Boeing Delivers First F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to US Navy.

On June 27, 2024, Boeing confirmed the completion and delivery of the first two F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets as part of the Service Life Modification (SLM) program. These aircraft were delivered one month ahead of schedule from St. Louis and two months early from San Antonio, surpassing the deadlines set in partnership with the U.S. Navy.
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Boeing F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets Fighter Jets (Picture source: Boeing)

The Service Life Modification program for the F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets is an initiative aimed at extending the operational service life of these fighter jets while incorporating major technological improvements. This program upgrades existing aircraft to the Block III configuration, which includes enhanced avionics, improved network connectivity, and increased survivability capabilities. The goal is to modernize the fighters to keep them competitive technologically, while extending their active service period. In practice, this involves a series of overhauls and new system installations that not only enhance combat performance but also maintenance and resource management of the aircraft, ensuring their effectiveness for years to come.

The F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet is designed to maintain and extend the air superiority of the U.S. Navy. This next-generation multirole fighter is equipped to surpass current and emerging threats through a suite of advanced technologies. The Super Hornet offers exceptional versatility, capable of performing a wide range of tactical missions such as air superiority, precision day and night strikes, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy air defenses, maritime strikes, reconnaissance, advanced aerial control, and refueling missions. With a maximum speed of Mach 1.6 and a carrier return capability of up to 9,900 lbs for the E variant and 9,000 lbs for the F variant, the Super Hornet combines strength, agility, and endurance. The Block III enhancements, including a tactical multimode AESA radar and a technological insertion plan, ensure that the Super Hornet remains the most advanced and effective cornerstone of naval air forces, ready to meet future challenges.

Faye Dixon, SLM director at Boeing, emphasized this achievement by stating, "Our success in meeting accelerated timelines proves that our service life modification strategy is effective." This success results from years of accumulated experience and a sustained collaborative effort with the Navy, ensuring that the Super Hornet remains at the forefront of defense technology.

The early delivery of these enhanced jets, equipped with the same advanced capabilities as those coming off Boeing's new production line, highlights significant productivity improvements. This was achieved by establishing a precise baseline for the state of the F/A-18 Block II upon reception and through thorough preparatory work by the Navy. Additionally, improved information sharing and best practices across multiple SLM sites have streamlined efficiency, optimized resource allocation, and effectively managed workload distribution.

Mark Sears, Vice President of Boeing Fighters, underscored the importance of this milestone by stating, "Significant steps have been taken by the Boeing and Navy teams to ensure that these are the safest and most capable Block III F/A-18s we can offer to our fighters." He noted that this delivery is just the beginning, with about 15 more years of SLM deliveries to come, underscoring a long-term commitment to supporting American fighters.

The Block III upgrades significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the jets, featuring a large display screen and advanced computing power thanks to the Tactical Targeting Network Technology and a networked mission systems processor for distributed targeting. The upgrades are carried out at Boeing's facilities in St. Louis and San Antonio, as well as at the Navy's Southwest Fleet Readiness Center in San Diego.

In March, Boeing and the Southwest Fleet Readiness Center solidified their collaboration by signing a public-private partnership agreement, which expanded the scope of command action and aligned the operations of the readiness center with those in St. Louis and San Antonio.

Captain Michael Burks, program manager for the F/A-18 and EA-18G, expressed his excitement about the ongoing partnership: "These initial deliveries of SLM Block III jets mark a major milestone in our ongoing efforts to ensure the capability, reliability, availability, and maintainability of the Super Hornet aircraft."