Boeing delivers first two F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet to US Navy for flight testing.

According to information released by Boeing on June 17, 2020, American Company Boeing has delivered the first two F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy for flight testing. One jet is a single-seat E model and the other is a two-seat F model.
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Boeing has delivered first two F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy. (Picture source Boeing)

“The aircraft will be used for carrier suitability and integration testing of all Block III mission system components,” said Steve Wade, Boeing vice president, F/A-18 & EA-18G programs. “These test jets will ensure crews have plenty of time to become comfortable with the new, next-generation systems before receiving operational aircraft.”

The Navy will use the aircraft to familiarize pilots with the advanced cockpit system’s new 10-inch-by-19-inch touchscreen display and test the capabilities delivered with the enhanced network capability.

In addition to these enhancements, the Block III configuration adds capability upgrades that include longer range, reduced radar signature and an enhanced communication system. The fighter’s life also will be extended from 6,000 hours to 10,000 hours.

Last year, Boeing was awarded a contract from the Navy for 78 Block III Super Hornets. Boeing and Navy test teams have also flown conformal fuel tank prototypes.

The new F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III will integrate new capabilities as an Advanced Cockpit System that includes a new 10x19 inch touch screen providing the pilot with the capability to see, track and target multiple long-range targets generated by the common tactical picture.

The Super Hornet Block III will be fitted with a new 9,000+ hour life airframe to provide 3,000 additional hours by incorporating design changes into production aircraft based on lessons learned from the Service Life Analysis Program.

Conformal fuel tanks will be integrated into the F/A-18 Block III offering long-range with low-drag. The shoulder-mounted tanks can carry 3,500 pounds of fuel and reduce drag, allowing the aircraft to operate longer, go faster and/or carry more weight.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III will have new long-range detection capabilities thanks to the use of a Block II Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system that can detect threats without having to depend on a radar which may jam, generating a multi-ship, common tactical picture at long range, allowing the Super Hornet to operate as a smart sensor node on the network.