Under emergency conditions, flight is possible with just one engine, for Hornets are dual-engined aircraft. Each unit is 4.03 m long and .88 m in diameter and interchangeable left to right. A/B-models are equipped with F404-GE-400s, each rated at 10,600 lbs.s.t. dry (15,800 lb.s.t. wet, or afterburning). C/D-models were initally outfitted with the same -400s, but later these engines were replaced by the -402 EPE (Enhanced Performance Engine) rated at 18,000 lbs.s.t. (8,145 kg) with afterburning per engine. This upgrade began in January 1991 with Block 36, providing engines which produce up to 20 percent more thrust (36,000 lbs. combined). The 400-series engine is also integral to the X-29, X-31, Rafale (single engine), A4 and USAF F117.
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The new engines pushed the aircraft's top speed at high altitude to Mach 1.8 (less than that of the F-15 and F-16 which exceed Mach 2). Combat thrust-to-weight ratio is greater than one-to-one. Hornet-E/Fs use enhanced generation -400s rated at 22,000 lbs.s.t. (9,955 kg) with afterburning per engine. The 400s have the same length (159 inches), diameter (34.5 inches), inlet flow path diameter (27.7 inches), nozzle area ratio (1.6) and air flow at IRP and above (140 lbs/sec).
