Boeing supports weapon integration on Super Hornets and Growlers
USN Super Hornet. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Drew Verbis)
Boeing has obtained an $11.99 million order from the US Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division, to provide production engineering services in support of the integration and installation of weapon systems on USN F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler aircraft.
The DoD announced on 23 July that work will be performed in Patuxent River, Maryland (82%); and St. Louis, Missouri (18%), with completion due in July 2022.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, a total of 532 Super Hornets and 156 Growlers are in service with the US armed forces.
The Super Hornet and Growler each have 11 weapon stations for air-to-air and guided air-to-ground missiles.
Recent weapon integration developments for the F/A-18E/F include guided release tests in 2020 of the GBU-53/B StormBreaker precision-guided bomb.
More from Air Warfare
-
Boeing’s T-7A poised to meet UK fast jet trainer requirements
The company is in active discussions with its supply chain to meet any potential near-term UK requirements as it gears up to replace the RAF’s ageing Hawk trainer aircraft.
-
GA-ASI confirms selection to support US Navy’s CCA programme
The company is working on conceptual designs for the US Navy’s CCA programme alongside Anduril, Northrop Grumman and Boeing.
-
The growing importance of the Blue UAS Cleared List
Inclusion on the Defense Innovation Unit’s Blue UAS Cleared List is set to become ever more crucial for uncrewed aerial vehicle manufacturers due to the access it gives to the US market, which is set to expand significantly over the next 10 years.
-
The potential impact of US tariffs on the F-35A
The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs have raised questions on the desirability and feasibility of the F-35A for key US allies including Canada and Switzerland. With combined orders amounting to 126 units, both nations undertook reviews of their ongoing fighter programmes.
-
AUSA 2025: US Army and Bell squeeze MV-75 programme
The MV-75, previously V-280, was originally designed as an assault aircraft which would replace some of the Black Hawk helicopters and add speed as a tilt-rotor platform. It is now envisioned to add a greater multirole capability reminiscent of the Black Hawk fleet.
-
India elevates defence systems to boost mountain surveillance
India has strengthened its focus on terrain-adaptive intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance following recent incursions and drone activity along the country’s northern borders.