Boeing F/A-18 Advanced Super Hornet

The history of the Boeing F/A-18 Advanced Super Hornet

To fill the void left by the expected delay in the F-35 Lightning II attack on US Navy service, Boeing ventured to partner with a private company to develop a "secret" version of its preeminent carrier-based F/A - the 18E/F "Super Hornet" series, the project name is "Advanced Super Hornet". The type will feature modular components that will be retrofitted onto existing Super Hornet airframes to reduce radar signature and overall profile while being a budget-conscious solution to current USN requirements. Key to the changes were the installation of an enclosed weapons pod under the hull, the use of conformal fuel tanks (CFTs), and a new "skin" coating along the surface. Broadly speaking, the airframe remains largely unchanged and is compatible with all hardware and software systems currently in use.

As such, the Advanced Super Hornet is expected to be valued by the U.S. Navy and by Super Hornet operators around the world.

Considering that the US Marine Corps is not expected to use its F-35s until 2015 and the US Air Force will follow in 2016, the US Navy and its more complex requirements and regulations - are pushing full operational capability Going into the future, like 2018 for example - leaves a stark gap between now and then. From the looks of it, the F/A-18 family is an experienced and proven flight system, and it seems like a temptation for the US Navy to simply modify the model for modern service while waiting for its more technical aircraft people's choice.

Boeing expects the revised Super Hornet to begin flight testing in mid (or late) 2013. The U.S. Navy actively supports the Boeing program through its Operations Division (OPNAV) and has leased the USN Super Hornet production model to Boeing for work.

An initial flight evaluation of the existing retrofit kit will take place at Boeing's St. Louis, Missouri, facility, followed by the U.S. Navy's Patuxent River NAS in Maryland. The test program is designed to collect data to assess the viability of a "stealth" Super Hornet, which will also significantly extend the lifespan of the rugged aircraft (expected to enter service until 2040).

The base Super Hornet has some inherent stealth capabilities, though its external weapons hinder further efforts - so a weapons pod was developed that can hold ammunition until fired. The weapons pod will be located below the center of the fuselage and will hold up to four missiles (or similar).

Compliant fuel tanks not only delayed the airframe's already low profile, but also increased the operational radius of the Super Hornet base from the standard 390 nautical miles to approximately 510 nautical miles. The cockpit will be slightly redesigned to accommodate the larger touchscreen display, and the engine is expected to be upgraded to a GE F414 turbofan.

Modifications to the Super Hornet through the Advanced Super Hornet program may also compete to modify the existing EA-18G Growler carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft (EWA) fleet.

Only two countries currently operate Super Hornet - the US and Australia. The aircraft is under review with Canada, Bulgaria, Greece, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

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