First Flight of the Super Hornet The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet takes off on its first flight Nov. 29, 1995 from St. Louis Lambert International Airport with McDonnell Douglas pilot Fred Madenwald at the controls. After lifting off at 11:15 a.m. (CST), Madenwald said the new aircraft was smooth, precise and easy to control during its flight. As a structural upgrade of the F/A-18C/D, the Super Hornet is 25 percent larger and offers longer range, greater endurance, increased weapons and fuel-carrying capability, improved survivability and substantial capacity for growth.