F/A-18A+ VFC-12 Fighting Omars

Upon entering service in 1983, the Hornet first appeared in its early single-seat F/A-18A model form and this was followed by the F/A-18B with its two-seat configuration. Retaining the combat capabilities of the A-model, the B-model line installed a second cockpit aft of the first and lost some of its internal fuel storage space, limited range somewhat. B-models have been largely leaned on for training purposes due to their dual-cockpit arrangements. Both the USN and USMC have taken on stocks of the type. From 1994 onwards, the original APG-65 radars were given up in favor of the faster-processing APG-73 series producing the F/A-18+ Hornet designation.