The Rhino Demo Team showcases the mobility, versatility, and power of the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18F Super Hornet, nicknamed the “Rhino.” The nickname was born out of a need to differentiate between the larger, more capable Super Hornet and the smaller, original “Legacy” Hornet during carrier-based operations. The Super Hornet has been in service with the U.S. Navy for over two decades, and through constant upgrades and modernization, this multi-role carrier-based aircraft continues to excel in the air-to-air and air-to ground arenas.

During their demonstration, the aircrew will experience nearly eight times the force of gravity, accelerate to speeds up to 750 mph, and showcase the incredible maneuvering capability of the F-18. Many of the maneuvers seen are used by Naval Aviators in the execution of air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, both in training and in combat.

The Rhino Demo Team is based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and the aircrew and maintainers are members of the Navy’s largest squadron: VFA-106, known as the “Gladiators.” The aircrew serve as instructors, teaching new aircrew how to fly and tactically employ the Super Hornet. The maintenance personnel come from a variety of skill sets, known in the Navy as “rates,” and help to fix and maintain over 50 aircraft.