Since the F/A-18 had been primarily envisioned as a single-seater (without the aid of the "guy in back" to take over many duties), reduction of the pilot's workload through extensive automated systems became a primary concern. The Hornet is therefore characterized by what has come to be known as a "glass" cockpit, with many of the dial-type instruments eliminated in favor of cathode-ray tubes (CRT) and liquid crystal displays (LCD).
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3.1.1 Control Panel
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The control panel is dominated by two multi-function CRT displays or DDIs (Digital Display Indicators) and a single horizontal situation CRT display. The cockpit is 40 percent smaller than the A-7's and is almost eight times more compact than the F-4's, both of which the F/A-18 replaced.
