An In-depth Look at the Design, History, and Use of Six Mighty U.S. Warplanes America's ongoing war on terrorism is a complex series of both overt and covert operations conducted in numerous countries, especially in Afghanistan, and waged by the military's considerable might on the ground, on the seas, and in the sky. Nearly all of these operations, from troop movements, surveillance, and domestic defense to the bombing of enemy positions and rescue and relief missions, are heavily reliant upon the support of air power. In this time of conflict, students are confronted daily with images of America's new war--images that often feature U.S. warplanes fulfilling their crucial strategic functions. As a result, there is a renewed interest among young people in these mighty machines and the pilots who fly them. Each lavishly illustrated title in the series will examine in great detail one warplane that has been used in the war in Afghanistan, discussing the plane's history, design, construction, capabilities, special features, weaponry, and strategic role past, present, and future. In 1973, the United States Air Force asked aircraft companies to design a new, lightweight fighter aircraft. The result was the F/A-18 Hornet. The Hornet entered regular military service in 1983 and made its first war appearance in 1991 in the Gulf War. Since then, Hornets have been involved in actions in Bosnia-Herzegovina and have stayed in the Persian Gulf to prevent Iraqi aggression. The Hornet has proved to be valuable in fighting terrorists in Afghanistan. This book tells the story of the F/A-18, complete with vivid photos and details about what makes the Hornet such a special plane.