Difference between VMFA and VMFA(AW)...

What makes the VMFA(AW) squadrons that fly the D model "all weather" while the C model VMFA squadrons are not given the "AW" designation? I thought the F/A-18C was all weather capable as well.

The double crew allows to share the workload induced by the meteorological conditions.

You're correct, all Hornets are able to operate in poor weather or at night, but the D model's in VMFA(AW) squadrons have some changes to aid when flying in such conditions. From what I've read, the all weather D Hornets use the AN/AAR-50 Thermal Imaging Navigation Set (TINS), which is like a wide angle FLIR for low level flight in poor visibility. They also carry the AN/AAS-38 Nite Hawk FLIR targeting pod, which has been upgraded over the years and seems pretty similar to the ATFLIR, as well as the addition of a raster HUD, color MFD, and internal lighting optimized for night vision goggles. There are also a limited number of F/A-18D's serving in AW squadrons that have been converted to the F/A-18D (RC) reconnaissance variant which replaces the cannon with electro-optical sensors. The sources I found for info on the usage of the different pods seemed a bit outdated, so I imagine nowadays they fly with the standard ATFLIR, but I'm not sure on that.

I believe, VMFA(AW)-224 actually has a C model Hornet.

Most (if not all) VMFA(aw) Squadrons used to be A-6 intruder equipped VMA(aw) Squdrons. Case in point,Two of my old squadrons, VMA(aw)242 "Bats" and VMA(aw)121 "Green Knights" both transitioned into F-18D's shortly after I got out .

VMFA (aw) 121 has now transitioned into F-35's.Not sure what thier proper designation is now.

Edit: Went and looked it up, VMFA(aw)121 is now Just VMFA-121.

I believe, VMFA(AW)-224 actually has a C model Hornet.

Fairly certain they are a Delta Squadron

the are but it is not uncommon for the delta squadrons to get C models from time to time when there is a shortage of D's. also i remember once that VMFA(AW)-332 and VMFA-212 formed a composit squandron for a WestPac and were unofficially call the MoonLancers. I've got a picture of there patch somewhere on my PC.

Here's another.

.... marine all weather has less to do with the aircraft and more to do with the multiple crew to help mitigate the human condition.

AWs are intended to be all deltas. If they had charlies, it was a fluke. No idea how it is now however.

Only changes between the air frames was deltas had ATARS birds. Just a camera in the nose instead of a gun. And this was on only a couple of planes (literally 2).

The corps had a very hard time keeping aircraft flying back in the lancer/moonlighter days.

Hope this helps :)

Ground targets mission editor

I want to put tanks etc on the ground for bombing practice. Is there anyway to do that with the F18 since the ground radar is not complete?

a/g radar is not a necessary component in bombing things.