# 1978 MCDONNELL DOUGLAS F-18 HORNET ROLLOUT PROMOTIONAL FILM 80584

This film celebrating the arrival of the new F-18 Hornet, and titled HORNET LAUNCH, begins with footage of the F-4 Phantom in combat operations. The requirements for a more efficient fighter craft was met with the F-18 Hornet (:45). It was the result of intensive design efforts by the Navy, Marine Corps and McDonnell Douglas company ( 1:05 ). The Hornet is an attack craft for close air support missions ( 1:35 ) and was to replace the F4 Phantom and A-7 Corsair ( 1:40 ). At the time it was the most tested and thoroughly engineered aircraft. It’s design concepts were confirmed using scale models and wind tunnels ( 2:01 ). These tests provided data to program a simulator which would be used to develop it’s weapon systems ( 2:12 ). During the design phase, test pilots analyzed the aircraft's functions and aerodynamic capabilities ( 2:15 ). The features were reviewed by teams of Navy and Marine Corps aviators ( 2:30 ). In 1977, McDonnell Douglas began cutting the metal for the Hornet's fuselage and wings ( 3:01 ). By June of 1978, the center and aft sections of the fuselage were delivered to St. Louis ( 3:36 ). In late August, the 16,000 pound thrust General Electric engines were installed ( 4:11 ). The Hornet's launch commenced on September 13, 1978 ( 4:39 ). George S. Graff, the President of McDonnell Aircraft Company, welcomed guests to the launching ( 4:45 ). The Chief of Staff for the Marine Corps, says of the plane that it will be flexible in completing air to air and air…

- Kind: Film
- Genres: Industrial and advertising
- Archive: [Internet Archive](https://archive.org/details/80584F18HornetLaunchVwr)
- Licence or status: none stated by the archive
- Who can watch: Teens profiles and older (the archive gives no rating; placed by Invisible Network from its collection and subjects)

[Watch now](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/watch/archive/ia/80584F18HornetLaunchVwr?play=1)