Single-Seat Fighter Transformed Into Two-Place Aircraft

A D-model F-18 Hornet modified by Patria successfully performed its first 51-minute flight on December 3rd, 2009 in Jamsa, Finland. This (now) two-place aircraft is repaired and modified from a single-seat C-model F-18 Hornet badly damaged in a mid-air collision. The Patria-made repairs have taken some 100,000 man-hours. The airplane was rolled out in September.

Patria says the project is an example of how well Patria's international cooperation and partnerships work in the F-18 world. "The project has deepened Finnish expertise in the structures and systems of the F-18 aircraft. I am convinced that, with our technical know-how we create opportunities for future success stories," states Jukka Holkeri, Executive Vice President, Patria's Aviation Business Unit.

On 8 November 2001, two F-18 Hornet fighters from the Satakunta Air Command collided while on a night flight exercise to the south-east of Lappajarvi. One aircraft crashed and its pilot ejected, while the other badly damaged aircraft limped back to the Pirkkala base on one engine. Both pilots were unharmed. During the repair project, the front fuselage of a twin-seater, bought second-hand from Canada, was attached to the Finnish aircraft.

"The project was an excellent example of how well international cooperation and partnership works in the F-18 world. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Finnish Air Force, the US Navy and The Boeing Company in addition to the Canadian party for their support," Holkeri said.

"Restoring the damaged aircraft became significantly cheaper for us than purchasing a new one. Furthermore, we now have the twin-seater aircraft we needed and therefore benefit of the project in many ways," says Major General Jarmo Lindberg, Commander of the Finnish Air Force.

FMI: www.patria.fi/index.asp?id=072883FB7F06455EA6C53A1AE3D0DB44