F-15 Eagle vs F-18 Hornet Fighter Jet Comparison

Fighter jet comparisons have gotten complicated with all the technical specs and performance metrics flying around. As someone who tracked these aircraft programs for years, I learned everything there is to know about both the F-15 and F-18. Today, I will share it all with you.

Where Each One Came From

The F-15 Eagle first flew in 1972. McDonnell Douglas built it specifically to dominate air-to-air combat. The Air Force wanted a fighter that could outmaneuver and outgun anything the Soviets could put in the sky. Fast forward a decade, and the F-18 Hornet entered Navy service. McDonnell Douglas and Northrop designed it to operate from aircraft carriers while handling multiple mission types.

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. The two jets serve different branches for different primary purposes, which explains most of their design differences.

The Numbers That Matter

The F-15 stretches about 64 feet long with a 43-foot wingspan. It exceeds Mach 2.5 in top speed and climbs at 50,000 feet per minute. With external fuel tanks, range reaches approximately 3,450 miles.

The F-18 runs smaller—56 feet long, 40-foot wingspan. Top speed caps around Mach 1.8, and range sits at about 1,500 miles. Those numbers suit carrier operations where you’re never too far from the deck anyway.

What Each Does Best

That’s what makes the F-15 endearing to us aviation enthusiasts—it was built to win dogfights, and its record proves it did exactly that. No air-to-air combat losses ever. The F-15E Strike Eagle variant added ground attack capability later, but air superiority remains the core mission.

The F-18 does everything. Air-to-air combat, ground strikes, electronic warfare—it transitions between roles based on mission requirements. The Super Hornet variants pushed these capabilities even further. Navy pilots appreciate having one airframe that handles whatever the mission demands.

Cockpit Technology

Both aircraft have upgraded significantly from their original avionics. The F-15 now runs glass cockpits and digital flight controls. Radar systems track multiple targets simultaneously.

The F-18’s electronics emphasize multifunctionality. The same displays switch between air-to-air and air-to-ground targeting modes. Newer models share data with other aircraft through network connections, which matters more in modern warfare than raw speed numbers.

Weapons They Carry

The F-15 handles AIM-9 Sidewinders, AIM-120 AMRAAMs, GBU-28 bunker busters, and AGM-65 Mavericks among other ordnance. Heavy payload capacity means flexibility in loadout options.

The F-18 carries similar air-to-air missiles plus AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles and JDAMs for precision ground attack. The internal 20mm gun provides close-in firepower for situations where missiles aren’t practical.

Combat History

The F-15’s Gulf War performance established its reputation. Quick air superiority, no losses. Operations continue today wherever the Air Force needs air dominance.

The F-18 has seen action in the Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Its versatility means it shows up in carrier strike groups for every major naval operation. Different missions, same airframe, consistent results.

Current Upgrades

The F-15EX modernization program adds increased payload capacity, advanced avionics, and electronic warfare features. It keeps the platform relevant against evolving threats.

The Super Hornet Block III configuration brings an advanced cockpit, reduced radar signature, and extended range. The Navy clearly plans to fly these jets for decades to come.

Cost Differences

The F-15 costs more to buy and maintain. Larger airframe, more complex systems, higher operational expenses. The F-18’s carrier-optimized design actually reduces some maintenance requirements. For budget-conscious procurement, the Hornet often wins.

Export Success

Japan and Saudi Arabia operate F-15 variants. These sales strengthen alliances while generating revenue for the manufacturer.

Canada, Australia, and Switzerland fly F-18s. The multirole capability appeals to countries that can’t afford specialized fleets for every mission type. Export versions get customized for specific customer requirements.

What Comes Next

Both platforms continue evolving even as next-generation replacements develop. The balance between maintaining proven systems and transitioning to new technology shapes procurement decisions across multiple countries.

The F-15 and F-18 each excel at what they were designed to do. Understanding those design goals explains why both remain in service decades after their first flights.