F-16C Fighting Falcon vs F/A-18 Hornet: how to tell them apart

Two combat aircraft that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.

F-16C Fighting Falcon

Combat aircraft, USA. In service since 1984

What gives it away

Single tail fin, intake under the fuselage, frameless bubble canopy.

Used by

USA, Denmark, Norway, Netherlands and 20+ others

F/A-18 Hornet

Combat aircraft, USA. In service since 1983

What gives it away

Twin engines, two outward-canted tails, long leading-edge extensions alongside the cockpit.

Used by

USA, Australia, Finland, Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Kuwait

F-16C Fighting Falcon · F/A-18 Hornet · All guides