OTTAWA -- Additional details have been revealed about the makeup of the used F-18 Hornets that Canada has purchased from Australia. Ottawa is buying 25 aircraft, comprising 18 operational airframes and another seven aircraft that will be used for testing and spare parts.
The operational aircraft is expected to consist of 12 F/A-18A (single seat) and six F/A-18B (dual seat) aircraft, however the Canadian Department of National Defence said that the plan is subject to changed. The final distribution of A and B model aircraft will defend on a number of factors, including the condition and availability of the aircraft. The dual seat Hornets will be used as trainer aircraft.
The first aircraft are expected to arrive in Canada in the spring, at which point they will receive new software, lighting systems, and ejections seats.