This book is a concise, illustrated history of the US Navy and Marine Corps' most versatile jet strike fighter, the Boeing F/A-18 A-D Legacy Hornet. Presenting an historical perspective of the Legacy Hornet from its origins through today's use in the fleet, this edition explores the aircraft's various model upgrades and variants. The F/A-18 began as a less expensive complement to the Grumman F-14 Tomcat and Grumman A-6 Intruder, and was a replacement for the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 Phantom II and LTV A-7 Corsair II. The Hornet evolved into a capable multi-mission strike fighter, performing fighter, suppression of enemy air defense, and light attack missions. This volume features a number of high-quality images that highlight the aircraft throughout its Navy and Marine Corps career. AUTHOR: Brad Elward focuses his writing on the F/A-18 Hornet family, including the F/A-18 Legacy Hornet, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and EA-18G Growler, and has authored eleven books, and over forty magazine articles. SELLING POINTS: . Concise history of USN and USMC's most versatile jet strike fighter from its origins to today's fleet use . Historical perspective walks readers through its various model upgrades . Features high-quality images that capture the F/A-18 A-D throughout its Navy and Marine Corps service 133 colour photographs