Which statement accurately describes composite usage in the F/A-18 and AV-8B?

Which statement accurately describes composite usage in the F/A-18 and AV-8B?

• A. F/A-18 uses 50% surface area; AV-8B uses 75% surface area and 26% of structural weight
• B. F/A-18 uses 75% surface area; AV-8B uses 50% surface area
• C. F/A-18 uses 10% surface area; AV-8B uses 90%
• D. F/A-18 uses 50% surface area; AV-8B uses 75% surface area and 26% of structural weight

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is how composite usage is quantified for different aircraft, using both exterior surface-area fraction and the share of structural weight that is composite. The best description states that the F/A-18 uses composites on about half of its exterior surface area, while the AV-8B uses composites on about three-quarters of its surface area and about 26% of the structural weight. This aligns with the idea that the AV-8B relies more on composite skins to save weight and improve performance, while the F/A-18 has a lower surface-area composite share. Other numbers don’t fit the measured usage pattern: they misstate either the F/A-18’s surface-area fraction or the AV-8B’s combination of surface-area and structural-weight composite content.

The main idea being tested is how composite usage is quantified for different aircraft, using both exterior surface-area fraction and the share of structural weight that is composite.

The best description states that the F/A-18 uses composites on about half of its exterior surface area, while the AV-8B uses composites on about three-quarters of its surface area and about 26% of the structural weight. This aligns with the idea that the AV-8B relies more on composite skins to save weight and improve performance, while the F/A-18 has a lower surface-area composite share.

Other numbers don’t fit the measured usage pattern: they misstate either the F/A-18’s surface-area fraction or the AV-8B’s combination of surface-area and structural-weight composite content.