Following the cancellation of the A-12 Avenger, McDonnell Douglas proposed a new variant of the F-18�Hornet as a cheaper alternative to the stealth attack plane. Though sharing great commonality with the previous F-18C single-seat and F-18D two-seat models, the F-18E and F-18F have been extensively redesigned with a lengthened fuselage, 25% larger wing with room for two additional pylons, enlarged tail surfaces, and enlarged leading-edge root extensions (LERXs) for better high angle-of-attack performance. The enlarged fuselage and wing provide space for 33% more fuel capacity for greater range and endurance as well as a larger payload. Due to the increase in weight, the aircraft is fitted with more powerful General Electric F414 engines to maintain the same thrust-to-weight ratio.
Other modifications from the original F-18 include an updated cockpit complete with glass displays and more modern avionics, a new radar, simplified landing gear, and new trapezoidal inlets that provide increased airflow to the new engines while lowering the Super Hornet's radar cross-section (RCS). The design also provides room for future growth with additional space and power available for an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar as well as the advanced targeting forward looking infrared (ATFLIR) system. Other advanced items to be installed include the multifunctional information distribution system (MIDS) and the joint helmet mounted cueing system (JHMCS), which will be used in conjunction with the high off-boresight AIM-9X missile.