Boeing Delivers Advanced F/A-18 Super Hornets to U.S. Navy
(Boeing/Jarrett Heckert photo)
  Boeing has delivered the first two upgraded F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets to the U.S. Navy through Service Life Modification (SLM). These jets features the latest Block III avionics kit and provide a 4,000-hour service life extension.

“Our success in meeting the accelerated timeline is proof our service life modification game plan is working,” said Faye Dixon, Boeing SLM director. “Thanks to our years of learning on the program and our partnership with the Navy, the F/A-18 Super Hornet remains at the forefront of defense technology with renewed years of service to support the fleet

Why it matters: These are the first jets to receive the Block III avionics kit and 4,000-hour life extension through the SLM program. The fighters now have the same capabilities as Super Hornets being delivered from Boeing’s new-build production line.

Behind the scenes: Boeing SLM teammates understand how critical Block III capability is to the U.S. Navy fleet and are committed to delivering the safest, highest-quality aircraft every time.

• By establishing a baseline for the condition of Block II F/A-18s received at Boeing, and the Navy’s work to prepare the jets in advance, the team has improved productivity across the SLM program.
• As a result of sharing information and best practices across multiple SLM sites to improve efficiency, manage workload distribution and optimize resource allocations, the team is performing Block III upgrades on or ahead of schedule.
• “Our success in meeting the accelerated timeline is proof our service life modification game plan is working,” said Faye Dixon, Boeing SLM director. “Thanks to our years of learning on the program and our partnership with the Navy, the F/A-18 Super Hornet remains at the forefront of defense technology with renewed years of service to support the fleet.”

The big picture: The F/A-18 will continue to provide significant combat capability for the Navy’s air wing into the 2040s and the Block III avionics kit is critical to ensuring the Super Hornet can outpace future threats.

• Upgrades such as the 10-by-19-inch touch-screen display and more powerful computing through Tactical Targeting Network Technology and a Distributed Targeting Processor-Networked open missions’ systems processor will improve the pilot’s situational awareness and allow for the apps-based solutions of the future.

What’s next: Boeing and the Navy signed a Public-Private Partnership agreement to expand the work scope at the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Center Southwest in San Diego.

• The agreement establishes another Block III SLM production line, paving the way for the readiness center to now perform the same Block III SLM work done in St. Louis and San Antonio.

By Jarrett Heckert

source: Boeing