Boeing delivers newest upgraded F/A-18 and reaffirms production end
The upgrade will take the aircraft to the latest standard. (Photo: Boeing)
Boeing’s Super Hornet Block III modernisation programme has promised to significantly extend the jet’s service life and introduce advanced capabilities. The programme’s first aircraft were delivered to be upgraded in mid-2023.
Boeing has handed over the first two Super Hornet F/A-18 Block III Service Life Modification (SLM) Block III fighters to the US Navy. The development occurred ahead of schedule, according to the company, ahead of moves to open a third site for SLM upgrades as the end of the production of new aircraft nears.
One of the SLM upgrades occurred at Boeing’s St Louis facility where the aircraft was delivered a month early. The other completed upgrade occurred at the company’s San Antonio facility where it was reported as being delivered two months early.
A third site is set to open at the Navy’s
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
-
![US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters]()
US Air Force seeks capabilities to improve C3 for aircraft fleet and warfighters
The USAF published RFIs for enhancing its C3 capabilities after losing, in Operation Epic Fury, four aircraft in non-confrontational, unclear situations that could have been related to command, control and communication failures.
-
![European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones]()
European CCA programmes see progress as industry narrows in on key flight milestones
European defence firms including Airbus, Helsing, General Atomics and Anduril are accelerating development and testing of collaborative combat aircraft to meet Germany’s loyal wingman requirement, targeting operational deployment by the end of the decade.
