The Truth About The Hornet’s Million-Dollar Screw

Ever heard of the legendary “Million Dollar Screw” on the F/A-18 Hornet? It’s the little Phillips head screw sitting proudly on the Hornet’s nose, and it’s earned quite the reputation.

Rumors often swirl that removing this tiny screw would cause the Hornet’s wings to fall off or even hold the entire jet together. For many rookies, it’s a rite of passage—a tall tale spun by senior crew members for a good laugh.

In reality, the screw secures a simple metal plate on the aircraft’s nose. That’s it. No catastrophic disassembly, no falling wings.

Interestingly, the F/A-18 isn’t alone in sporting this curious feature. The F-15 Eagle also has one! It’s a small, unassuming piece of hardware that’s launched a big legend.

So, next time you hear about the “Million Dollar Screw,” you’ll know the truth—it’s more about good-natured pranks than actual engineering marvels. Neat, isn’t it?