question RE F-18

The new F-18 two seater (is it 'E' or 'F'??) was the topic of conversation
last evening and we got to wondering if the backseater was a Naval Aviator
or a Naval Aviation Officer. The backseater of the old F4 didn't have
controls. I don't think the F-14 did either. What about the new F-18 two
seater?

Thanks
JD

The "F" is a two seater occupied by a NAVAL FLIGHT OFFICER who is now called
a WSO. Weapons Systoms Operator. There is no flight controls in the back
of the F model.

Jake

"JD" wrote in message
news:e9tpd.85459$V41.76908@attbi_s52...
The new F-18 two seater (is it 'E' or 'F'??) was the topic of conversation
last evening and we got to wondering if the backseater was a Naval Aviator
or a Naval Aviation Officer. The backseater of the old F4 didn't have
controls. I don't think the F-14 did either. What about the new F-18
two seater?

Thanks
JD

On 11/25/04 4:38 PM, in article e9tpd.85459$V41.76908@attbi_s52, "JD"
wrote:

The new F-18 two seater (is it 'E' or 'F'??) was the topic of conversation
last evening and we got to wondering if the backseater was a Naval Aviator
or a Naval Aviation Officer. The backseater of the old F4 didn't have
controls. I don't think the F-14 did either. What about the new F-18 two
seater?

Thanks
JD



JD,

The F/A-18E is the single-seater. The F/A-18F is the two-seater. The F
comes in two versions: The F/A-18F(S) has a stick in the back. The
missionized jet is the F/A-18F(T) and has side-stick controllers in the tub.
The rear crew seat is occupied by an Naval Flight Officer (NFO) who fills
the Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) role.

By the way, F/A-18F(S) and F/A-18F(T) are not official designations AFAIK.
I think they're RAG-isms that VFA-122 uses to ensure that the properly
configured jet gets into the correct event.

--Woody