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So when I recently made an attempt at the scenario Operation Brass Drum, 2017, I thought I would ask about something I've noticed in some scenarios set in recent years & near future. This is more of a general question that does go beyond the scope of Command itself, but I thought I'd ask

In scenarios that feature USN CSGs/CVBGs in recent years, they are usually heavy in Super Hornets in their air wing.
The F/A-18E is the single-seat variant, whereas the F/A-18F is the two seat variant, with both a pilot and a WSO (Weapon Systems Officer).

What I'd like to know is the fundamental capability difference between these variants is. I've seen both variants pre-armed with air-to-air and Air-to-ground/surface roles. For instance, in Operation Brass Drum, the "F"s are pre-armed with A2A, and the "E"s are pre-loaded with strike loadouts.

I'd long thought that the "F" two-seater variant was supposed to be more suited to strike roles, so that the pilot has another person concentrating on targeting with more advanced weapons systems and BDA while the pilot focuses on flying and defense.

Am I wrong on this? What is the purpose of having both variants on-board if, seemingly, both can do the same thing(s)?

To quote this article

https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/boei ... erformance

"This twin-seat variant is particularly advantageous for training, mission planning, and complex strike missions."

Both can do the same thing, the exact same thing in fact. The aircraft are totally fungible in capabilities (and literally totally fungible in CMANO) but not the same in what each excels at. Equipping the F with the air-air armament makes a lot of sense if there's an extremely complicated battlespace where targets need to be identified and deconflicted before engaging.

Using the -F- in air-to-air combat also makes sense because of fuel.
An extra seat means less JP-5 fuel in the jet.

If you carry heavy bombs with lots of drag or smaller and lighter A-A missiles will help to keep up with the rest.