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
-
![Protecting the horizon]()
Protecting the horizon
Make it an unfair fight, with the EA-37B. Deny, degrade, and disrupt the enemy.
-
![Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network]()
Singapore P-8A buy integral to future maritime domain awareness network
Singapore’s acquisition of the Boeing P-8A Poseidon will be part of a maritime domain awareness network that could include unmanned aerial systems.
-
![Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy]()
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
![DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)]()
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
![Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service]()
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
