The organizers of the Sanicole Airshow have announced that the Finnish Air Force Hornet Solo Display, known for its breathtaking aerial displays, will return to the event in 2024.

The display is an incredible and exhilarating spectacle that combines raw power with astonishing precision. The Hornet is flown by a highly skilled pilot who executes precision manoeuvres with exceptional accuracy, showcasing the aircraft's incredible capabilities. The display is made even more thrilling by the well-timed bursts of flares used in combat to defend against heat-seeking missiles. These flares create a stunning array of colours that light up the sky, adding to the already impressive display.

Witnessing the aircraft in action over Sanicole in 2021 was an unforgettable experience that will be repeated this year during the weekend of September 21-22. From the thundering roar of the engines to the precision manoeuvres executed by the pilot, every aspect of the display is expertly crafted to leave a lasting impression on the audience.

The display consists of a range of manoeuvres that showcase the Hornet's incredible capabilities, including high-speed passes, tight turns, and impressive climbs. The pilot expertly executes each manoeuvre with precision and skill, leaving the audience awestruck.

Whether you're an experienced aviation enthusiast or simply looking for a thrilling experience, the Hornet display is something you won't want to miss. It's an incredible display of aviation prowess that will leave you feeling inspired and in awe of these incredible machines and the skilled pilots who fly them.

If you're interested in attending the event, you can visit sanicole.com to learn more about it and purchase your tickets.

F/A-18 Hornet

The F/A-18 Hornet is a supersonic, twin-engine combat aircraft that can operate in all weather conditions. It is a multi-role aircraft designed to function both as a fighter and an attack aircraft, hence its F/A designation. The plane is a product of McDonnell Douglas and Northrop and was created in the 1970s for use by the United States Navy and Marine Corps. The Hornet is also used by the air forces of several other nations and was once used by the U.S. Navy's Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels.

The F/A-18 is an incredibly versatile plane that can carry a wide range of weapons thanks to its advanced avionics, cockpit displays, and excellent aerodynamic characteristics. The aircraft's versatility and reliability make it a valuable carrier asset, capable of performing various tasks such as fighter escort, fleet air defence, suppression of enemy air defences, air interdiction, close air support, and aerial reconnaissance.

The Hornet is equipped with advanced radar and electronic warfare systems, allowing it to detect and engage targets in all weather conditions and at all altitudes. It features a digital fly-by-wire flight control system that enables the pilot to make precise manoeuvres with ease. The F/A-18 can fly at a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and has a combat radius of over 400 nautical miles.

Hornets in the Finnish Air Force

The Finnish Air Force purchased a total of 64 F-18C/D fighter jets in 1992, consisting of 57 F-18C models and seven F-18D models. The F-18D models were built in St. Louis, while the F-18C models were assembled in Finland. The delivery of these aircraft started in November 1995 and ended in August 2000. These fighter jets replaced the MiG-21bis and Saab 35 Draken in the Finnish Air Force's fleet. Initially, these planes were designated for air defence, which is why they were given the F-18 designation. The F-18C model included the ASPJ (Airborne Self-Protection Jammer) jamming pod, which was later added to the U.S. Navy's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet procurement.

Unfortunately, one Hornet was destroyed in a mid-air collision in 2001. A damaged F-18C, also known as "Frankenhornet," was rebuilt into an F-18D using the forward section of a Canadian CF-18B that was purchased. However, the modified fighter jet crashed during a test flight in January 2010, due to a faulty tailplane servo cylinder.

The Finnish Air Force's Hornet fleet underwent a two-stage Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) program. The MLU 1 stage, from 2006 to 2010, aimed to improve the aircraft's air-to-air capabilities. This upgrade included integrating the new AIM-9X Sidewinder missile with the JHMCS helmet-mounted sight, new radios, a new IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) interrogator, and a new moving map display. The MLU 2 stage, from 2012 to 2016, mainly focused on enabling the aircraft to use standoff air-to-ground weapons, including the JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), JSOW (Joint Standoff Weapon), and JASSM (Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile). The Hornets also received the Litening targeting pod and new chaff/flare dispensers. The cockpit was modernized, and Link 16 was added. The upgrade also involved procuring and integrating a new version of the AMRAAM (Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile) air-to-air missile. In total, 62 aircraft (the entire Finnish Hornet fleet as of 2016) were modernized to MLU 2 standards. This upgrade gave the plane a ground-attack capability, and as a result, the Finnish Air Force now refers to the plane as "F/A-18" instead of just "F-18".

The Hornets have a service life of 30 years and will remain in active service until 2025-2030. In October 2014, the Finnish national broadcaster Yle announced that the replacement of the Hornet was being considered. In 2015, Finland began the HX Fighter Program to acquire new multirole fighters to replace the current Hornet fleet. The HX Fighter Program aims to acquire 64 new fighter jets, and the selection process included five contenders: Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II, and Saab Gripen E. On December 10, 2021, the Finnish government announced the selection of Lockheed Martin's fifth-generation F-35A Lightning II for its HX Fighter Program.