Flight Lesson in a CF-18
Captain Erick O’Connor of Canadian Forces 409 Squadron, gives LearnToFly.ca Editor, Geoff McKay, his first lesson in the cockpit of a CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet.
The CF-18 is the primary front-line fighter in Canada, and it is used every day to protect the sovereignty of the country.
CF-18 Performance
When you first climb into the cockpit, you quickly realize the CF-18 Hornet Fighter Jet is more like a computer with wings and a pair of oversized jet engines. And, it’s fast. Very Fast.
The CF-18 travels at twice the speed of sound, or 2,400 km/h. (1,600 mph).
Related Article: F-18 Hornet Fighter Jet Aircraft Carrier Action Videos
G-Forces
The onboard computer limits the g-forces during flight maneuvers to 7.5 +g’s and 3 – gs.
The combined speed and g-forces operating envelope provides for exceptional high-speed maneuverability, including full aerobatic capabilities.
During Captain Erick O’Connor’s demonstration flights over Toronto, he showed great restraint by keeping the CF-18’s flying speed below the speed of sound to ensure he did not break the sound barrier over the crowds at the CNE.
The article originally appeared on learning to fly
