FA-18 Fighter Bomber intercepter?

Question

I have a question for anyone who could answer it.

On a couple of movies: Under Seige, and the tv show 24 they make references to missiles and F-18's.

in Under Seige a f-18 is used to knock a nuclear cruise missle out before it can strike Honolulu.

In 24 they mention the f18 being the only chance to do the same to another nuclear missile.

Both cases seem to be a cruise missile. the 24 reference puts the missile speed at 600 mph.

Can a f18 keep speed with and possible stop such a missile?

Answer 1

The F/A-18 doesn't need to catch up with the missile. It just needs to get in range so his missile can hit the target missile. They Navy's primary gun at the moment is the F/A-18. It's a great multi-role aircraft which is what you need when your space is limited (aircraft carrier).

It's entirely possible that they (the movie guys) relied on the F/A-18 because, especially around Hawaii, they are the alert fighters that would be standing by to get into the air quickly, though it is doubtful one would just happen to have an interceptor missile loaded.

Few aircraft can actually outrun a missile, the SR-71 Blackbird being the only one that comes to mind. Missiles often hit Mach 3. Certainly a jet can out-distance one though. Missiles (other than cruise) simply don't have the fuel for extended ranges.

Answer 2

Probably because they are officially able to use the anti missile missile knows as the RIM-7 sea Sparrow.
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/missile/rim-7.htm

Answer 3

Everything you need to know about a F-18 and its weapondry are in the link provided it should answer your questions .

Answer 4

not likely but possible the F-18 can acheive mach 2 i believe which is like 1400 mph

Answer 5

i say it's possible, since that plane is designed to fly at very high speeds, but i don't know if it'll pull out on time to survive a nuclear blast.

Answer 6

F-16 would be better-it is faster