Of course the most prominent and often criticized shortcoming has been the aircraft's persistent range limitations. Although this is an adverse function of the whole plane's aerodynamic properties, weights and overall design, the fuel/propulsion system is most readily blamed. In a real sense, poor range pertains to much more than simple hinderance in raw sortie distance. Among other factors, this constricts how long it can remain on station, at what optimal altitudes it can operate, what ordnance tonnages it can ferry and how much and often it much tax logistics with aerial refuelling.
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Even following initial trials at NATC Patuxent River in Maryland and follow-on test and operational evaluations by test squadrons VX-4 and VX-5 at PMTC Point Mugu and NWC China Lake, California, the Hornet's range limitations were already apparent. In fact, VX-5 recommended AGAINST procurement. In a pinch to replace the A-7, however, the Navy proceeded anyway.
