Tigershark sent me an article from a Hornet guy that describes some of it's capabilities. From what I read I would say it is pretty formidable and would definately put it in the top 5 fighters flying today. Here it is:
well F-18 SH actually flies with theAPG-79 V-3 which is actually the 3rd gen version of the apg-79. This latest version allows it to hit multiple moving targets using weapons like SDB and capture live video feed and distribute it to all assets in the battle field including soldiers on the ground, i have here another old document that shows just some of it extraordinary capabilities, not to mention it is the easiest aircraft to learn to fly, the new recruits usually take about 2 hours to completly learn how to fly the baby with confidence which leaves room for a lot of training in tactics and role playing. It is the only contender that can transfer fuel to all other assets mid air, play full scale AWACS roles, network with UAVs, ships, ground forces, contol towers, other aircraft, has excellent compatibility with our upcoming P-8I and Phalcon, due to its AESA and network distribution, it can give a clear AESA picture to all the other aircraft in the area which allows the other aircraft to turn off radars and perform passive attacks, thus reducing the risk of others being shot down. All these right now and none of the contenders have this ability as of now and hence are pretty useless. SH is also amazing considering that it has no TVC and yet has unlimited AOA. It smooths in and out of loops and rolls, has incredible, yaw, nose and pitch authority and unlike the others is also less physically demanding to fly giving pilots more energy and stamina in evasive and agressivemaneuvers. Pilots love it and with the 20% increase in thrust per engine means the current 98KN will reach 118 KN+ that 20KN per engine more and 40 KN in total. This will automatically make it a lot more agile.