgetting the all-aspect AIM-9L for those short range engagements.

The first Australian variant will be the RAAF F/A-18A (Early), which will help to bridge the gap between the Phantom FG.1 and Sea Harrier FA.2. This variant will feature a slightly trimmed down arsenal compared to the CF-188A, but with a lower Battle Rating naturally to suit that. You can expect the same excellent handling in terms of flight performance (not forgetting the maneuvering mode control!) as well as a very well rounded RWR system that keeps you well informed of the threats around you, including threat ID and directional warning. In terms of weaponry, this version features the AIM-9L for short range, and for longer ranges, the AIM-7M/F variants. Ground attack wise, this F/A-18 will feature conventional bombs, high drag bombs, napalm as well as a twin set of AGM-62 ER/DL TV guided bombs. For a touch more precision in your strikes!

Lastly we can delve into the  RAAF F/A-18A (Late)! This version will be the HUG-2+ upgrade. Featuring a LITENING targeting pod and JDAMs which are unique to this Hornet modification. You can also expect 10 of the active radar-guided AIM-120C-5 AMRAAMs. This will be a truly versatile all round force both in the skies and against ground targets, with robust loadout options for almost any mission you face. 

We hope fans of Commonwealth aviation will enjoy these “aircraft with a sting” as we welcome more Australian and Canadian vehicles to the game. That’s all for now, stay tuned to the news for more details on what else you can expect in the next major Update for War Thunder!

Please note that this vehicle’s characteristics may be changed before it is added to the game.