F/A-18E/F And EA-18G Will Operate Through 2035 And Beyond
Five hundred F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and derivative EA-18G
Growlers have joined the Navy's tactical aircraft fleet, a mark
that was celebrated by the U.S. Navy and Boeing on April 20 in St.
Louis.
The Super Hornet Block II is the Navy's frontline strike
fighter, deploying leading-edge technology and multirole strike
capability around the globe. The EA-18G is now the premier airborne
electronic attack platform in the Navy's arsenal and the United
States' newest tactical aircraft, providing the ability to block
enemy radar and electronic systems.
"The Super Hornet and Growler, both combat-deployed, have
continuously increased capability for the warfighter while reducing
cost for the Navy and the taxpayer," F/A-18 and EA-18 Programs Vice
President Kory Mathews said at the ceremony. "Boeing has delivered
every F/A-18E/F and EA-18G to the U.S. Navy on budget and ahead of
schedule."
"Today is another significant milestone for a program that has
by any measure exceeded expectations for cost, schedule and
performance," said Capt. Mark Darrah, F/A-18 and EA-18G program
manager (PMA-265). "The PMA-265/Hornet Industry Team has
consistently delivered capable and reliable aircraft to our fleet
customer."
EA-18G Growler
The F/A-18E/F and EA-18G will operate from U.S. Navy aircraft
carriers through 2035 and beyond, with the flexibility to
seamlessly operate from land-based airfields."These aircraft were
designed with extensive growth capacity, enabling evolutionary
technology to be added throughout the life of the aircraft to
expand capabilities and remain well ahead of changing threats,"
said Mathews.
The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet is a multirole aircraft able
to perform virtually every mission in the tactical spectrum,
including air superiority, day/night strike with precision-guided
weapons, fighter escort, close air support, suppression of enemy
air defenses, maritime strike, reconnaissance, forward air control
and tanker missions. The Super Hornet Block II achieved Initial
Operational Capability in 2007.Boeing is on contract to deliver 24
two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornets to the Royal Australian Air Force.
The Super Hornet also is a competitor in ongoing fighter
competitions in Brazil, India, Malaysia and Japan.
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is the only air combat platform that
delivers full-spectrum airborne electronic attack (AEA) capability
along with the targeting and self-defense capabilities derived from
the Block II Super Hornet. A derivative of the two-seat F/A-18F
Block II, the EA-18G's highly flexible design enables warfighters
to operate either from the deck of an aircraft carrier or from
land-based airfields. It is replacing the Navy's current AEA
platform, the EA-6B Prowler, which has been in service since 1971.
The EA-18G joined the Navy's aircraft fleet in 2008, when it was
introduced to fleet training squadron VAQ-129. The EA-18G achieved
Initial Operational Capability in 2009.
NTSB Final Report: Aviat A1
See All