The CF-18 Hornet is a multirole fighter available to Canada that first appeared in the Magna Carta DLC for Wargame: AirLand Battle.
History[]
The McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet is a twin-engine, two-tail, single-seat, supersonic multi-role fighter used by the Royal Canadian Air Force. After the need to replace the CF-104 Starfighter was identified in 1977, Canada assessed several NATO aircraft to fill the role. In 1980, the F/A-18 Hornet was announced as the winner, and 98 single-seat models, along with 40 dual-seat models were ordered. The Canadian CF-18 is largely identical to US Navy variants of the F/A-18 Hornet. Due to Canada not getting guided anti-ground weapons until the mid 90s these CF-18 used dumb bombs only. 1 Canadian Air Division during the late Cold war war used CF-18 only with three squadrons 409, 421 and 439 Squadrons along with more stationed in Canada.
Overview[]
AirLand Battle[]
The CF-18 Hornet is a 155-point Air Superiority Fighter, carrying four AIM-9M Sidewinder missiles, two AIM-7M Sparrow missiles, and a 20mm Vulcan cannon. The type is ideal for helicopter hunting, but can still engage enemy fighters at long ranges with its accurate AIM-7M. Its combination of arms and good speed allow the type to be used effectively to attack enemy strike platforms, as well. The CF-18 has a few drawbacks: its ECM is moderately powered, providing some protection from long-range radar guided missiles, but not particularly good protection for its 155 point cost. Also, the AIM-7M is a semi-active missile, which requires the CF-18 to continue to close with its target until the missile hits, leaving the CF-18 more vulnerable to return fire.
Red Dragon[]
The CF-18 Hornet in Wargame: Red Dragon is a 150-point multirole combat aircraft carrying eight High-Explosive Anti-Tank cluster bombs, two AIM-9M Sidewinder AAMs, and a 20mm Vulcan cannon. In effect, the CF-18 and CF-188 have reversed roles, the latter having been the strike platform in AirLand Battle. The CF-18 has slightly improved ECM (30%) to improve survivability against long range SAMs and AAMs, and the type features Very Good air detection. The CF-18's combination of arms allows the type to attack enemy armored columns as well as enemy helicopters operating in its vicinity.
The CF-18's drawbacks are largely that it lacks a long range missile to defend itself, and a fighter escort should be considered for the CF-18 when sending it to attack enemy armor.
Weapons[]
AirLand Battle[]
| Weapons | 
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gatling Gun | AAM | AAM |
| Name | M61A1 Vulcan | AIM-9M Sidewinder | AIM-7M Sparrow |
| Caliber | 20mm AoE | Infrared AoE F&F | SemAct Radar AoE, SA |
| Ammo | x 564 | x 4 | x 2 |
| Range | Ground = 2100 m Helicopters = 1400 m  Airplanes = 2800 m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = 1750 m Airplanes = 3500 m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = N/A m Airplanes = 6300 m
|
| Accuracy | 8 | 12 | 10 |
| AP Power | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| HE Power | 1 | 5 | 6 |
| Suppression | 92 | 200 | 240 |
| Rate of fire | 4028 r/min | 30 r/min | 30 r/min |
Red Dragon[]
| Weapons | 
|
|
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Gatling Gun | Cluster Bombs | AAM |
| Name | M61A1 Vulcan | Mk 20 Rockeye II | AIM-9M |
| Caliber | 20mm AoE | 245kg HEAT CLUS | Infrared AoE F&F |
| Ammo | x 564 | x 8 | x 2 |
| Range | Ground = 2100 m Helicopters = 1575 m Airplanes = 2600 m
|
Ground = 3500 m Helicopters = N/A m Airplanes = N/A m
|
Ground = N/A m Helicopters = 2100 m Airplanes = 4200 m
|
| Accuracy | 40% | 15% | 60% |
| Stabilizer | 40% | N/A | 60% |
| AP Power | N/A | 6 | N/A |
| HE Power | 1 | N/A | 5 |
| Suppression | 92 | 300 | 200 |
| Rate of fire | 4028 r/min | 75 r/min | 2 s r/min |
Gallery[]
See also[]
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