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
-
![New Medium Helicopter competition remains “sensitive”, says UK MoD]()
New Medium Helicopter competition remains “sensitive”, says UK MoD
This statement comes as concerns were raised by union workers at Leonardo’s Yeovil site about the ongoing timeline of the UK’s New Medium Helicopter programme.
-
![GCAP industry partners ink agreement to form joint organisation]()
GCAP industry partners ink agreement to form joint organisation
A new company will be established under the industry-led joint venture by mid-2025, headquartered in the UK.
-
![Poland signs for MQ-9B SkyGuardian]()
Poland signs for MQ-9B SkyGuardian
The uncrewed aerial system (UAS) will replace the currently leased MQ-9A from 2027.
-
![Data Link Solutions awarded a deal worth up to $1 billion for tactical radio systems]()
Data Link Solutions awarded a deal worth up to $1 billion for tactical radio systems
The deal announced on 11 December was an indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (ID/IQ) contract and the first task order of $116 million has already been awarded to provide terminals and spares, with follow-on production awards expected.
-
![Slovakia eyes C-390 Millennium aircraft purchase in early 2025]()
Slovakia eyes C-390 Millennium aircraft purchase in early 2025
The Slovak Ministry of Defence (MoD) also signed a Letter of Intent with the Brazilian MoD for deeper industrial collaboration between the two nations.
-
![Kazakhstan welcomes its first A400M]()
Kazakhstan welcomes its first A400M
The A400M was handed over at a ceremony in Almaty, after a flight from Airbus’ A400M Final Assembly Line in Seville, Spain.
