Boeing has announced the delivery of the first group of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets in the Block III configuration to the U.S. Navy.
“The fleet needs capabilities to keep its edge,” said Captain Jason “Stuf” Denney, U.S. Navy Program Manager for both the F/A-18 and EA-18G Growler aircraft. “Getting the first operational Block III in our hands is a great step forward in supporting our capability and readiness goals.”
The complete Block III package includes a diverse array of improvements over the Navy’s existing Super Hornets. The jets have new, highly customizable, wide-area, touchscreen multifunction displays, including in the front and rear cockpits on two-seat F/A-18Fs. The aircraft also have the open-architecture Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked (DTP-N), which gives the aircraft’s mission computer more processing power and networking capability, as well as the Tactical Targeting Network Technology (TTNT) data link. Block III Super Hornets have certain features to help reduce the jet’s radar signature.
The Navy will use these aircraft to help complete an ongoing test and evaluation program for the updated jets, as well as support the development of new tactics, techniques, and procedures to go with them. The Navy expects to begin sending improved Super Hornets to frontline units before the end of the year.
Missouri has a rich history in aviation, especially military aviation. Today, that cutting-edge innovation continues with 100 aerospace manufacturing companies across Missouri, including Boeing, leading the way in every aspect of military aviation and equipment.
In fact, Missouri talent builds the F/A-18, EA-18, F-15 and T-7 fighter jets, the MQ-25 unmanned refueller, composite parts for the 777X, and a huge array of military ordinance.
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