Block III Super Hornet is ready for USN service
Boeing announced on 27 September that it has delivered the first of 78 new Block III F/A-18E/F Super Hornet aircraft for operational service with the USN.
An initial pair of aircraft were provided in June 2020 for USN flight testing.
Block III is the most advanced version of the Super Hornet, able to exceed fourth-generation fighter capabilities, and it will provide the Navy with the most networked and survivable F/A-18 built with a technology insertion plan that will outpace future threats.
Block III was created ‘in partnership with the US Navy to meet its emerging requirements’, said Boeing VP Jen Tebo.
The aircraft has a new adjunct processor that allows more work to be done in far less time. It is also ready to receive apps-based solutions to allow upgrades throughout its lifespan.
Boeing is expected to complete delivery of the Block III aircraft by the mid-2030s.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
Scaling for diverse fleet needs: How many CCA will be acquired per crewed aircraft?
There is currently no industry standard in the ratio of uncrewed to crewed aircraft. Because collaborative combat aircraft vary widely in capability and crewed-uncrewed teaming availability, while country-specific requirements vary, it is unlikely that a single CCA configuration will meet all operational needs.
-
Focus on economy over capability highlights the cost imperative for CCA success
Striking the right balance between cost and capability is likely to become more crucial in the increasingly competitive collaborative combat aircraft market. Shephard’s special CCA market report examines where the opportunities lie for suppliers.
-
France and India secure long-term defence roadmap built on shared production
Expanded fighter jet and missile production, next-generation engine cooperation and helicopter assembly deals have all been struck between the two countries, signalling a strengthening bilateral partnership between France and India.
-
L3Harris begins work on South Korean AEW&C aircraft, eyes further international opportunities
The company remains upbeat about its Indo-Pacific and European prospects, with its AERIS X system onboard a Bombardier 6500 proving an attractive option for air forces’ growing AEW&C needs.
-
Saudi Arabia air report: The world’s fourth-largest UAV market seeks to strengthen domestic industry
With $9.18 billion in uncontracted programmes — including a potential multi-billion-dollar MQ-9B deal — Saudi Arabia’s UAV sector is poised for significant further growth and industrial expansion.