The F/A-18's initial experience with VFA-125 was more favorable than that with VX-4 and VX-5 (the US Navy's primary test and evaluation squadrons), only slightly alleviating original concerns about the Hornet's range. A "clean" Hornet can usually exceed that of a "clean" McDonnell F-4J Phantom (which it replaced) and, in the fighter escort role, the F/A-18's range is still greater. Although in the strike role, the range of the F/A-18 is 10-12 percent less than that of the LTV A-7E, it can do more over target on less fuel.
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However, the Hornet has a chronic reliance on external fuel tanks. This drop tank reliance steals precious pylons that could otherwise be devoted to bombloads or other offensive weaponry, particularly larger, heavier ones. Comparatively high drag, particularly with full loadouts, contributes to the aircraft's unbridled fuel thirst. Seen by many as a critical deficiency, it is even said to invalidate many of the "clean" comparisons such as the one above.
