Overview
A versatile, world-class fighter aircraft, the supersonic CF-188 Hornet (or CF-18 as it is popularly known) can engage both ground and aerial targets. Its twin engines generate enough thrust to lift 24 full-size pick-up trucks off the ground.
As the Canadian Air Force’s frontline multi-role fighter, the CF-188 is used for air defence, air superiority, tactical support, training, aerobatic demonstration, and aerospace testing and evaluation.
The aircraft is equipped with a sophisticated radar system that can track targets in all weather and from great distances. A Sniper Advanced Targeting pod, which contains an infra-red (heat-sensitive) camera and TV camera, allows pilots to see targets at night and in low visibility conditions. The pod also has a laser designator to guide precision bombing, and a laser spot tracker. The newly acquired Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System (JHMCS) allows the pilot to effectively designate targets anywhere around the aircraft.
Because of its superior power and speed, and its exceptional tracking capabilities, the CF-188 has had great success in hundreds of military operations in Canada and around the world.
During the Gulf War, Canada sent 24 CF-188s to Qatar to participate in the American-led Desert Shield and Desert Storm campaigns. Canadian Air Force pilots flew more than 5700 hours and 2700 sorties.
Since the September 11 terrorist attacks, Canada’s fighter force is committed to protecting North America from future threats. As part of Operation Noble Eagle, NORAD’s mission to safeguard North American skies, CF-188s maintain a constant state of alert, ready to respond immediately to potential threats to continental security. Most recently, CF-188s were heard over the skies of British Columbia, where they provided around the clock support to the 2010 Olympic Games, helping to ensure that this special sporting event did not become a security event.
