Boeing delivers first F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to USN
Boeing on 17 June confirmed that it has delivered the first two F/A-18E/F Block III Super Hornets to the USN for flight testing.
The aircraft will be used to train pilots in using the platform’s new 10-inch by 19-inch touchscreen display and to test the network capabilities.
Steve Wade, Boeing VP of F/A-18 & E/A-18G programmes, said: ‘The aircraft will be used for carrier suitability and integration testing of all Block III mission system components… These test jets will ensure crews have plenty of time to become comfortable with the new, next-generation systems before receiving operational aircraft.’
Boeing has also extended the life cycle of the Block III from 6,000 operational hours to 10,000 hours whilst also upgrading its communication system and reducing its radar signature.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight]()
DSEI 2025: New AR3 EVO puts Tekever’s modularity ambitions under the spotlight
An evolution of the Tekever AR3, the AR3 EVO that broke cover at DSEI incorporates the thousands of incremental evolutions the company has implemented through its spiral development, geared towards delivering a constant stream of improved aircraft to Ukraine.
-
![DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs]()
DSEI 2025: Schiebel reveals two weaponised Camcopter UAVs
The new capabilities are based on platforms already in use or in development, and are designed to perform in demanding defence missions.
-
![DSEI 2025: GCAP Electronics Evolution emerges as new consortium for 6th-gen programme]()
DSEI 2025: GCAP Electronics Evolution emerges as new consortium for 6th-gen programme
The consortium, known as G2E, is formed of four leading national defence electronics companies: Mitsubishi for Japan, Leonardo UK for the UK and both Leonardo and ELT Group for Italy.
-
![DSEI 2025: BAE Systems FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to collaborate on new UAV range]()
DSEI 2025: BAE Systems FalconWorks and Lockheed Martin Skunk Works to collaborate on new UAV range
The uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) will start off in the electronic warfare space, according to the companies, to support existing crewed frontline platforms, with many major details still to be disclosed.
-
![DSEI 2025: MGI Engineering launches new deep strike OWE TigerShark]()
DSEI 2025: MGI Engineering launches new deep strike OWE TigerShark
The British-built long-range strike one-way effector (OWE) is the latest offering from the company, which demonstrated its smaller OWE SkyShark in July.
