"john smith" wrote in message
...
-F model Super Hornet is the replacement.

From what I've read, the Super Hornet doesn't have nearly the range or
the
payload of a Tomcat.
True?

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/aircraft/fighter/f18ef/
Yes, the result of a drag penalty of the new wing and underwing stores.

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...aft/f-18ef.htm

Three missions from one basic airframe.
F-18E single seat fighter/bomber replaces the F-18C "Hornet"
F-18F two seat fighter/bomber replaces the F-14D "Tom Cat"
and another version, the EF-18G "Growler", replaces the Grumman EA-6B
"Prowler" ECM aircraft.

Now they just need to replace the Viking anti-sub plane with a S-18 variant
and parts stores can be reduced significantly.