Skip to main content

F/A-18C Hornet – COMMs and Preset Button Usage

In the F/A-18C Hornet, communication is managed through two ARC-210 radios: COMM 1 and COMM 2, each with 20 programmable preset channels, known as “buttons.” These presets are configured prior to a mission and allow the pilot to quickly access the correct frequency for ATC, AWACS, tanker, strike coordination, and flight communications without manually tuning frequencies in-flight.

Example COMMs Preset Layout

Below is an example preset configuration for a carrier-based mission in the Syria theater, used by a multi-element Hornet squadron:

 

COMM 1 – ARC-210 (ATC, AWACS, Tankers)

Button Purpose Freq. Additional Info
1 Departure 127.5AM  
2 CSG (STRIKE) 320.0AM  
3 Recovery (Marshal) 127.5AM 55X, 5 ICLS
4 AWACS (MAGIC) 251.0AM  
5 AWACS (IMAGE) 256.0AM  
6 Tanker (Arco 1-1) 254.0AM 11Y
7 Damascus Tower 253.25AM  
8 Ramat David Tower 251.3AM  
11 Tanker (Texaco 1-1) 268.0AM Recv. 1Y

  • Buttons 1 & 3 are both ATC-related; Button 3 adds ICLS and TACAN info for carrier recovery.

  • Buttons 4–5 cover AWACS callsigns for picture and broadcast.

  • Buttons 6 & 11 are tankers, with TACAN channels for AAR navigation.

  • Buttons 7–8 provide regional tower freqs for Damascus and Ramat David in case of divert or transit ops.

COMM 2 – ARC-210 (Flight COMMs)

Button Purpose Freq.
1 Flight (Phobetor 1) 301.0AM
2 Element (Phobetor 1) 301.5AM
3 Flight (Phobetor 2) 302.0AM
4 Element (Phobetor 2) 302.5AM

  • COMM 2 is reserved for intra-flight communication.

  • Flight refers to all 4 jets in the element; Element refers to each 2-ship pair.

  • This division helps keep comms concise during tactical execution.

How to Switch Preset Channels

To switch between presets in the F/A-18C:

  1. Use the UFC (Up Front Controller):

    • Press the COM 1 or COM 2 button on the UFC.

    • Rotate the channel select knob just below the UFC screen to cycle through presets (1–20).

    • The currently selected button will appear in the top left of the UFC window.

  2. Monitor and Talk:

    • Ensure the desired radio (COMM 1 or COMM 2) is selected for transmission by checking the transmit selector knob on the Audio Control Panel.

    • A small dot will appear next to the active radio on the HUD or DDI when transmitting.

  3. Manual Override (if needed):

    • You can manually input a frequency via the UFC if a preset is unavailable, but preset switching is faster and less workload-intensive.

Tactical Tips

  • Use COMM 1 for ATC, AWACS, tankers, and base frequencies.

  • Use COMM 2 for tactical intra-flight communication.

  • Maintain discipline: only speak when necessary and always identify yourself (e.g., “Phobetor 1-2, tally two bandits, 240, 15 miles”).

Back to top