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DDI- Engine indicator
The FA-18F's powerful engines:
The two General Electric F414-GE-400 are extremely powerful and efficient
engines. Fighter jets must cover a large spread of low and high speeds,
rapidly changing or extremely high AoA and altitudes, sustained turns and
extreme +/- g values. The F414-GE-400 has proven to be a reliable
powerplant for the Super Hornet and for other fighter jets, like the Swedish
single engine "Gripen".
It was the predecessor of the F414 engine, who unleashed the full potential
of the legendary F-14 "Tomcat" after many years of problems and accidents
with other engines.
The Full Authority Digital Engine Control System "FADEC" assures that the
pilot, contrary to many decades before, has to care much less on the
restrictions of the engine. This high evolved FADEC allows the pilot to just
demand as much as he wants, when he wants, with changes as fast as he
wants, without worrying about compressor stalls ( IGV failures ), flameouts,
open nozzles problems, etc.
FUEL consumption:
However delivering 22.000 lb of thrust (each!) comes to a cost. Fuel
consumption, high thermal signature and noise. So keep an eye on fuel flow
and the fuel gauge and make sure to not form a nice big target on enemy
infrared sensors with the burner bloom.
RANGE:
Even with low use of afterburners, the range values of fighter jets can not be
compared to those of civil airliners or private jets, witch most of the time try
to fly in there ideal flight envelope.
Real life, in combat ranges of fighterjets like the FA-18F are much lower.
However there are 11 hardpoints to attach not only weapons and pods but
also up to 5 droptanks. Furthermore long range capability is provided by mid
air refueling. Every "Super Hornet" has a extendable refueling probe at the
starboard side behind the nose random.
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