Intro
Uncover the firepower of the F-18 Hornet with a detailed look at the 5 types of bullets fired from this versatile fighter jet. From the piercing MK-4 cannon rounds to the armor-piercing PGU-12s, discover the varying capabilities of these high-velocity projectiles and the roles they play in air-to-air and air-to-ground combat scenarios.
The F-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter jet used by the United States military and several other countries. Its versatility and reliability have made it a staple of modern air power. One of the key features of the F-18 is its ability to fire a variety of munitions, including bullets. In this article, we will explore the 5 types of bullets fired from F-18s, their characteristics, and their uses.
1. M61 Vulcan Cannon Rounds
The M61 Vulcan is a 20mm cannon used on the F-18, which fires a high rate of rounds per minute. The cannon uses a Gatling-style design, with six rotating barrels that allow for a high rate of fire. The M61 Vulcan fires M50 and PGU-28 rounds, which are armor-piercing incendiary (API) and high-explosive incendiary (HEI) rounds, respectively. These rounds are designed to penetrate armor and cause significant damage to targets.
Characteristics of M61 Vulcan Cannon Rounds:
- Caliber: 20mm
- Rate of fire: 6,000 rounds per minute
- Effective range: 2,000 feet
- Types of rounds: M50 (API), PGU-28 (HEI)
2. AIM-9 Sidewinder Missiles
The AIM-9 Sidewinder is a short-range air-to-air missile used by the F-18. It uses a infrared seeker to track targets and has a range of approximately 10 miles. The AIM-9 is armed with a warhead that is designed to explode on impact, causing significant damage to the target.
Characteristics of AIM-9 Sidewinder Missiles:
- Range: 10 miles
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation
- Guidance system: Infrared seeker
- Speed: Mach 2.5
3. AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles
The AIM-120 AMRAAM is a medium-range air-to-air missile used by the F-18. It uses a radar guidance system to track targets and has a range of approximately 30 miles. The AIM-120 is armed with a warhead that is designed to explode on impact, causing significant damage to the target.
Characteristics of AIM-120 AMRAAM Missiles:
- Range: 30 miles
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation
- Guidance system: Radar guidance
- Speed: Mach 4
4. AGM-65 Maverick Missiles
The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground missile used by the F-18. It uses a television or infrared seeker to track targets and has a range of approximately 10 miles. The AGM-65 is armed with a warhead that is designed to explode on impact, causing significant damage to the target.
Characteristics of AGM-65 Maverick Missiles:
- Range: 10 miles
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation
- Guidance system: Television or infrared seeker
- Speed: Mach 1.5
5. GBU-12 Paveway II Laser-Guided Bombs
The GBU-12 Paveway II is a laser-guided bomb used by the F-18. It uses a laser guidance system to track targets and has a range of approximately 10 miles. The GBU-12 is armed with a warhead that is designed to explode on impact, causing significant damage to the target.
Characteristics of GBU-12 Paveway II Laser-Guided Bombs:
- Range: 10 miles
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation
- Guidance system: Laser guidance
- Speed: Mach 1.5
F-18 Bullets Image Gallery
What types of bullets are fired from F-18s?
+F-18s fire M61 Vulcan cannon rounds, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles, AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles, AGM-65 Maverick missiles, and GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bombs.
What is the purpose of the M61 Vulcan cannon?
+The M61 Vulcan cannon is used for air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, providing a high rate of fire and effective range.
What is the difference between AIM-9 and AIM-120 missiles?
+AIM-9 missiles are short-range air-to-air missiles, while AIM-120 missiles are medium-range air-to-air missiles.
We hope this article has provided you with a comprehensive overview of the types of bullets fired from F-18s. From the M61 Vulcan cannon to the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb, each of these munitions plays a critical role in the F-18's capabilities.