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Boeing Selects BAE Systems to Enhance Flight Control Computers for F-15EX and F/A-18E/F Fighter Jets.
BAE Systems announced on August 20, 2024, that it has been selected by Boeing to upgrade the fly-by-wire (FBW) flight control computers (FCC) of the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, enhancing the capabilities and security of these essential U.S. fighter aircraft. As the original manufacturer of the FCCs, BAE Systems will undertake upgrades designed to extend the operational lifespan and enhance the performance of both aircraft types.
BAE Systems will undertake upgrades designed to extend the operational lifespan and enhance the performance of F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (Picture source: BAE Systems)
The upgrades will include an overhaul of the FCC's electronic hardware and software, aimed at increasing processing power and enhancing cyber and product security. These improvements are also intended to address hardware obsolescence and ensure ongoing support for the aircraft well into the future.
Corin Beck, senior director of Military Aircraft Systems for Controls and Avionics Solutions at BAE Systems, stressed the importance of these upgrades. “This upgrade reflects our commitment to providing our customers with next-generation solutions,” said Beck. He highlighted the company's focus on maintaining fleet readiness and adapting to future advancements in technology.
The enhanced flight control systems will continue to efficiently manage aircraft dynamics by processing pilot inputs and automating adjustments to the aircraft's control surfaces through sophisticated actuators. This system helps pilots maintain optimal control under various operational conditions, and enhances safety by allowing for automatic reconfigurations in response to system failures or combat damage.
Additionally, the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet's FCCs will receive an additional processor to enable future capabilities, signaling a significant advance in the fleet's technological evolution.
The upgrade work will be conducted at BAE Systems' state-of-the-art engineering and manufacturing facility in Endicott, New York, leveraging over 40 years of the company's expertise in flight control technology across both military and commercial sectors.
With these strategic enhancements, BAE Systems reaffirms its role as a key player in strengthening the U.S. military's aerial combat capabilities, ensuring that the F-15EX Eagle II and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet remain at the forefront of technological innovation and operational readiness.